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Robin Leach: Luxe Life

What's your story? If you are a celebrity in Vegas, Robin Leach wants to know.

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June 29, 2009
Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson rehearsed for show shortly before his death
June 27, 2009
Lindsay Lohan walks the blue carpet at MGM’s Wet Republic
June 28, 2009
Lindsay Lohan celebrates her birthday with gal pal Brittny Gastineau
June 29, 2009
Photo Gallery: Artie Lange’s wild revelry at Rick’s Cabaret and HRH
June 29, 2009
Strip Scribbles Photo Gallery: Ashley Hartman’s Tabu bachelorette party

Recent Posts

July 4, 2009
Photo Gallery: Stars turn out for Jay-Z and Ciara concert at The Pearl
July 3, 2009
Photo Gallery (70 photos!): Stars shine at The Rio for Ante Up for Africa
July 3, 2009
Fourth of July boasts big all-star entertainment lineup
July 3, 2009
Counter Intelligence Exclusive: Restaurant and club closings and openings
July 3, 2009
CNN and AEG confirm our Michael Jackson video rehearsal story
July 3, 2009
Steve Wyrick to attempt death-defying stunt 80 feet above Strip tomorrow
July 3, 2009
Happy Fourth of July weekend from VDLX and Miss America
July 2, 2009
Stars go all-in for annual Ante Up for Africa to kick off WSOP Main Event
July 2, 2009
Strip Scribbles: A sneak peek at the new What Happens in Vegas ad
July 2, 2009
Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton kicks off National Ice Cream Month

Archives

November 21, 2008 · 1:14 PM

Racecar legend Mario Andretti hits the party circuit

By Robin Leach

Mario Andretti.

Photo: Venetian

He is the most incredible racecar driver of all time: In a span of nearly five decades, Mario Andretti has racked up more than 100 wins -- and nobody comes even close!

Mario, 68, welcomed a group of high-rollers from The Venetian and Palazzo out to his driving school at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and he told me even he was impressed with some of the 160-plus mph speeds that they achieved. Afterwards he joined them at master chef Charlie Trotter’s Restaurant Charlie in the Palazzo for a trophy ceremony, and even I was in awe when I met him.

He told me that behind the wheel, he was “fearless.” He said: “It was always the one place I was the most comfortable being. I drove to win. I didn’t drive to be second. I never thought about anything else, so I wasn’t frightened of anything except losing!”

Leach Blog Photo

Photo: The Venetian

Life in the fast lane: Charlie Trotter, Mario Andretti and Robin Leach.

When I remarked that 50 years was a mighty long time to remain on top, he said: “I always kept on trying to do better. I always knew somebody was chasing right behind me, and I didn’t want them to overtake me.”

By coincidence, it was a reunion for Mario and Charlie. They’d met once before at Charlie’s restaurant in Chicago, and every year when Mario’s race team few into Indianapolis for the annual 500, his sponsor had Charlie send all the catering in from the Windy City!

Leach Blog Photo

Photo: Venetian

Trophies won by Mario Andretti.

— From Vegas Deluxe

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Cocktail of the Week

Cocktail of the Week Jul 2, 2009
by Xania Woodman

Lost Creek Crush

It’s 107 degrees out, my eyes are sweating, and the very thought of clothing makes me want to cry. Time for a trip down to DCR for George Austin Sproule’s ...
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