To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his record-setting fourth Indianapolis 500 win, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will host an exhibit honoring legendary A.J. Foyt, opening April 14.
“A.J. Foyt: A Legendary Exhibition” traces the rise of the Indy car driver with more race wins than anyone (67), from the dirt tracks of Texas to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Nearly three dozen cars that Foyt drove in competition will be on display, including all four of his Indianapolis 500-winning machines: the 1961 Bowes Seal Fast Special, 1964 and ‘67 Sheraton-Thompson Specials and his 1977 Gilmore Coyote.
"Everyone knows that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is my favorite track and that people wouldn't know me if it weren't for the Indy 500, but to have the museum put on this exhibit there, well, I feel truly honored," Foyt said. "This exhibit will give people a chance to see my winning Indy cars, but also some of the other race cars I drove and won in over the years.
"I think the museum has a lot of personal memorabilia and photos that their visitors will like seeing," Foyt added. "I haven't seen some of the cars in many, many years, so to be truthful, I'm looking forward to the exhibit, too!"
The Foyt exhibition is presented by ABC Supply with additional support from Chevrolet and Al-Fe Heat Treating. The exhibit will run through Oct. 31.
Mann adds Indy 500 support from Genetic Technologies Limited
Pippa Mann was named Tuesday to drive in the Indianapolis 500 for the fifth straight year with Dale Coyne Racing. The 33-year-old Brit added another familiar name today when Genetic Technologies Limited, a molecular diagnostics company focused on cancer risk assessment, announced that Mann is returning as its ambassador and spokeswoman for BREVAGenplus, the company’s first-in-class, clinically validated risk assessment test for sporadic breast cancer.
Mann’s No. 63 Honda will carry the BREVAGenplus logo on it for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, with race day on May 28 serving as the official launch of this year’s partnership. In addition to her role with Genetic Technologies, Mann is partnering with Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization that funds more breast cancer research than any other non-profit, in addition to providing screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs.
“We are excited to continue this outstanding partnership with Pippa,” said Eutillio Buccilli, executive director and CEO of Genetic Technologies. “She is truly dedicated to leveraging her platform as a world-class athlete to impact women’s health and shares our passion for the integral role BREVAGenplus can play as a breast cancer risk assessment and preventative treatment management tool.”
Practice for the 2017 Indy 500 begins May 15, with two days of qualifications set for May 20-21. The race airs live at 11 a.m. ET May 28 on ABC and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.
Honda test at Sonoma Raceway open free to public
All 13 full-season Honda cars are participating in a manufacturer test April 4 at Sonoma Raceway that is open free to the public. Drivers from Andretti Autosport, Chip Ganassi Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports are scheduled to attend the test on the 2.385-mile permanent road course that plays host to the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season finale, the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, on Sept. 17.
Testing is scheduled to run from noon-8 p.m. ET. Fans can also take time at the track that day to donate blood, as Blood Centers of the Pacific is conducting a blood drive from 1-5 p.m. ET. To make an appointment to donate, visit bloodheroes.com and enter the sponsor code “Sonoma Raceway.” Walk-up donations on test day will also be accepted.
For more information on the test or the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, visit SonomaRaceway.com.