Baranouski Marks Milestone 450th IndyCar Race with Foyt Racing
Mid-Ohio – Craig Baranouski, the long-serving team manager for AJ Foyt Racing, celebrated a significant milestone this weekend: his 450th consecutive race in the IndyCar Series, a record that underscores his unwavering commitment to the sport since its inception in 1996.
Baranouski, originally from Quincy, Michigan, began his career in the 1980s with the CART IndyCar Series, working with teams such as Brayton Racing and Patrick Racing before joining Foyt’s squad in January 1987. His tenure with Foyt has seen him contribute to over 500 races, marking a distinguished journey through the highs and lows of IndyCar history.
"I’m just counting IRL races, and I’ve never missed an IRL race," Baranouski stated. Reflecting on his early years, he noted, "We only did limited races in ‘87 because A.J. competed in sports cars and stock cars, but this is where I wanted to be."
Foyt praised Baranouski’s versatility: "Craig is a big asset to our team. Anytime I ask him for something, he can’t do it quick enough. He’s an all-around mechanic and works on my ranch equipment too."
Throughout his career, Baranouski has navigated Foyt’s evolution from a competitive powerhouse in the early IRL years—including a championship win in 1996 with Scott Sharp—to recent challenges. Key successes during his tenure include a victory at the 1999 Indianapolis 500 with Kenny Brack.
In recent years, Foyt Racing has sought to revitalize its performance with the promising pairing of young drivers Santino Ferrucci and David Malukas. "This is the first year we’ve had two really good drivers," Baranouski remarked, highlighting the positive effect on team morale and performance.
Despite starting mid-pack at Mid-Ohio during his milestone race, Baranouski remains optimistic about the future. Looking ahead to his planned retirement in December 2027, he aims for a total of 491 races while continuing to prioritize Foyt’s well-being at the track.
As Baranouski reflects on his tenure, he acknowledges the league’s evolution. "It doesn’t seem like that many races until you stop and add it up. The league itself is going to be 30 years old soon. It’s still a youth-related game, but my experience allows me to see the bigger picture."
With an impressive record and a future focused on nurturing new talent, Baranouski’s contribution to IndyCar remains invaluable.
