A.J. Foyt Biography

Auto Racer

Name at birth: Anthony Joseph Foyt

One of the greatest racing drivers of the 20th century, Texan A.J. Foyt won 12 national titles and 172 major races, including a record 67 Indy car wins. He is the only driver to have won what some have called the "Triple Crown" of professional racing: the Indianapolis 500 (1961,'64,'67 and '77), the Daytona 500 (1972) and the 24 Hour Le Mans (1967). Foyt retired in 1993, but continues to work as a team owner. He has received about every honor and award in professional racing, including being named "Best Driver of the Century" (with Mario Andretti) by the Associated Press.

Extra credit: NASCAR driver Larry Foyt is Foyt's son; Indy car racer A.J. Foyt IV is Foyt's grandson.

Other auto racers of Foyt's era include Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.