A.J. Foyt Leading the 1983 Rolex 24 at Daytona

Daytona Beach, Fla. (RacingWire) - Complications from knee surgery will keep A.J. Foyt from being the Grand Marshal for the 50th Anniversary running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Foyt recently underwent knee surgery with the plan to be well enough to make the trip.

Daytona International Speedway officials say Foyt is expected to make a full recovery.

In a statement Foyt said, “I am really sorry that I can’t be there this weekend for the Rolex 24. 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 race cars 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.”

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said, “We wish A.J. a speedy recovery and hope he’s back on his feet soon."