A.J. Foyt
First four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and only driver to win the Indy 500, Le Mans, Daytona 500, and 24 Hours of Daytona.
via Wikipedia: A. J. Foyt · see source
Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. (born January 16, 1935) is an American retired racing driver who competed in numerous disciplines of motorsport, best known for his open wheel racing career, and as the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. He holds the most American National Championship titles in history with seven.
- Role
- Driver / Team Owner
- Affiliation
- A.J. Foyt Enterprises
- Indy_500_Wins
- 4
- Career_Wins
- 67
- Status
- Retired Driver
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Foyt is the only driver to have won the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Daytona. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his only attempt, in 1967, in a Ford GT40 Mk IV, partnered with Dan Gurney and entered by Carroll Shelby. Prior to the race, Foyt angered the fans and the local press by describing the course as 'nothin' but a little old country road.' Foyt reportedly got only ten laps of practice, but when Gurney overslept and missed a driver change in the middle of the night, Foyt was forced to double-stint and wound up driving nearly 18 hours of the 24.
In Their Own Story
The air reeked of methanol and scorched rubber as the engine barked to life. At Indianapolis in 1961, Foyt made a late pit stop, but a refueling malfunction meant he returned to the race without enough fuel to finish. Eddie Sachs, unaware that Foyt's now-quicker car was light on fuel, pushed hard to keep up, and had to pit from the lead with just three laps remaining to replace a tire. Foyt also pitted again for fuel, but resumed the lead and beat Sachs by 8.28 seconds, the second-closest finish to that time. In 1964, Ford-powered entries were widely expected to dominate, but Foyt stayed with his reliable Offenhauser-engined roadster, winning a record ten of fourteen races en route to the 1964 championship, including winning his second Indianapolis 500. The race is remembered for the fiery second-lap crash that claimed the lives of Dave MacDonald and Eddie Sachs.
Reader's Guide
Foyt won the Indianapolis 500 four times, in 1961, 1964, 1967, and 1977. In the 1967 Indianapolis 500, Parnelli Jones' STP-Paxton Turbocar was expected to easily defeat the field. Jones lapped the field, but his car expired with three laps remaining, and Foyt inherited the lead. As Foyt moved through turn four on the 200th lap, he had a premonition of trouble and slowed down. A few hundred yards ahead, Carl Williams spun out, triggering a five-car front-stretch accident. Foyt threaded his way through the wreckage and took the checkered flag.
Did You Know?
- Foyt holds the USAC career wins record with 159 victories, and the Indy car racing career wins record with 67.
- Foyt won the 1960 and 1961 Turkey Night Grand Prix.
- Foyt won the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona in 1985 in a Porsche.
- Foyt recorded a top ten finish at Indianapolis in five consecutive decades (1950s-1990s).
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is A.J. Foyt?
A.J. Foyt is an American racing legend known for dominating open-wheel and stock car competition from the 1950s onward. He holds the record for the most Indianapolis 500 victories with four wins and founded his own successful team after retiring as a driver.
What are A.J. Foyt's major racing achievements?
Throughout his career, he secured 67 total victories across various series, including the prestigious Daytona 500 and seven USAC National Championships. His four triumphs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remain a benchmark for future generations of drivers.
What is A.J. Foyt Enterprises?
This is the family-run racing team established by Foyt after he stopped competing as a full-time driver. It has remained one of the most enduring organizations in American open-wheel history, navigating decades of industry changes.
Why is A.J. Foyt considered important to IndyCar?
He is revered for his raw determination and ability to overcome mechanical failures during dangerous eras of motorsport. His transition from champion driver to team owner created a dynasty that continues to influence the sport today.
Is A.J. Foyt still active in racing?
While he retired from behind the wheel, he remains actively involved as a team owner and figurehead within the sport. His presence at major events signifies his lasting connection to the community he helped build.
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