Obituary – A  J  Watson

A  J  Watson, constructor of Offenhauser-powered Indy 500 ‘roadsters’ in the 1950s and ’60s, has died aged 90. During that time his cars dominated the Indy 500, winning six times. Chief mechanic on Bob Sweikert’s victorious Kurtis in 1955, he did the same job on his own winning cars with Pat Flaherty in ’56 and Rodger Ward in 1959 and ’62. Jim Rathmann (1960), Parnelli Jones (’63) and A J Foyt (’64) also won the 500 driving Watson-Offies.

From Glendale, California, Watson’s career took off in 1955 on joining John Zink’s team. After winning two Indy 500s, Watson moved to Bob Wilke’s Leader Card team in 1959, leading to Ward’s two victories. Watson also built cars for others and, in 1963 and ’64 respectively, 13 and 14 Watsons made the Indy field. He was one of the first roadster builders to construct a rear-engined car, with Ward finishing second at Indianapolis in ’64, though these cars weren’t as successful as his roadsters.

He continued to run the Leader Card team, racing Eagles from 1969-77 and scored his last wins in 1971 and ’74. He then built his own cars based on March Lightning chassis before retiring in 1982.

A lean man of few words who always wore a crew cut, Watson was a humble, hard-working type without an ounce of pretension. His cars were beautiful, fast and reliable and without doubt he personified the 500’s great roadster era. Watson passed away at his Indianapolis home only days after his 90th birthday.