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An original 5x5" vintage photo (NOT a modern reprint) from the Marty Himes estate.
Provenance: This photograph comes directly from the Marty Himes Racing Museum Collection, assembled over decades by Marty Himes - racer, restorer, and lifelong archivist of American racing. Every piece he preserved tells part of the story of motorsport’s rise from dirt tracks to the spectacle of the Indy 500. We acquired the majority of his photo collection after his passing. Many of his photos are extremely rare or even one of a kind.
Photo Overview
A.J. Foyt is captured here climbing into his #14 Gilmore-Foyt Racing Team Indy car in the pit lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during May 1979 practice or qualifying activities. Foyt is dressed in his white Goodyear-sponsored driver\'s suit bearing the Gilmore Racing Team logo, Champion, and Valvoline patches, with his Bell helmet on and visor raised. Crew members and photographers crowd the pit lane behind him, with the iconic IMS grandstands visible in the background.
This candid pit lane moment is a great snapshot of one of racing\'s all-time greats at the peak of his career, from the personal collection of Marty Himes.
Historical Notes
A.J. Foyt is one of the most decorated drivers in American motorsport history. A four-time Indianapolis 500 winner (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Foyt was still an active and highly competitive force at Indy in 1979. Driving the #14 Gilmore-sponsored car that year, Foyt qualified and competed in the 1979 Indianapolis 500, one of many consecutive Indy 500 starts he made through the 1970s and 1980s. The Gilmore Racing Team was Foyt\'s own operation, and the partnership with Gilmore Gas and Goodyear represented the peak sponsorship years for his team. Foyt would go on to attempt and start the Indy 500 well into the 1990s, cementing his legendary status before transitioning to car ownership. He remains one of very few drivers to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Print analysis
This is a Type 1 original silver gelatin photograph taken and printed by Gerald Walker of Columbus, Indiana in May 1979, concurrent with the event depicted. The photographer\'s rubber stamp on the back confirms provenance. The photo shows no signs of later reproduction and is consistent with a period print from original negatives.
Condition
Please see scans of the image we have provided for the most accurate and complete state of the photo. Many of the photos in this collection are very old and have age related wear, chips, creases, curling, etc. Others are remarkably well maintained.
