INDIANAPOLIS — As the day transitions to night on a beautiful late summer evening, A.J. Foyt finds himself inside his wine cellar located in Speedway, Indiana.
He is receiving updates about an extensive line of fans that stretches around tables, through the bar, out the front of the venue, down Main Street, and around the corner for two blocks. These fans are gathered to acquire the first book in a two-volume series penned by Art Garner, which aims to be the most comprehensive biography of one of the greatest racers in American history.
However, what fans are truly eager for is some personal interaction with Super Tex himself, especially as Foyt, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, approaches his 90th birthday in January.
This area, where he used to dine during race month, holds a special place in Foyt’s heart, rivaling even his Houston ranch. He is just as enthusiastic to share stories from his past as the fans are to hear from him.
“I met A.J. just two weeks before he won in ’61,” said 69-year-old Bill Evans, who made the short journey to be the first in line. “I’m shaking. There’s only one A.J. Foyt.”
Foyt has grown accustomed to the adoration of fans whenever he visits Indianapolis.
During the race month of May, crowds often gather near his team’s garage, hoping for a glimpse of Foyt or to capture a photo or get an old image signed.
On this particular evening, the atmosphere feels remarkably similar.
The attendees sport orange No. 14 shirts, jackets showcasing former team names like A.J. Foyt Copenhagen Racing or Gilmore Racing Team Coyote, as well as overalls from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and clothing adorned with checkered flags.
Some have even traveled from as far as Houston just to meet this iconic figure.
“An old buddy of mine in real estate, Colt Haack, called me from just two blocks away from my race shop (in Houston),” Foyt shared. “He said he wanted to come up to have his book signed because he wanted to be part of the crowd. So he flew in from Houston, and it seems a lot of people came in from Chicago and beyond.”
Foyt’s popularity is unquestionable.
One of his team’s drivers, Santino Ferrucci, even joined the line for an autograph, joking that he would sign books for fans only if they requested him to do it on a different page from Foyt’s signature.
With Foyt’s Southern drawl and down-to-earth manner, he fits perfectly into the narrative of “A.J. Foyt — Volume 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend.” Garner believes the project encapsulates Foyt’s talent as a natural storyteller.
Although many books have been written about Foyt, some without his approval, this one holds a distinction. Garner was allowed to interview Foyt’s late aunt, a cousin, and even his late wife, Lucy, to provide a more personal and comprehensive portrayal.
Foyt has traditionally kept his family life private, so these revelations during Garner’s extensive four to five years of research have unveiled aspects of his life that even his family members were unaware of.
“I’m sure I’ll find new things when I read it,” said Larry Foyt, A.J.’s adopted son and president of A.J. Foyt Racing. “Despite being around him so much, there are still stories that occasionally come up that surprise me.”
One of Garner’s favorite stories was shared by the late Al Unser, the second driver to win four Indianapolis 500 titles, who had not met Foyt before arriving at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1965.
Their connection formed quickly that May.
“A.J. stepped into the garage and asked, ‘Hey, I’ve got a car. Are you interested in driving it?’” Garner recounts. “Al was at the end of his rope, having failed to qualify, but he agreed and followed Foyt back to the garage. George Bignotti, the crew chief, was skeptical, yet Foyt insisted, ‘No, I want him in the car.’ He even got on his hands and knees and sketched a map of the track for Al, explaining where to back off and hit the gas.”
Al didn’t keep the diagram, but for Foyt’s fans, this biography marks just the beginning.
The first volume detailing Foyt’s life concludes with his last Indy 500 victory in 1977, while the second volume, focusing on the remaining years, is planned for release in May 2026.
If Foyt is still engaging with fans for autographs then, it’s highly likely that the lines will once again snake through Speedway. Foyt retains a strong understanding of his lasting bond with fans after all these years.
“Back when I was racing, I didn’t do public engagements,” Foyt noted. “I was completely focused on winning, giving it my all on the track. I think people recognize that dedication and appreciate the effort I put in.”
