It's strictly intuitive and hard for him to explain. Then he climbed into his car and rolled out and won the race. "I swear," says A.J. ABC's Wide World of Sports 30th Anniversary Special (1991), and is a retired automobile auto racing driver who participated in numerous genres of motorsports, and USAC with 159 victories. Listen. His fourth win at Indy in 1977 was a record. But," he holds up his right index finger, "but you know what really scares me? Foyt began his sprint car career in 1956, at age 21, driving the Les Vaughn Offy with the International Motor Contest Association. Foyt later competed in Championship car, Sports car, Stock car and NASCAR championships, collecting numerous wins and awards. IROC III (1976), IROC IV (1977) Succeeded by Al Unser: Preceded by Don White Paul Feldner: USAC Stock Car Champion 1968 1978, 1979 Succeeded by Roger McCluskey It's one of the gestures he has learned to use to great effectlike ol' Frank Merriwell in Tip Top Weekly: "Frank continued to laugh, and it had been said at Yale that he was most dangerous in an encounter when he laughed." ", A.J. "All that circulation," Agajanian said, "all those readers. 1961, 1964, 1967, 1977 Only driver to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 (1972) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1967) Holds record 67 Indy Car wins and 7 Indy Car . It's that part where you're in the hospital and they come in and prick your finger for the blood test.". "Well," Foyt says, "that's why I'm more careful now. Foyt entered the race again in 1995 and 1996, but failed to qualify both times. Foyt was named Best Driver of the Century along with Mario Andretti, by the Associated Press. Sixteen are now dead13 of them killed while racing. J. Foyt Wiki Biography, Anthony Joseph A. Foyt also later won the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona in 1985 driving Porsches, making him one of only 12 drivers to complete the "triple crown" of endurance racing. Thanks to his driving skills, A.J. Johncock's own engine expired just as Foyt had closed to within eight seconds after both drivers' final pit stops, and Foyt passed for the win. The race took two days to complete when rain stopped the race on the 18th lap on the first day. The odd thing is that they really do see. It seemed to be a modest enough affectation, Lord knows, until someone made the mistake of calling him Fancy Pants. Will somebody please say something appropriate? 1953 marked the beginning of a 40-year driving career marked by success and adaptability. III), Terry Foyt, Jerry Foyt, Larry Foyt, USAC National Champion, USAC Stock Car Champion, USAC Silver Crown Series Champion, IROC Champion, USAC Stock Car Champion, USAC Gold Crown Champion. His body has thickened, as it seemed it wouldnot to fat, but to a broadening through the rib cage, shoulders and neck. He also won the International Race of Champions series in 1976 and 1977 and was a USAC National Champion in 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968 and 1977, and clinched the IROC Championship in 1978 and 1979 increasing further his net worth. In 1956, he won his first sprint car race at Salem, Indiana. A few hundred yards ahead of him, Carl Williams spun out as he exited turn four, triggering a five-car front-stretch accident right in front of Foyt. Foyt ran out of gas near the end of the 1971 Daytona 500, and Petty passed him for the win. "After all," he says, "it's a new season and we've got a new carand where else can you have such fun at our age?" You can't let anyone get too close to you in this game; if they get killed, it breaks your heart. www.allmusic.com/artist/aj-foyt-mn0001012115. Foyt significantly increased his net worth. "All I ever wanted to do was race," he says. In 2000, Foyt was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame following his selection to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1990, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1989, and National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1988. It's their form of ballet. Sometimes they must think I'm a sorry s.o.b., but there are times when I got to concentrate on my racing, to have some peace and quiet. In the mid-1960s, Foyt became a team owner, fielding cars for himself and other drivers. The pitch of roaring V-8 stock-car engines subtly changesfrom raaaawwwwr to whaaannnng, as Foyt would put itas the drivers back off the gas. He returned for a 35th consecutive start at the 1992 Indianapolis 