Racing for Marlyne: The Emotional Story Behind Ferrucci’s Podium
Sometimes, racing is about more than speed. It’s about family, legacy, and the people who quietly fuel the journey from behind the scenes. For Santino Ferrucci and AJ Foyt Racing, Sunday’s podium at Road America was more than just another great finish, it was a tribute, a farewell, and a celebration of Marlyne Sexton, one of the team’s most passionate supporters.
More Than a Sponsor
Marlyne Sexton wasn’t just a name on the side of the car. While many racing partnerships are strictly business, the Sexton family’s connection to AJ Foyt Racing has always been deeply personal. Marlyne and her late husband were not only racing fans but genuine believers in the potential of the team and its drivers. Their support helped keep the No. 14 car on the grid during some of its toughest seasons. Without them, Ferrucci admits, he might never have had a full-season ride.
„It’s her support that’s been behind us all along,“ Ferrucci said after the race. „I would not have had a full season ride without Larry (Foyt) and her. She was part of the family.“
That family feeling was impossible to miss this weekend. Marlyne passed away just days before the race, making Road America an emotional battleground for the team. The car Ferrucci drove proudly carried her memorial livery, and her daughters, Tracy and Nicole, were present on the grid. As Ferrucci stood alongside them, preparing to race, the weight of the moment was evident.
“It was hard not to be emotional about it,” he admitted. “It was someone that was family to the team who passed away last week. I’m just happy she was riding on board with us today to witness some greatness.”
From Setback to Celebration
Ferrucci’s road to the podium wasn’t easy. He started 18th on the grid, a position that usually signals a long day of battling just to reach the top ten. But in true Ferrucci fashion, he attacked the race with a mix of grit and strategic patience. Unlike his usual aggressive style, he chose to be calm in the chaos.
“I was trying to be super patient and not make mistakes,” he said. “I stalled in the pits at one point, but thanks to the new hybrid system I was able to fire back up quickly.”
Even with a heavy fuel-saving strategy in the closing laps and rising pressure from charging competitors, Ferrucci kept his composure. He soaked up the atmosphere, the heat, and the challenge, and brought the car home in third place.
And then, in true Santino Ferrucci style, he made it memorable. He celebrated with fans by shotgunning a beer, offered by a supporter trackside.
“I asked for a Spotted Cow, but they gave me a Miller,” Ferrucci joked. “I’ve been working on my shotgunning skills since the Chili Bowl. Giving my dirt racing guys some credit for that.”
It was a lighthearted moment, but the day carried undeniable emotional weight.
A Legacy That Stays on Track
AJ Foyt Racing has seen a remarkable turnaround in recent seasons, going from struggling to break into the top 20 to becoming a consistent threat for Top 10s and even getting three Top 3 Finishes this year already. Behind that resurgence is a tightly knit group of people like Marlyne Sexton, who believed in the team when few others did.
Ferrucci’s podium wasn’t just a win for him or his crew—it was a victory for everyone who had worked to bring the team back to relevance.
“To have Tracy and Nicole here this weekend was pretty amazing,” Ferrucci said. “Looking forward to Marlyne ’s memorial next week, to celebrating her life. I’m proud we could honor her like this.”
Racing often focuses on the drivers, the speed, and the results. But behind every success story are people like Marlyne Sexton—quiet heroes whose impact is felt in ways that don’t always make headlines but are never forgotten by those they’ve helped.
At Road America, Santino Ferrucci didn’t just race for points or trophies. He raced for Marlyne. And whether you believe in fate or just poetic timing, it’s hard to argue that she wasn’t riding with him every step of the way.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment