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Daytona Winners Foyt And McMurray Donate Memorabilia To DIS

Daytona Beach, Fla. – Racing legend A. J. Foyt and NASCAR star Jamie McMurray joined together at the newly renovated Daytona International Speedway on Friday, donating valuable memorabilia from their winning days to DIS for display on the new concourses. Foyt’s donation included a Copenhagen uniform from the 1980s and McMurray gifted the checkered flag from his Daytona 500 victory along with a pair of shoes worn during the Rolex 24 win a year ago.

“This is such a beautiful place, and I have had a number of great experiences here,” said Foyt. “It has changed a lot since 1961. The France family has been great to me, and I am glad to be back, although I have had my doubts the last couple of years. “

Added McMurray, “I first raced a kart here when I was eight years old and then to win at Daytona was such a big deal — I won a July race, then the Daytona 500 and last year the Rolex 24. Daytona has been such a special place to me, and the new facility is hard to explain to fans, as they will have such a different experience versus any other race track in the world. It is unbelievable.”

Their gifts will be on permanent display.

For Foyt, this was one of his first public appearances after recovering from serious medical problems. Although walking slowly, he moved around without assistance, even though doctors had suggested use of a cane. Surrounded by reporters after the brief ceremony, Foyt willingly responded to all questions posed.

“I wish Mr. (Bill) France was around to see this place now. I think it is now the most beautiful race track in the world,” Foyt said, believing other tracks will follow suit.

Regarding his health, he noted is feeling much better, having shed the wheelchair, walker and cane. “You don’t realize what it is at age 81(what you have to) to learn how to walk again. I am getting there.” He said he plans to be at all the Verizon IndyCar Series races, if possible.

Asked about his friend Tony Stewart, Foyt said, “I feel sorry for him as people don’t realize that wreck really hurt him more. I’ve been friends with Tony for a long time, and he’s really a soft-hearted person. Something like that really bothers you. I had an accident years ago while running with the IMCA when a guy ran through the cockpit with me and throwed me out on race track and he lost his life. And that bugged me, and I had nothing to do with it. Things like that bother you for a long time. Tony has a lot of feelings, and I just hope he goes out on top.”

Becoming a racing legend provides Foyt with pride. “It is part of my life, and I loved it,” he commented. “When I was racing midgets, sprints and Indy cars, I was having a lot of fun. Time went by so fast and I realize it more today than when it was going on. If I got beat, I couldn’t wait to challenge at the next race – that was my life.”

Looking ahead to the Indianapolis 500 in May, Foyt said, “I hope we win it; we’ve made a lot of changes, so time will tell.” Foyt did confirm his team will field three cars with Takuma Sato, Jack Hawksworth and another driver yet-to-be announced.

Foyt’s presence always draws a crowd, many of whom are in awe to be in the company of one of the biggest names in motorsport history. A true American hero!

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