Foyt named Rolex 24 Grand Marshal
"The 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona is a significant milestone in the history of international motorsports, and it's appropriate to have a legend of the caliber of A.J. Foyt as Grand Marshal," said GRAND-AM President Tom Bledsoe. "Foyt is one of the rare athletes whose name becomes synonymous with their sport, and he made his mark at the Rolex 24 among his many legendary achievements.
Foyt is a two-time overall champion of the Rolex 24 At Daytona with wins in the twice-around-the-clock challenge in 1983 and 1985. He also holds the distinction of leading the first lap of the inaugural Rolex 24 At Daytona in 1962 – then known as the Daytona Continental – in a Pontiac Tempest.
In addition, Foyt captured the 1972 Daytona 500 and won the Indianapolis 500 four times. He also was named co-Driver of the Century by the Associated Press and one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers. Foyt is the only race car driver to win the Daytona 500, Rolex 24 At Daytona, Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"I am honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Rolex 24, especially with it being the 50th anniversary of the race," Foyt said. "I wish I wasn't so old because I'd like to race in it again. I really enjoyed it when I was down there. I'm glad to be coming back even if it is just to watch it this time."
The Rolex 24 At Daytona, the kick-off event to Speedweeks 2012 as well as the international motorsports calendar, showcases the world's best drivers competing against each other lap after lap for 24 hours on Daytona International Speedway's challenging and demanding 3.56-mile road course.
In addition to a special gold edition logo for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Speedway officials have launched a campaign to locate all past Rolex 24 At Daytona overall winning cars and plan to have them on display during the event in 2012.