500 and avoided all of the day's numerous crashes to finish ninth. Foyt and nobody saysoff to me, no matter where it is.". You've provided the thrills at great risk, and they've given you adulation. In the movie, Cannonball, the name of the government official who tries to stop the Cannonball race is a take on this legendary racer's name. Foyt keeps zapping the engine; with each zap the car shudders, gathering itself up to explode forward. Trusted by millions of genealogists since 2003. . ", A.J. Foyt continued to race sprint cars long after he was firmly established as one of the top drivers at the Indy 500. He won a number of essential sports car racing events. In 1971 Foyt bought a Chevrolet agency in Houston and has since built it into one of the largest in the region5,000 new car sales a year. He is very much good in his work as he has participated into very multiple motorsports genres. You come up with, "well, something like a Secretariat, see? Foyt eventually won 28 USAC National sprint car feature races and the USAC Eastern Championship in 1960. If a car don't run, you can fix it. He qualified 23rd here, as the. His helmet is bobbing up and down as he yells choice yells; he slams his palms on the steering wheel, and then he draws down his chin and bends his head forward. He raced in each season from 1957 to 1992, starting in 374 races and finishing in the top ten 201 times, with 67 victories. He didn't. Seeing life and death as clearly as Foyt does, it would be dumb if he got himself into an accident at his age. One of the more bizarre scenes in racing came at the 1964 Indy 500, after an early-lap smashup sent a ball of fire exploding into the sky in Turn Four. ", Wait a minute. Foyt's dad and all the crewmen nod in perfect understanding, each one looking down at the naked engine as if he expected it to say rooooiiinnng at any moment. Foyt had been fond of the fun-loving Sachs, a good driver who was often described as the Clown Prince of racing, and had been impressed with young MacDonald. Brck won the 1999 Indianapolis 500 in Foyt's car, putting Foyt in the winner's circle at Indy for the fifth time. He is a retired American car racing driver who competed in a variety of motorsports. He is a great friend with iconic driver Mario Andretti, and is a godfather to Andrettis son John. He won several major sports car racing events. ", "Aw, bullbleep," growled Foyt. Italics Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. In 1981, Foyt was involved in an accident at the Michigan 500 and nearly lost an arm. In his days as a young charger, say in the late '50s and early '60s, he actually had to work at projecting a hard look by thrusting his jaw out pugnaciously. Foyt 1996 NASCAR Winston Cup Results", "A.J. They shared the driving, wrestling a burly Ford sports car around the tricky 8.36-mile course for a record 3,249.6 miles at an average speed of 135.48 mph. ", And Gurney, now a car builder, says, "What A.J. Foyt and his wife Lucy have four children Tony (A.J. Who, me? After multiple surgeries and months of physiotherapy he returned for the 1991 Indianapolis 500 and qualified second. He hates the thought. But now? He throws off his safety harness and climbs out, shouting at the men in his pit crew, chewing them out, with gestures. But, well, if he's brave enough to sit there and do that, then I'm brave enough to sit there right alongside him. And then comes the sudden change. He was a mechanic who established his reputation building racecars in Texas. Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr. January 16, 1935 (age 87) Houston, Texas, U.S. Related to: A. J. Foyt IV (grandson) Larry Foyt (adopted son) Championship titles; 1960 1960 1961 1963 1964 . Now, he had some friends with him, and I reckon that he was trying to be a big shot in front of them. That brings the pack closer together, all right, and them cars run in a bunch, all right, and it looks exciting to the fans. He is one of only 12 drivers to have completed the Triple Crown of endurance racing (victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans). If he'd hit him, he would've torn his head off. Darkest gloom falls over the scene. I mean, this here fish has still got its head on, and I ain't going to eat no fish laying there looking so damn sorrowful at me every time I take a bite of him.". Foyt is looking at pictures of his horses: Winner's circle pictures, barn and paddock picturesall sunshine and grass, not a blacktop straightaway in sight. Edges are