Mario Andretti, released by Gottlieb in 1995, is a high-octane tribute to one of the most legendary figures in motorsport history. Designed by Jon Norris, this solid-state machine captures the intensity of the track through a layout packed with mechanical action. The playfield features a pair of race car toys that ground the theme, while the combination of three ramps—including one nestled within the shooter lane—creates a fast-paced environment that demands precision driving. With a suite of features including aerial spinning posts, a captive ball, and a dedicated “Pit Stop” cellar hole, the game forces players to manage their speed and accuracy as if they were navigating a hairpin turn.
The machine’s mechanics are built for competitive endurance, utilizing a variety of posts and kickbacks to keep the ball in play. An up-post positioned between the flippers provides a critical safety net, while a secondary post above the pop bumpers adds an element of unpredictability to the upper playfield. A pair of vertical up-kickers (VUKs) serves as the heart of the scoring system, shuttling the ball into the pop bumper array or back out to the playfield from the Pit Stop. To master the leaderboard, players should focus their efforts on the green and yellow targets while carefully avoiding the red shots, and always keep an eye out for the mystery light—if you catch it while lit, it can trigger a massive 20-million-point boost to your race total.