US GP Andretti's historic 1977 victory

Indianapolis, September 21, 2000 - Mario Andretti's victory in 1977, the only win by an American driver in a U.S. Formula One Grand Prix, was selected as the "MasterCard Priceless Moment of the U.S. Grand Prix." More than 40 U.S. F1 historians and journalists participated in the initiative created and implemented by MasterCard International, an official sponsor of the Jordan Grand Prix team.

Andretti's victory at Long Beach, one of 12 victories in his sterling F1 career, was selected as MasterCard's Priceless moment from among a total of 15 U.S. Grand Prix moments as nominated by a panel of U.S F1 historians and media. With 45 ballots returned, the 1977 moment garnered a total of 129 points -- more than twice the point total of the second-place moment. In addition, the overall Priceless moment appeared on the most ballots, a total of 31, and received the most 1st place votes with 21. The selection process awarded five points for first place votes, three points for second and one point for third place votes.

Rounding out the top three MasterCard Priceless Moments of the U.S. Grand Prix are:

* Bruce McLaren becoming the youngest winner in F1 history as he takes
* the first U.S. GP, held in 1959, received a total of 59 points,
* appearing on 19 ballots and receiving a total of eight 1st place
* votes. Nigel Mansell's valiant, though illegal, attempt to push his
* car across the line after crashing in the final corner at Dallas in
* 1984 claimed the third spot. Mansell's crowd-pleasing effort received
* a total of 33 points and appeared on 13 ballots.

The U.S. Grand Prix marks the fourth Formula 1 race this year for which MasterCard has implemented the Priceless Moments campaign. The initiative was previously held in conjunction with the Australian, Brazilian and Canadian Grand Prix races.