Daytona International Speedway officials today announced that 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona Grand Marshal A.J. Foyt has been forced to cancel his trip due to illness. Foyt sustained some complications from his recent knee surgery but he is expected to make a full recovery.
“I am really sorry that I can't be there this weekend for the Rolex 24," Foyt said in a statement released today by the speedway. "I was really looking forward to it because I thought it was a great honor to be asked to be the Grand Marshal of the 50th anniversary of that race and considered it to be one of the great highlights of my career. I feel so bad that I let everyone down.
"I was also looking forward to seeing some of my old friends and the racecars that I drove in that race. It was going to be a really fun weekend for me but I guess I'll be watching the race from my hospital room – yep, the doctors pulled rank on me. And, I hate to admit, but I think they're right – this time. I'd like to wish everyone a safe race and I'll be with you in spirit.”
Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said, “We wish A.J. a speedy recovery and hope he's back on his feet soon.”