Hot Laps
AJ Foyt Trophy
By Kate Guerra | IndyCar . com
A . J . Foyt ' s legendary racing career was almost done in by the streets of Phoenix nearly 60 years ago . Before he became an Indy car legend , a relatively unknown Foyt drove from his home in Houston to Phoenix to meet with crew chief Clint Brawner . Brawner ’ s driver , Jimmy Bryan , had just quit the team after winning his third Indy car championship in four years . Despite the success , Bryan was frustrated the team couldn ’ t capture the elusive Indianapolis 500 victory , so Foyt was called up for an interview .
All Foyt had to do was find Brawner ' s home . The eventual four-time Indianapolis 500 champion was lost amidst Phoenix ’ s matrix of avenues and streets , which alternate depending on what side of the city you are on . “ My heart was pounding out of my chest ,” Foyt said . “ I couldn ’ t find his house .”
Eventually that fateful meeting happened , and Foyt began his relationship with Brawner that led to his first opportunity to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and kick started his illustrious career . That tenure included a win at the first Indy car race at Phoenix International Raceway in 1964 .
Foyt joined Phoenix Raceway president Bryan Sperber , Hulman and Co . CEO Mark Miles and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Graham Rahal and Ed Carpenter for a ceremony to unveil the AJ Foyt Champions Trophy , which will be awarded to the winner of the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix on April 2nd . The stainless steel trophy features a photo-etched image of Foyt ’ s face with his signature engraved underneath . The base is made of Grand Canyon onyx , which was found in a local Phoenix quarry . “ It ’ s an honor ( to have the trophy named after me ),” Foyt said . “ I wish I was younger and able to go out with these guys and compete for it , but I ’ m not .”
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Motorsports H . O . F . Receives $ 2.5 Million Grant
MSHF . COM
DAYTONA BEACH , FL – The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America ( MSHFA ) announced today that it has received a $ 2.5 million grant from the Margie & Robert E . Petersen Foundation of Los Angeles , with the money targeted to fund construction and development of the Robert E . Petersen Theater in the hall ’ s new permanent home at Daytona International Speedway .
The MSHFA , which has moved to Daytona Beach from Novi , Michigan , will be housed in the speedway ’ s expansive ticket and tours facility that greets thousands of motorsports fans each year at the “ World Center of Racing .” A vital component in the relocation will be the new theater , along with a Robert E . Petersen “ Tribute Room ” that will greet guests entering the attraction .
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Brady Brings Home the Bacon
USAC PR | Ryan Sellers Photo
Brady Bacon methodically maneuvered his way from his sixth starting spot and in a three-lap stretch , a third of the way into the 30-lap feature , drove from fourth to first . Passing Dave Darland on lap 12 and held off a late charge from Kyle Cummins to take the victory in front of a standing-room only crowd in the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship ' s debut at Montpelier ( Ind .) Motor Speed-
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