INDYCAR salutes A.J. Foyt, winner of more Indy car races (67) than anyone, on celebrating his 81st birthday today. A.J. is a living legend and icon, the first driver to win four Indianapolis 500 Mile Races and owner of his own race team since late 1965.

Foyt has been an inspiration to many, particularly to young American drivers who “wanted to be like A.J.” With that in mind, we asked several Americans involved with the Verizon IndyCar Series to share their thoughts on the man many say was the best to ever drive a race car.

Jimmy Vasser, co-owner, KV Racing Technology (whose Indy car driving career began in 1992 as Foyt’s was winding down; they competed in two races together, including Foyt's final race in the 1992 Indianapolis 500): “At a young age, I was glued to the Indy 500 radio broadcast listening to A.J. Foyt battle Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Bobby Unser, Gordon Johncock, Rick Mears and all the drivers that came over from F1. The Indy 500 is the biggest sporting event in the world and A.J. was the first to win it four times. He is a legend in our sport. That says it all.”

Bryan Herta, owner, Bryan Herta Autosport (drove for AJ Foyt Racing in five 1994 races after winning the Indy Lights championship in 1993): “A.J. called me out of the blue to drive for him at Indy in 1994, I could hardly believe it. He treated my family and me like his family and he gave me my big break, so I will be eternally grateful. My fondest memories are of sitting in the garage on Gasoline Alley on rain days and listening to A.J. tell stories. He's the best storyteller and a true living legend.”

Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver, Andretti Autosport (drove 11 races for AJ Foyt Racing in 2009 and jumped into a Foyt-qualified car for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 when his Andretti Autosport entry was bumped from the field): “I want to wish one of my heroes and probably the toughest man I know, A.J. Foyt, a very happy 81st birthday. I feel lucky to be able to call him a friend. I had the privilege of driving for him and working with his team in 2009, but our relationship has gone much further. A.J.’s heart is as big as his talent behind the wheel, I’ll forever be grateful for what he has done for me and my family. Wishing you a very happy birthday, A.J. Can’t wait to share more stories at the track in 2016!”

Conor Daly, driver, Dale Coyne Racing (made his Verizon IndyCar Series debut driving an AJ Foyt Racing entry in the 2013 Indianapolis 500): "Huge happy birthday to A.J. I will never forget my first chance to live the dream that is the Indianapolis 500. As a young American driving for an American legend in a red, white and blue car, it doesn't get much better than that for your first Indy car race! It's hard to think of anyone who loves our sport more. It was such an honor to become friends with him and compete as a part of his team."