AJ Foyt Racing Commemorates Marlyne Sexton's Legacy at Road America

AJ Foyt Enterprises, a prominent name in the INDYCAR circuit, paid tribute to the late Marlyne Sexton, a cherished friend and sponsor of the team, at the XPEL Grand Prix held at Road America on June 22, 2023. Sexton, who passed away on June 11 at the age of 86, left an indelible mark on both the racing community and her Indianapolis-based real estate development company, Sexton Properties.

The team honored her memory by debuting a special livery on the No. 14 Sexton Properties/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet, driven by Santino Ferrucci during the race weekend. Ferrucci expressed his sentiments, stating, "Just hanging out with Mrs. Sexton and A.J. in Indy is just always fun. She made me feel like family when I first joined in 2023. Heavy hearts are with her passing, and I am very honored to be driving the special livery in her honor for this weekend."

Marlyne Sexton and her husband, Joe, established Sexton Properties in 1962, with their first project located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This proximity sparked a lasting friendship with A.J. Foyt, who was one of their first tenants. Foyt reminisced, "I met Marlyne’s husband, Joe Sexton, years ago. I was one of the first customers, and from then on, we were just great friends."

Larry Foyt, team president of AJ Foyt Racing, also shared his heartfelt tribute, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Marlyne Sexton. It can’t be overstated the positive effects she has had on not only our team but on me personally. Her strength and positive influence are a huge piece of our recent successes."

Sexton Properties began sponsoring AJ Foyt Racing during the 2015 Indianapolis 500 as an associate partner and escalated to a primary sponsorship role by 2022. This partnership was a testament to Sexton’s commitment to motorsports and her admiration for the team.

The weekend at Road America not only served as a commemorative event but also as a competitive platform for the drivers. Kyle Kirkwood, driving for Andretti Global, aimed to make history by becoming the first driver from the team to win three consecutive races since Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012. Kirkwood’s performance at Road America has shown consistent improvement, suggesting a promising outlook for the race.

Colton Herta, another notable driver, has consistently performed well at Road America, having never finished worse than eighth in his eight starts. Despite his strong track record, he has yet to secure a victory at the course, underscoring the competitive nature of INDYCAR racing.

In addition to the racing action, the event featured a charitable initiative led by rookie driver Louis Foster, who shaved his mustache for charity, raising funds for Racing For Kids. Foster's willingness to engage with fans and contribute to a good cause highlights the spirit of camaraderie that permeates the INDYCAR community.

As the weekend progressed, the focus remained on the legacy of Marlyne Sexton, whose contributions to both the AJ Foyt Racing team and the real estate sector will not be forgotten. The team’s tribute serves as a reminder of the personal connections that enrich the sport of racing, blending competition with heartfelt remembrance. The commemorative livery on the No. 14 car symbolizes the lasting impact of Sexton’s legacy on both the team and the broader racing community.

The XPEL Grand Prix at Road America not only provided an arena for competition but also a platform for honoring a remarkable individual whose influence will be felt long after her passing.