Meet Andy Amendola | Author and Creator of Red Racer Books

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Amendola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Throughout my career in advertising, I’ve dedicated myself to launching and supporting brands, yet I never ventured into creating something for myself. While I found fulfillment in this work, I lacked a compelling idea or the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship—until a series of events sparked a new direction.

I’m Andy Amendola, a former marketing and advertising professional turned children’s book author. In the spring of 2021, I founded Red Racer Books, a series aimed at exploring the world of racing, starting with Formula 1. My vision for Red Racer Books extends beyond entertainment; it’s a platform to engage and educate children, offering insights into sportsmanship, diversity, science, and technology through motorsports.

The genesis of Red Racer Books wasn’t a sudden revelation but rather a gradual evolution spurred by a chain of serendipitous events. My nightly ritual of reading with my children, Blanca and Joaquin, ignited the idea. While sharing stories, I realized the absence of engaging books on Formula 1 for kids—a gap I was determined to fill.

My interest in Formula 1 deepened after binge-watching the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” during the pandemic. This newfound passion led me to immerse myself in the sport, consuming every aspect of Grand Prix coverage and researching its intricacies with unprecedented fervor.

Witnessing my first Grand Prix in Austin, TX, cemented my resolve to create Red Racer Books. The electrifying atmosphere, the camaraderie among fans, and the spectacle of the races fueled my inspiration. On the flight home, I began outlining plans for the series, with the goal of releasing the first book in time for the Miami Grand Prix, just six months away.

In retrospect, each experience and discovery along the way propelled me toward the realization of Red Racer Books—a journey fueled by passion, curiosity, and the desire to share the excitement of Formula 1 with young readers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Red Racer Books is a small, independent business dedicated to creating children’s books centered around Formula One racing and other motorsports. Founded by me, as a self-published author, it all began with a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Running this humble venture has required my own investment of time, money, and passion, but it has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, outside of having kids.

On March 1st, 2024, I’m thrilled to launch my latest book, the first to be officially licensed by a professional motorsport series, INDYCAR. Introducing the official kids’ book of INDYCAR Racing! This marks a significant milestone for Red Racer Books as we expand our series beyond Formula One into new motorsports categories. Additionally, this book represents my inaugural licensing deal, meaning you can now find these books at INDYCAR Grand Prix race weekends across North America. This project was a labor of love, created for fans by fans, with contributions from wonderful individuals, parents, kids, fans, and insiders during the beta testing process. Their feedback ensured authenticity to the sport of INDYCAR and catered to longtime INDY 500 fans.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the beta-testers and contributors who have supported me along this journey. I’m incredibly excited to launch on March 1st and share this milestone with you all. This moment is truly epic for me. Never did I imagine, just two years after launching Red Racer Books, that one of my own books would be available at race tracks across the USA and Canada during the INDYCAR season, including the iconic Indianapolis 500.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and sense of community fostered by the incredible individuals I’ve met along the way. For more information about the launch of the official ABCs of INDYCAR book for kids, visit: Link to press release: https://bit.ly/INDYABCPRESS

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One thing that truly drives and inspires me is the world of art and design, so whenever friends and family come to Miami, I make sure to show them this vibrant side of the city. Being a self-diagnosed racing and car fanatic, sharing Miami’s rich car culture is always a highlight of any trip for me. And of course, exploring Miami’s diverse and evolving food scene is an absolute must. Let me take you through some of my favorite spots:
THE ARTS:
Commissioner Miami Art Events: Commissioner is all about bringing together local artists and art enthusiasts in a collaborative and community-led initiative. Started by Dejha Carrington commission original artworks by local talents and organize engaging events like studio visits and collector conversations. It’s a fantastic way to dive into Miami’s art scene and connect with the creative community.
Club Miami Gallery: Curated by the talented Amanda Baker, Club Miami Gallery showcases the incredible talent of Miami’s local artists. From contemporary paintings to thought-provoking installations, the gallery offers a captivating glimpse into Miami’s dynamic art scene.
And don’t forget about the Bass Museum and The Rubell Collection, two other gems that showcase Miami’s unique cultural identity.
Cars:
BOX BOX Car Club at Hagerty Garage: As one of the co-founders, BOX BOX Car Club holds a special place in my heart. It’s a haven for car enthusiasts, with a collection of meticulously restored classic cars and modern marvels. From exclusive events to race watch parties, the club offers a truly immersive experience for anyone passionate about cars.
Walt Grace Vintage Car & Guitars: Located in the Wynwood Arts District, Walt Grace Vintage is a treasure trove for automotive and music enthusiasts alike. Their curated collections of vintage automobiles and guitars are simply mesmerizing. Plus, being in Wynwood means you’re surrounded by Miami’s vibrant urban art scene.
Karting at Homestead: For some high-octane fun, karting at Homestead International Speedway is a must-do activity. It’s a thrilling experience that lets you test your skills and unleash your inner race car driver.
Eats:
Quinto la Huella: This Uruguayan-inspired restaurant holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the delicious food, but also because it reminds me of home. The grass-fed organic beef and fresh seafood cooked over an open flame are simply divine, and the rooftop setting at Brickell City Center is perfect for soaking in the Miami vibes.
Lido Bayside Grill At The Standard Miami Beach: Situated along the bay, Lido at The Standard offers a picturesque setting for waterfront dining. Whether you’re enjoying sunset views or watching boats go by, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and savor delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Jaguar Sun’s Lot 6 Steakhouse: When it’s open, Jaguar Sun’s Lot 6 Steakhouse is my go-to place for a sophisticated outdoor dining experience. Underneath a canopy of lights, you can enjoy martinis, fresh oysters, and perfectly cooked steak, all while soaking in the magical ambiance of Miami. It’s the ideal spot for a memorable dinner with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wholeheartedly resonate with the sentiment behind the Shoutout series. It’s crucial to acknowledge the contributions of others in our journey towards success. In the case of Red Racer Books, community involvement has been a cornerstone. From the inception of Red Racer Books, I turned to crowdfunding via Kickstarter, leveraging the support of a community of backers to fund my first books. Moreover, the creation of each book is a collaborative effort, shaped by the feedback and input of dedicated beta testers – fans, insiders, friends and their kids who contribute their insights and suggestions throughout the development process.
In essence, my entire business model revolves around community participation. This extends to the acknowledgments page at the back of each book, where I make it a point to recognize and appreciate all those who have played a role in bringing the project to fruition. Whether it’s friends I’ve met along the way, fellow racing enthusiasts, or backers from our initial Kickstarter campaign, each individual has left an indelible mark on the journey of Red Racer Books.
Particularly noteworthy are the partnerships forged with foreign language editions, where collaboration with local racing fans ensures an authentic representation of racing fandom from diverse nationalities.
Undoubtedly, the most valuable lesson I’ve gleaned from launching a business in a new industry is the importance of seeking support when needed. It’s remarkable how many people are willing to rally behind your passion and offer assistance along the way. I’ve experienced firsthand the power of simply asking for help, and it has been instrumental in propelling Red Racer Books forward.
Before closing, I’d like to give special thanks to my wife and kids who have been incredibly supportive and helpful from day one.

Website: www.Redracerbooks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redracerbooks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyamendola/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRacerBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRacerBooks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7yyJQho1SEXThmPKOy5-XQ

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@redracerdad