A.J. Celebrates 75


HOUSTON Jan. 16--The Foyt clan gathered at a steakhouse in Houston to celebrate their patriarch turning 75 Saturday evening. Amidst family and friends, A.J. was toasted and roasted as people remembered and told some of their favorite A.J. stories. For a man who never likes to be beholding to anyone, it was evident that he was deeply touched by the festivities in his honor…and grateful to have made it to 75!


“When I was young, they said I wouldn’t live past 22,” he said. “Well I proved a lot them wrong.”


A.J. has spent his lifetime proving others wrong, and in so doing, created a legacy fueled by his desire, dedication and most of all, his determination. But the true wealth of his legend lies not in the records he set nor the money he earned, but rather in his close-knit family and loyal friends whom he treasures and they him. And those who weren’t there called him to send their best wishes.


While we can’t recount the stories that circulated this evening, we can pass on the tongue-in-cheek poem that his son Larry wrote and shared with the intimate gathering.


Here’s a quick story of one special guy
Who grew up tough, under the blue Texas sky.
Now most folks said, “That kid won’t make 20”
But I’m sure glad he did—he gave us memories a plenty.


Cars were his passion, and wow could he drive,
Indy rings fill his hand, that’s right he’s got five.
There’s four as a driver, a feat never surpassed,
And the fifth you’ll remember with that crazy Kenny Brack.


This man beat the best, from all around the world,
And he’ll quickly point out – “I never lost to a girl!”
With an old photograph he says, “See I was skinny,
And that car that I’m passing? That’s that no-driving ____.”


Even death you could say, this legend has beat,
Though he bears many scars, and has very sore feet.
He’s been burned, broken back, even has a fake knee,
But nothing could stop him—not even killer bees!


Now some say he’s mellowed, but don’t tell his crew,
He still wants to win – “Yes this is quite true.”
He may not be as quick to go look for a fight
But you don’t want to cross him, just ask Luyendyk.


Now he’s 75, will he ever slow down?
I’m thinking Not—there’s still trees to knock down.
He’s been very successful, some say he’s a millionaire.
Don’t believe me? Drive to Brenham—he’s got airplanes to spare.


See at 75, A.J.’s just a big kid
But he’s got a bigger sandbox than most of us did.
And what will the next 75 years of this story bring?
If you leave it to A.J., I’d say more Indy rings.