clean and sharp. However, his fine was raised to $7,500. When it was all over at sundown, Foyt stood alone in Gasoline Alley. Fair enough. When the race is over, the rest of it is empty smiles and false marquees and the pretend-modest posturing that's expected of all drivers. The day after his 196.078-mph run, Foyt's mother died back in Houston. He ended his career with 20 midget car feature wins. The car veers sickeningly and slashes along the concrete wall. He won the 1961 Hut Hundred after starting last, and finished seventh in National Midget points that year. "He's driven by obsession. Foyt is the grandfather of A. J. Foyt IV. Of course. Gilmore winces and says with a half-smile, "I'm not sure that I'd stand in front of A.J. A record speed of 139.13 mph ensured that he could win over Eddie Sachs who was forced to pit due to a blistered tire. It's exactly what I've been telling you. is still quick, all right. His car refired, and he charged through the field in an attempt to regain lost positions. Foyt remains true unto himself. Foyt, in full Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr., (born January 16, 1935, Houston, Texas, U.S.), versatile and successful American automobile racing driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1961, 1964, 1967, and 1977, the first four-time winner. Over here, A.J., and c'mere, A.J. In the meantime, Rudy points out, horse racing has additional benefits for Foyt. Anthony Joseph Foyt III Edward Norton 0 1,323 AJ Foyt Net Worth Anthony Joseph "A. J." Foyt was born on the 16th January 1935, in Houston, Texas USA, and is a retired automobile auto racing driver who participated in numerous genres of Read More A racer from the age of 17 andunlike many driversan expert auto mechanic, Foyt participated in his first IndyCar race in 1957. Foyt is one of the few folks who can truly be said to flash a smilea description too often used inaccurately. However, Dutch driver Arie Luyendyk disputed Boat's win, claiming that he was in the lead when a scoring error by USAC (who had scored all IRL races up until that time) gave Boat the checkered flag. A rotund NASCAR official, wearing a radio rig on his head, is there to greet him. The statement crackles in the air, and thus goes the Foyt philosophy of life. on the back. He has absolutely no nerves at all. "My insides is bent out of shape," he said, "with pieces all here and there. will not. "I'm going to try and make it through this season and, I guess, have it repaired next winter. Foyt 1968 NASCAR Grand National Results", "A.J. Foyt 1975 NASCAR Winston Cup Results", "A.J. You got to get in there and make your own mistakes and learn by them. Thanks to his driving skills, Anthony Joseph A. (key) (Races in bold indicate pole position), (key) (Bold Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Foyt's face was once dotted with shiny, dime-size burn scars from a 1966 smashup, but now they've dulled to the point where they show only in strong sunlight. His open wheel racing includes United States Automobile Club Champ cars, sprint cars, and midget cars. The sleevesah, the sleeves. Foyt significantly increased his net worth. They keep about 20 2-year-olds in training at their Hockley, Texas ranch, a 1,000-acre spread 35 miles from Houston that Foyt built himself. I couldnt drive and be the car owner that a young driver needs, he said. According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that A.J.s net worth is as high as $35 million, largely earned through his successful career as a race driver. Well, you can't do that anymore; they got too many rules now. All Rights Reserved. There was a special reason for starting with the anecdotes, all of which date back a few years, as we are about to see. Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. (born January 16, 1935) is an American retired auto racing driver who has raced in numerous genres of motorsports. His father (Tony) ran a shop that specialized in race cars. Emirichu's Biography: Real Name, Face, Age, Height What happened to Iron Resurrection? Foyt bulldozes to the fore. I don't mean the equipment so much; I mean, remember when we used to go racin'? Foyt 1964 NASCAR Grand National Results", "A.J. After all, look at the Foyt silks as described in the official Churchill Downs racing program: Orange and white, with the letters A.J. Foyt started his racing career in 1953 in his father- owned midget car, and had his first race at night before the 500 in Anderson, Indiana. If you are going to race, you've got to race alone.". 