NAMES IN THE GAMES : Foyt Races to Get Back on Track

Race car driver A.J. Foyt almost saw his career end last year when he slammed into an embankment. A scant two months and an agonizing rehabilitation later, Foyt is making plans for his comeback.

His original goal was to be healthy enough to attempt to qualify for a record 34th consecutive Indy 500 in May. But in true Foyt fashion, he now hopes to drive in the Autoworks 200 Indy car oval-track race April 21 in Phoenix.

Foyt’s career almost ended last year when he slammed into an embankment on the 26th lap of the Texaco-Havoline 200 at Road America. He underwent three operations for a variety of injuries, including fractures in his legs and feet.

In mid-November he began his comeback with Steve Watterson, strength and rehabilitation coach for the Houston Oilers.

“I told him, ‘This time, I’m the driver. You’re the car,’ ” Watterson told the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. “After that, we had a good relationship.”