“Racing for a Living”

By Davin Edwards

The Thrill. The Speed. The Rush. With a desire to be a racecar driver from an early age, the fourth generation of racers of the Foyt Dynasty lives on through the bloodlines of the youngest Foyt driver, A.J. Foyt IV. Grandson to the famous A.J. Foyt, who was the first person to win the Indy 500 four times, the legendary grandfather has taken this young, talented driver under his guidance.

At only 21 years old, 6’2, blonde hair, taught physique A.J. Foyt IV, known as Anthony, has the honor to carry on the Foyt name in racing. In 2002, he won the IRL Infiniti Pro Series. In 2003, he was the youngest driver at age 19 to compete in the Indy 500 race, and in the same year, he also was the youngest driver in the IRL Indy Car Series. With impressive championship records, Anthony’s fierce intensity makes him fearless as he glides around the racetrack.

It’s always been a family thing, but this year in 2005, Anthony decided to break away from his famous family’s name, and venture out on his own. Perhaps it was time for this young racer to try something new? Perhaps it was a yearning to have his talent shine on the racetrack without his family, without his grandfather behind him, relying only on his talent, instead of his last name that is known to everyone in motor sports.

Finishing up his third and final year in the IRL, Anthony decided it was time to try this exhilarating, death-defying profession alone. Pursued by other racing leagues, this impressive, emerging racecar driver made his rookie debut in this year’s Nascar Busch Series at Memphis Motorsports Park. Released from his contract with A.J. Foyt Enterprises earlier this year, Anthony has joined the Akins Motorsports team. Slated to run the final four races this year, he will drive the #38 Great Clips Dodge Car the entire Busch Series Circuit next year.

Life In The Fast Lane at over 200mph is an exciting profession, adorned by fans all over the world. A racers life is by far the most envied, the most elusive, and the most sought after. With a cameo appearance in the film The Dukes of Hazard, and having a new crew chief to rely on, Anthony will carry the pressures heavily on his shoulders as he strives to make a name for himself. A racer given an edge by birth, trained by one of the most elite racecar drivers in history, the Foyt name lives on through the innate ability of one, young, fervent racer…A.J. Foyt IV. A name that will go on for generations to come.

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