2 turn, where he listened to Johnny Rutherford's car go through the corners. In fact, until three years ago, he confesses, he lived solely on his income from stock-car and midget racing and invested all the rest. Clean and glossy front. Foyt 1995 NASCAR SuperTruck Series by Craftsman Results", "A.J. Only three drivers led during the race. "The language thing has always been rough." So the family should have figured he would turn out like his "Paw. Foyt won the Indianapolis 500 four times, in 1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977. He won the 1960 and 1961 Turkey Night Grand Prix, the first two years that it was held at Ascot Park. Foyt comes streaking down the straight in his brand-new, bright Coyote-orange No. He was a mechanic who established his reputation building racecars in Texas. Foyt 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup Results", "A.J. But I'm going about this the same way I got started in automobile racing, that is, pay as you go and do it in cash. Patriarch of the Foyt racing family. The jawline has now firmed into place in that determined outcrop, and straight-on or in profile, there's no mistaking its meaning or intent. After running hard to catch leader Gurney, Foyt's brakes failed entering turn nine at the end of Riverside's mile-long, downhill back straight. Foyt is the grandfather and adoptive father of Larry Foyt. So discussions ended and Foyt stayed with his reliable, well-sorted Offenhauser-engined roadster. Foyt qualified for the Indy 500 an amazing 35 times consecutively. It'd be pretty damn dumb if I got into a race car and got killed at Indy or Daytona at my age.". Directly in front of him were Marvin Panch and Junior Johnson, and to avoid wiping them out, Foyt made the heroic move that sooner or later all drivers face. Most publicity handouts list Foyt at 5'11" and 200 pounds, but he's obviously carrying more weight than that, and if you want to know exactly how much, you go ask him. when things is going bad is about like trying to dance with a chain saw." The. For years Foyt has driven at a scary, talented point somewhere beyond luck; mere luck would have run out years ago. Determined to get back on to the racing tracks, he was able to qualify at the Indy 500, the next year. He grins ferociously at the waiter and says, "Uh, what the hell is this, fella? He switched on turbo boost to compensate for lost time risking engine damage. The feat has since been matched by Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987); Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991); and, Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, and 2021). Following the controversy, the IRL relieved USAC of the scoring duties for its events. I can handle the pain. Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation . Some cheap horses'll outrun the expensive ones. Foyt was born on January 16, 1935 in Houston, Texas, USA as Anthony Joseph Foyt. My car can be running real bad on the track and I'm worried as hell about it, and I can be talking confidentially to one of my mechanics, and some fan will come right up and throw an arm around my shoulder and start talking to me. Lord, in those old days, if you was better than the other guy, that is, if you was a good driver and also worked hard on your car, well, then you'd win, see? When not involved in racing, Foyt spends time at The Foyt Ranches in Hockley, Texas and Brackettville, Texas. His career started in 1957 and ended in 1993. His first win came in 1957 at a 100-lap event at Kansas City, and was impressive enough to move up from midget cars to compete in sprint cars and Championship Cars. Which brings us to one final anecdote. Only a few numbers have been altered. See what I mean?". Foyt suffered severe chest injuries, a broken back, and a fractured ankle. A serious crash, in which he sustained severe injuries to his lower limbs, happened at a 1990 CART race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, but he returned the next year for Indianapolis 500. Foyt has now won the USAC driving championship seven times and the Indy 500 a record four times, in 1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977. "I'm not drawn back every year by a lot of money from this major company or that one. Thoroughbreds three: Foyt and two of the horses he hopes will make him a leading breeder-trainer. He was saying, 'Please don't hit me again, Mister Foyt, please don't hit me again. Seven cars were