Curt Cavin

curt.cavin@indystar.com

Apparently there is a hierarchy to the racer sleepovers at Marco Andretti’s Pennsylvania house.

“Seems the more fame you have, the cooler room you get,” IndyCar Series driver Conor Daly said of this week's event.

That explains why three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart got a choice room when he arrived Monday, and popular IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe “got to call dibs” on his favorite sleeping quarters.

But let’s be honest here: Andretti’s 15,000-square-foot, 25-acre spread north of Nazareth, Pa., has luxury to spare; it’s just a matter of bunk location.

Photos tweeted out by Andretti and his friends reflect a lack of tension. Hinchcliffe said the accommodations create an ideal environment for relaxation amid a hectic summer season.

Andretti has a massive workout room to maintain training regimes. He has all-terrain vehicles. There is a tennis court out back where Andretti’s neighbor, some guy named Mario, comes to hit balls. The pool is inviting. The indoor barbecue area perfect for gatherings. The sound system and playlist rings top-notch, too.

The home, overlooking the Lehigh Valley, was built in 1986 by Marco’s father, Michael, and it's where Marco and his sister, Marissa, grew up. Marco purchased it in 2010 and has made two primary changes: The golf holes around the perimeter haven't been maintained, but he has upgraded in terms of hospitality.

“We run a pretty laid-back program when we’re in town,” Hinchcliffe said.

With Pocono (Pa.) Raceway just 30 miles to the north, this week provided the perfect opportunity for a retreat. Stewart and one-time NASCAR champion Kurt Busch visited after their rain-delayed Sprint Cup Series race. Stewart stayed two nights, Busch one, Andretti said, and a handful of IndyCar drivers arrived after last week’s race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course because they had a Pocono media day on Wednesday and testing at the track Thursday.

In addition to the former NASCAR champions, Andretti’s guest list included two Indianapolis 500 winners (Ryan Hunter-Reay and Alexander Rossi), Hinchcliffe, Daly and former IndyCar driver PJ Chesson, plus non-racing friends.

The camaraderie builds from Andretti, who in spite of being shy and perceived by outsiders as aloof, is one of the most popular drivers among his peers. He took his gang go-karting Tuesday night. He asked a local friend and chef to prepare dinner.

“Pretty spectacular,” Hinchcliffe said of the clams.

One thing kept under wraps: Andretti’s prized wine cellar, to which he keeps the key.

Said Andretti of the week’s fun: “We were in the pool, Conor and I went for a run, went go-karting. I don’t know if it was even a (karting) race. We were literally just trying to slam into each other. We were smiling and laughing so hard. It was a good time.”

Hinchcliffe said it’s a side of Andretti he wishes more people could see.

“He’s such a genuine guy, such a loyal guy, such a generous guy,” Hinchcliffe said. “If you’re a friend of his and he trusts you, he’s the best guy you can have in your corner.

“I’ve known him for decades – we used to race go-karts together – but I didn’t become his friend until 2012, being on his team. Getting to know Marco Andretti as a person has been one of the highlights of my IndyCar career.”

And, Hinchcliffe said, “he’s genuinely a phenomenal host.”

Andretti couldn’t explain how he and Stewart became friends, but having racing as a common bond sealed it.

“He’s probably a very, very close second to Mario as far as his passion for the sport,” Andretti said. “He lives and breathes it and drives as much as Mario did.”

It’s unclear what Andretti’s fiancé, actress/model Marta Krupa, thought of the house of racers, but she was present, he said.

“And she has her friends as well,” Andretti said. “It’s definitely a good house for hosting, for sure. There’s always somebody there, if not family.”

Testing

Fifteen drivers representing six IndyCar teams participated in Thursday’s Pocono test. Firestone will take four 500 winners (Hunter-Reay, Rossi, Scott Dixon and Juan Pablo Montoya) and two other drivers to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday for a tire test.

Follow IndyStar reporter Curt Cavin on Facebook and Twitter: @curtcavin.

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