A.J. Foyt returns to the Indy 500, his legacy long secured and grief fresh from his wife’s death
A.J. Foyt talks about the racing car models fans have gifted him, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in Waller, Texas. One of the greatest auto racing drivers in history has been forced to reflect upon in recent weeks during what usually is a time of joy. The month of May means the Indianapolis 500, the biggest race in the world, and it's a crown jewel event that Foyt won a record-sharing four times. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Godofredo A. Vásquez]
WALLER, Texas (AP) — A.J. Foyt has defied death more times than anyone count. From killer bees and capsized boats to triple bypass surgery and terrifying racing accidents, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 has made it to 88 years old with an irreverent view about death. But then his wife of 68 years died suddenly last month and Foyt is now facing his own mortality. He didn’t want to leave Texas to attend the Indianapolis 500. But he says the racetrack is the best place for him to work through his grief.
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