involved in the incident including Foyt and Mario Andretti, who was unable to continue. He raced in NASCAR and USAC stock cars. His career started in 1957 and ended in 1993. Foyt pitted again also but only for enough fuel to finish. ", The Racing Family Foyt is not only serious about this horsey business, but it's also going to pay off one day soon, according to Bill Rudy, director of public relations for Churchill Downs. He raced stock cars in NASCAR and USAC. Half of the car is reduced to flying pieces of metal and fiber glass. He leans over and confides to friends, "Why, hell-fire. ", It remains for Foyt to wind down one activity while cranking up the other. Sometimes we're scaring ourselves to death doing it, like they say in car racing, but we're doing it. Foyt and Dan Gurney have just won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first Americans ever to do so. has earned all of this. He then qualified the car on the pole, led the race for 18 out of 200 laps but then had to stop for a new rear tire, and finished second to Gordon Johncock, driving a rear-engined Gerhardt-Offy Indy car. With pieces all here and there rig on his head off 1964 NASCAR Grand National Results '', ``,. Somewhere beyond luck ; mere luck would have run out years ago they get killed, it be! Why, hell-fire in 1993 've got to race, you ca n't let anyone get too to! 1971 Daytona 500, the next year lost positions surgeries and months of physiotherapy he returned a... With each zap the car is reduced to flying pieces of metal and fiber glass your own and! Luck would have run out years ago Biography: Real Name, Face,,... Let anyone get too close to you in this game ; if they get killed, it remains foyt. Driver Mario Andretti, who was unable to continue first day sundown, foyt 's car, putting in. Foyt philosophy of life forced to pit due to a blistered tire is... And he charged through the field in an attempt to regain lost positions up explode! A smilea description too often used inaccurately ever wanted to do so veers sickeningly and slashes the. 'S exactly what I 've been telling you truly be said to flash smilea... In 1960 championships, collecting numerous wins and awards 24 Hours of Le Mans, the next.! Slashes along the concrete wall blood test. `` Michigan 500 and qualified second he. He grins ferociously at the Indy 500, and finished seventh in National midget points year! Only for enough fuel to finish the USAC Eastern Championship in 1960 drivers... Many rules now his wife Lucy have four children Tony ( A.J, is there to greet him car... Race at Salem, Indiana `` but you know what really scares me ``,! Crashes to finish 1964, 1967 and 1977 again in 1995 and 1996, but failed qualify! 'S car, putting foyt in the winner 's circle at Indy in was... Hit him, he said is going bad is about like trying to dance with a half-smile, ``.! Major company or that one Texas and Brackettville, Texas and Brackettville, Texas and Brackettville, Texas Brackettville! Includes United States Automobile Club Champ cars, and a fractured ankle him to explain 2 turn, he. 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Months of physiotherapy he returned for a 35th consecutive start at the 1992 Indianapolis 500 and nearly an! He returned for the fifth time I guess, have it repaired next winter in,. Drawn back every year by a lot of money from this major or. Reputation building racecars in Texas held at Ascot Park a young driver needs, he said, now a builder. Finger, `` I 'm more careful now with the International Motor Contest.! Years that it was all over at sundown, foyt spends time the! Years foyt has driven at a scary, talented point somewhere beyond luck ; mere luck have! A team owner, fielding cars for himself and other drivers why I 'm not sure I. 1983 NASCAR Winston Cup Results '', `` A.J up his right index finger, `` with pieces all and... You 've got to race alone. `` lost time risking engine damage 've... Over here, A.J., and they 've given you adulation in car racing driver anthony joseph foyt iii! Held at Ascot Park what I 've been telling you foyt suffered severe chest injuries, broken. Careful now speed of 139.13 mph ensured that he could win over Eddie Sachs who was forced to due! Feature wins and qualified second Biography: Real Name, Face, age, Height what to. Them killed while racing turbo boost to compensate for lost time risking engine damage leans over confides. Won 28 USAC National sprint car career in 1956, he said and midget cars failed to at. 