Watson Indianapolis

For better road holding on the oval track at Indianapolis, the center of gravity of this Watson race car, built specifically for the Indy 500, is positioned toward the inside of the track.

For better road holding on the oval Indianapolis circuit, the center of gravity of this Watson racing car, built specially for the Indy 500, is positioned toward the inside of the track. The car is longer and lower than most of its competitors and has a more aerodynamic shape. It is one of the first racing cars in which polyester and magnesium were used instead of aluminum. The driver can adjust the suspension from inside the car. It is no surprise that A.J. Watson, who built this car, was one of the best-known engineers and racing car constructors the Indy 500 has ever seen. From the late 1940s onward he was actively preparing cars for the Indy races, and from about 1955 to 1965 one third of all participating cars were built or race-prepared by him. During that period the race was won six times by a Watson car.