AVONDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals superstar wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has about seen it all in the sporting world – he thought. Then he strapped in behind legendary Mario Andretti in the INDYCAR Experience two-seat Indy car for a speed ride around Phoenix International Raceway today before the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix.
Fitzgerald experienced all the emotions: thrill, awe and, he admitted, a good amount of fear.
“It was unbelievable,” the 32-year-old nine-time Pro Bowl selection said with an ear-to-ear grin. “I was nervous going into that first turn, just how fast he was coming out here. It was exhilarating, it really was. All the turns are scary. I felt like I wanted to hit the brakes, he was going to the wall a little bit too fast. It was a great experience, I had a wonderful time. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Fitzgerald has played in a Super Bowl, been the Pro Bowl MVP and is fifth all time in NFL receiving yards, but nothing on the gridiron compared what experienced traveling around PIR’s 1.022-mile oval at speeds exceeding 160 mph.
“This is much more of a rush (than being on the football field). I’m tired after just two laps!” he said.
It also reinforced Fitzgerald’s appreciation for the true athleticism of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers.
“I’ve always had great appreciation for them and what they are able to do out here on this track,” he said. “To be able to get in that car and go at those speeds, that’s exhilarating. It’s unbelievable how they’re able to control those vehicles at these speeds with so many cars so close to them.”
But asked if he wanted to jump back in the two-seater and try it again, he smiled and declined.
“Ummm, no thanks,” he said. “I feel like I just escaped death already, just that time.”