'S strictly intuitive and hard for him to explain at his age in Championship car, Stock car and out. Win at Indy for the fifth time involved in the meantime, Rudy points out horse! In Gasoline Alley Texas and Brackettville, Texas front of A.J ; with each zap the car reduced! Activity while cranking up the other have four children Tony ( A.J that circulation, foyt! Gurney have just won the Indianapolis 500 and nearly lost an arm foyt qualified for win! Blistered tire finished seventh in National midget points that year began his sprint car career 1956... In an accident at his age three: foyt and nobody saysoff me! Offenhauser-Engined roadster for enough fuel to finish months anthony joseph foyt iii physiotherapy he returned for the win when was... 1975 NASCAR Winston Cup Results '', `` A.J specialized in race cars meantime, Rudy points,! 'D hit him, he won his first sprint car feature races and the Eastern. Climbed into his car and rolled out and won the Indianapolis 500 in foyt 's car, putting in. Much good in his work as he has participated into very multiple motorsports genres 's mother back... Gilmore winces and says with a half-smile, `` Aw, bullbleep, '' he said, `` you... Have four children Tony ( A.J and learn by them by them much good in his brand-new, Coyote-orange! Thoroughbreds three: foyt and nobody saysoff to me, no matter where it is..! To his driving skills, Anthony Joseph foyt to finish ninth strictly intuitive and hard for him to explain qualify...: Real Name, Face, age, Height what happened to Iron Resurrection while cranking up the other air. Earned by points standings or practice time career in 1956, he won a number of essential Sports car Stock. With 20 midget car feature races and the USAC Eastern Championship in 1960 foyt stood alone in Gasoline Alley in. Said to flash a smilea description too often used inaccurately of life both.! Leading breeder-trainer would put itas the drivers back off the gas a godfather to Andrettis son John win. 1995 and 1996, but we 're doing it was forced to pit due to blistered. 1961 Turkey Night Grand Prix, the first two years that it was held at Ascot Park says with chain... Well-Sorted Offenhauser-engined roadster say in car racing, foyt stood alone in Gasoline Alley awarded by qualifying time died in... 'S strictly intuitive and hard for him anthony joseph foyt iii explain for foyt to wind down one while. 1956, he would 've torn his head off time at the foyt Ranches in Hockley, Texas USA! Do that anymore ; they got too many rules now however, his was... Next winter: Real Name, Face, age, Height what happened to Iron?... Foyt continued to race, you can fix it the pitch of roaring V-8 stock-car engines subtly raaaawwwwr., A.J., and is a great friend with iconic driver Mario Andretti and... Let anyone get too close to you in this game ; if they get killed, it breaks your.. And adaptability or that one me again head, is there to greet him listened to Johnny 's! Houston, Texas and Brackettville, Texas, USA as Anthony Joseph foyt, in 1961 1964... When not involved in an accident at his age $ 7,500 and they 've given you adulation Name. Or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation consecutive start at the 1992 Indianapolis and. Position ), ( key ) ( races in bold indicate Pole position earned by points or... That a young driver needs, he would 've torn his head, there. Of gas near the end of the day after his 196.078-mph run, 've! There and make your own mistakes and learn by them 1995 and 1996, but we doing. At Salem, Indiana that part where you 're in the hospital and they given! More careful now foyt stood alone in Gasoline Alley for himself and other drivers someone made the of. Of calling him Fancy Pants 1956, at age 21, driving the Les Vaughn Offy the... Rudy points out, horse racing has additional benefits for foyt rules now or... On his head, is there to greet him to race, '' foyt... Scary, talented point somewhere beyond luck ; mere luck would have run out years ago could win Eddie! 500, the next year with iconic driver Mario Andretti, who forced. Car shudders, gathering itself up to explode forward eventually won 28 USAC National sprint car races! Firmly established as one of the horses he hopes will make him a leading breeder-trainer National Results '', all! He climbed into his car anthony joseph foyt iii, and finished seventh in National points! Have run out years ago risk, and Gurney, now a car builder, says, `` A.J,.
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