A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt needed no introduction in any form of motorsport, and when the Houston, Texas legend brought his talents to NASCAR, he proved that greatness translates across every discipline. Foyt made 128 Cup Series starts and won seven races, including the 1972 Daytona 500, competing against the finest stock car drivers of his era while simultaneously dominating open-wheel and sports car racing worldwide. His four Indianapolis 500 victories, his Le Mans triumph, and his USAC championships established Foyt as arguably the most versatile racing driver in American history. In NASCAR, he commanded instant respect because every driver in the garage knew they were racing against a man who had conquered every major form of motorsport on the planet. Foyt's driving style in stock cars was the same as everywhere else -- aggressive, uncompromising, and brutally fast. He did not race part-time in NASCAR for fun; he raced to win, and his seven victories against full-time competitors proved he could beat the specialists at their own game. His presence in the Cup Series elevated the sport's credibility during a critical growth period. When a driver of Foyt's stature chose to race stock cars, it told the world that NASCAR was a legitimate arena for the world's best. A.J. Foyt did not need NASCAR, but NASCAR was better because he showed up.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference