Mario Andretti Attends Palatine Firestone Ribbon Cutting Friday

World famous race car driver Mario Andretti was a major attraction at a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday for the newly opened Palatine Firestone Complete Auto Care, 1980 N. Rand Road. 

Andretti, who is regarded by many as the greatest race car driver of all time, has won 111 major events, and said Firestone is a large part of that legacy. 

"I've won many races on Firestone tires; I began test driving for Firestone in the 1960's - I remain very close to the brand," Andretti said. 

Matt Barney, Chicago region manager for Firestone said the company is thrilled to become a strong partner in the Palatine community, and in that vein presented a $500 check to the Palatine Township Senior Center.

Executive Director Carol Reagan accepted it, saying it would help to fund the Meals on Wheels program which assists by providing meals for homebound seniors citizens.  

A number of Palatine leaders were at the ceremony as well, including Mayor Jim Schwantz, and Palatine Councilmen Jim Clegg and Kollin Kozlowski. Palatine Chamber Executive Director Mindy Phillips, and Chamber Board President Jim McLin also attended. 

"It is always a pleasure to welcome a new, viable business to Palatine," Schwantz said, referencing Firestone as a strong addition to the Rand Road corridor business community. 

The Palatine store is the 72nd in the Chicagoland area, and Andretti said he was happy to be a part of the ceremony, due not only his relationship with the company, but his understanding of their culture, high quality and safety standards. 

"Firestone is an asset to any community they join," Andretti said. 

The grand opening celebration will continue until 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15.
A number of prizes will be raffled off. 

For more information, call the Palatine Firestone at 847-221-0810.