INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A.J. Foyt has agreed to drive the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.
Foyt replaces Donald Trump, who pulled out of the celebrity job on Thursday. Some racing fans had protested the selection of Trump and a movement to dump The Donald drew more than 18,000 followers to a Facebook page started by a local attorney to find another pace-car driver.
Foyt is one of only three four-time winners, along with Rick Mears and Al Unser, and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first victory this year at the May 29 race.
He also was a stalwart supporter of the previously named Indy Racing League throughout the split with the now-defunct Champ Car series, and Foyt is one of the most recognizable names in IndyCar history.
