A.J. Foyt’s Epic Racing Legacy: New Biography Volume 2 Chronicles His Unmatched Career

A.J. Foyt stands as one of the most accomplished figures in motorsports history, and now a second volume of his biography is set to capture even more of his legendary career. Octane Press has opened pre-orders for the upcoming book, slated for release in July.

Foyt, known as Anthony Joseph Foyt, made history as the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. His exclusive club includes just three other members, and no one has surpassed his record to this day. Foyt also holds the unique distinction of being the only driver to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 1987, he set a closed-course speed record of 257.123 mph in an Oldsmobile Aerotech, a mark that remains unbroken.

The Second Volume: Foyt’s Life and Career from 1978 Onward

Author Art Garner focuses the second volume on Foyt’s post-1978 career, a period that saw him continue competing well into the early 1990s. Notably, Foyt entered the 1993 Indy 500 at age 58, but his retirement came abruptly after a crash involving Robby Gordon, who was driving a Foyt-owned car during a practice session.

Foyt made a brief return to Indianapolis for NASCAR’s 1994 Brickyard 400, though he failed to qualify in the following two years. His longevity in racing—spanning 35 years in what we now call IndyCar—underscores a time when drivers often raced longer, despite the risks of an era with far fewer safety advancements.

From Driver to Team Owner: The Later Years

As Foyt’s competitive driving days waned, he transitioned into team ownership, a shift explored in the new biography. Given the depth of his career, a second volume was necessary to fully document his story. If the book matches the length of the first volume, it promises to be a substantial read—ideal for long journeys.

The biography will retail for $46.95, though pre-orders are available at a discounted price of $39.95. While hardcover prices have risen in recent years, this two-volume set remains accessible compared to older, smaller-batch motorsports books, reflecting the growing mainstream appeal of racing literature.