WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: A.J. Foyt

Episode Date: May 7, 2024

A look at the career of an Indy 500 legend.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 History here at Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papillon. Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. was one of the most accomplished drivers in Indy 500 history. Born in Houston, 1935, A.J. began racing at the age of 18. In 1958, Foyt qualified for his first 500, starting 12th and finishing 16th. In 1960, he joined the Bose Racing Team, winning his first national championship that year. year. In 1961, Foyt won his first Indy 500 after a thrilling duel with Eddie Sacks. Three years later, Foyt won his second Indy 500 in what was the last front engine car to win the race. In 1967,

Foyt joined the three-time Winters Club after Parnelly Jones' turbocar fizzled out less than 10 miles from the finish. Later that year, along with teammate Dan Gurney, he won the 24 hours of Le Mans. Over the next decade, Foyt put together strong finishes, third in 1971 and 1970s. and second in the rain-shortened race of 1976. In 1977, Foyt became the first member of the four-time winners club, beating second-place Tom Sneva by over half a lap. In a memorable speedway moment, Foyt invited track owner Tony Holman to take the celebratory pace car lap with him

in what would be Holman's last 500 before he passed away that October. Although Foyt did not win another 500, he raced another 15 years until he retired before the start of the 1993 race. Boyce 35 race starts put him far ahead of second place Mario Andretti with 29, and active leader Helio Castronevis with 23. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papignon, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.