John Andretti, 56, dies of colon cancer

John Andretti died on Thursday after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 56.

"We will forever carry with us John's genuine spirit of helping others first and himself second," The Andretti Autosport team released in a statement, obtained by NASCAR.

Andretti was originally diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017.

Andretti won twice and claimed four poles during his 18-year career in the NASCAR Cup Series, which spanned from 1993-10.

Andretti is the son of Aldo Andretti, nephew of Mario Andretti (Aldo's twin brother), and first cousin of Michael and Jeff Andretti.