AJ Foyt Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth

What is AJ Foyt’s net worth?

AJ Foyt is a retired American race car driver who has a net worth of $25 million. A.J. Foyt is one of the most accomplished and versatile race car drivers in American motorsports history. Over a career that spanned five decades, Foyt won in virtually every type of race car imaginable: Indy cars, stock cars, sports cars, and midget cars. He was the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times and remains one of the few to have won the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indy 500. Known for his aggressive driving style, fearless demeanor, and deep mechanical knowledge, Foyt became a towering figure in racing not only through his achievements but through his enduring presence as a team owner and mentor. His name is synonymous with toughness, excellence, and longevity in motorsports.

Early Life

Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr. was born on January 16, 1935, in Houston, Texas. His father, Tony Foyt Sr., was a mechanic and race car builder who introduced his son to the world of racing at a young age. A.J. dropped out of high school to pursue a racing career, working in his father’s garage while gaining experience behind the wheel in midget and sprint cars. He won his first professional midget race in 1956, quickly establishing a reputation for his raw speed and fearlessness.

Dominance in IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500

Foyt made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1958 and scored his first victory at the Brickyard in 1961. He would go on to win the race three more times—in 1964, 1967, and 1977—becoming the first four-time winner in the event’s storied history. His 1967 win was particularly notable, as he avoided a fiery crash on the final lap to secure victory in one of the most chaotic endings the race had ever seen.

In USAC and CART-sanctioned open-wheel competition, Foyt amassed 67 career victories, a record that stood for decades. He won seven national championships, including four in a row from 1960 to 1964. His consistency, endurance, and hands-on mechanical knowledge made him a dominant force for more than two decades.

Success Across Racing Disciplines

Foyt’s versatility set him apart from his peers. In addition to his IndyCar dominance, he won the 1972 Daytona 500 driving for the legendary Wood Brothers Racing team. He also took victories in the International Race of Champions (IROC) and in dirt track events, showing he could win on virtually any surface or circuit.

In 1967, he teamed with Dan Gurney to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40, becoming one of the rare Americans to conquer the prestigious endurance race. He also won the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona, further cementing his reputation as one of the most complete drivers in history.

Injuries and Comebacks

Foyt’s aggressive driving style and frequent participation in high-risk events meant injuries were part of his career. He suffered serious accidents in 1965, 1972, and 1990, with broken bones, burns, and other injuries threatening to end his time in racing. But each time, Foyt returned to competition, often against medical advice, and continued to win races. His toughness became legendary in the racing world, earning him respect far beyond the racetrack.

Team Ownership and Later Years

After retiring from driving in the early 1990s, Foyt transitioned into team ownership with A.J. Foyt Enterprises. His team has competed in both CART and IndyCar, and in 1999, his driver Kenny Bräck won the Indy Racing League championship. Though the team has not consistently been a front-runner in recent years, it remains one of the longest-running operations in American open-wheel racing.

Foyt has also remained a popular figure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, often participating in ceremonial events and mentoring younger drivers. Despite numerous health setbacks—including multiple surgeries and serious infections—he has continued to be involved in the sport he helped shape.

Legacy and Honors

A.J. Foyt’s impact on motorsports is unmatched in breadth and longevity. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. His 67 open-wheel wins and four Indy 500 victories have made him an icon of American racing, while his success in stock cars and sports cars places him among the most versatile drivers of all time.

Foyt’s name is forever linked with innovation, grit, and competitive fire. From dirt tracks to Daytona to Le Mans, he excelled everywhere he went. More than just a champion driver, A.J. Foyt represents the spirit of American racing at its boldest and most uncompromising.