Larry Foyt, President, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, has joined the impressive lineup of featured speakers for the 5th Annual Race Industry Week, taking place Monday through Thursday, Dec. 2–5.
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When asked what the best advice his legendary father ever gave him was, it should come as no surprise that the Texan’s greatest impression on his son Larry was made through his actions and attitude, not his words. “With A.J. it wasn’t so much verbal advice, but I’ve always admired his determination. I think that’s one of the things that made him so successful.”
Larry Foyt, president of A.J. Foyt Enterprises and son of the company’s namesake, is also determined.
“A.J. loves to win, and that’s what we’re trying to get back to,” Larry Foyt said. “It’s hard, trust me, it’s not a lack of effort. We’re up against some very good teams, and it’s a very tough business, but we’re determined to turn this thing around and get back in victory lane.”
He is a veteran of the paddock who has experienced the highs and lows of racing throughout his career, both on and off the track. Foyt’s tenure with his father’s Indy car team began in earnest in 2007. In 2013, the team returned to Victory Circle in the Long Beach Grand Prix, the IndyCar Series’ most historic and prestigious street course event. Winning driver Takuma Sato also claimed three pole positions (fastest qualifier) in his four-year stint with the Foyt team.
Along with A.J. Foyt IV, Foyt co-founded Foyt Family Wines in 2008. He continues to build the award-winning boutique wine company that sources its product from Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California.
Foyt’s growth of A.J. Foyt Enterprises included purchasing and overseeing the renovation of a multi-purpose facility in Speedway, Ind., in 2014. The No. 41 team is run out of this location. The No. 14 team still operates out of the Houston suburb of Waller.
In 2015, Foyt and Foyt IV opened the Foyt Wine Vault, a Foyt Family Wines tasting room and retail center located next to the race shop. The Vault has become very popular within the local Speedway community, as well as with tourists visiting Indianapolis.
In 2021, Foyt and a team of investors opened the stunning Foyt Winery and Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas which is the ‘Napa Valley’ of Texas. The project was on Foyt’s radar for several years before construction began in 2019. The multi-phase project recently completed a museum which displays race cars and artifacts from the Foyt family. Well-appointed cabins to host overnight guests are in the project’s future plans.
The Houstonian began his professional career as a race car driver. He competed in three Indianapolis 500s (2004-2006). Prior to his IndyCar experience, Foyt spent four years competing in NASCAR: he raced in the Winston (now Monster Energy) Cup Series in 2003-2004 and in the Busch Grand national (now Xfinity) Series in 2001-2002. Foyt was a brand ambassador for Harrah’s Casinos and a national spokesman for the Meals on Wheels program for four years (2000-2003). After starting in karts and progressing to Formula 2000, Foyt jumped to stock cars in 2000 and spent a season in the American Speed Association (ASA).
Foyt’s experience as a driver served him well as he gradually ascended to his role as president of the race team. Foyt’s determination to get the team back to victory lane is nearly as strong as his determination to make his father proud. It’s only a matter of time when he’ll succeed in doing just that.