IndyCar News: A.J. Foyt Biography wins gold

The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) presented the Gold Medal in the Sports & Recreation category for 2024 to A.J. Foyt: Survivor, Champion, Legend (Vol. 1) by Art Garner, at its gala awards ceremony May 16.

Foyt also received a Silver Medal in the Biography & Memoir category. Formerly known as the Ben Franklin Awards, the medals represent the best independently published books of the year. The book was selected from more than 1800 entries and it marks the 37th year the IBPA has presented the honors. 

“A.J. Foyt has had an incredible life and it’s a tribute to everyone who contributed to the book and all those at Octane Press who worked on the project to be recognized by the IBPA,” Garner said. “A book of this size and complexity is truly a team effort.”

Foyt, who has read sections of the 656-page book which chronicles his life through 1977 (with Volume 2 still being written), said, “I’m glad it won because I thought it was very good book.  I’m going by what other people told me, you know, but the bit that I read of it, I loved it. I’m just glad it went over as good as it did because Art worked hard on it, and I’m glad that a lot of people love it.”

There is a lot to love about this book which gives a detailed account of Foyt’s remarkable life and incredible racing career written in Garner’s accessible, engaging style. Through extensive research and well over a hundred interviews with the biggest names in the sport as well as Foyt’s family and close friends, Garner has written the most accurate depiction of Foyt’s journey in becoming a mega star of motorsports who transcends generations. Garner sourced many rarely seen photos along with iconic images to illustrate Foyt’s illustrious career.

The book is currently being sold at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (in the track’s IndyCar gift shop) and online at www.octanepress.com.