30 Days in May: No. 14, A.J. Foyt, 1973 Gilmore Racing Coyote/Foyt

Welcome to our monthlong countdown celebrating notable drivers and cars from the history of the Indianapolis 500!

 

Majeske Post Card Collection

A.J. Foyt was the second-slowest qualifier for the 1973 Indianapolis 500,
then took the pole the next two years.

30 Days in May: No. 14, A.J. Foyt, 1973 Gilmore Racing Coyote/Foyt. Amazingly, A.J. Foyt was close to the bubble for the 1973 500, as his speed average of 188.927 mph was 32^nd-fastest (or second-slowest). Not surprisingly, the 1973 race was one to forget for Foyt. His Coyote dropped out after 37 laps, then Foyt took over teammate George Snider’s car, which wound up 11^th.

 Why Foyt had so much trouble in time trials in 1973 is hard to fathom because Super Tex usually was an excellent qualifier. Consider this: In 1991, 33 years after his 500 debut plus coming off devastating lower-leg injuries suffered in a gruesome crash at Road America and at age 56 (!) no less, the amazing Foyt earned a front-row stating position – between Rick Mears and Mario Andretti. Many consider this the greatest front row in Indianapolis 500 history. And it has to rank as one of the greatest feats (no pun intended) in Foyt’s amazing career. 

 

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