In the storied and often turbulent history of American open-wheel racing, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to national championship wins: A. J. Foyt (USA). With an unparalleled seven national titles spanning from 1960 to 1979, Foyt’s record remains unmatched across the various iterations of the championship.
Foyt’s incredible run of success began under the banner of the AAA (American Automobile Association), which governed the sport from 1909 to 1955. His wins continued through the era of USAC (US Auto Club, 1956-78), and even into the early days of CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams, 1979-91). Today, the series is known as the FedEx Series Championship, following a period as IndyCar (1992-97).
His championship years include:
- 1960
- 1961
- 1963
- 1964
- 1967
- 1975
- 1979
A true legend of motorsports, Foyt’s versatility and raw talent allowed him to adapt and dominate across different eras and evolving car technologies. Beyond his national championships, Foyt is also famously the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, and the only driver to have won the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His seven national championships are a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit, solidifying his status as the most successful driver in the history of top-tier American open-wheel racing.
