INDY-500 WINNERS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1959 Indianapolis 500: The Technical Shift to the Watson Roadster
 
The 43rd International 500-Mile Sweepstakes marked the first victory for the Watson Roadster in its refined offset configuration. Built by A.J. Watson for the Leader Card team, the chassis featured a design where the 255 cubic inch Offenhauser engine and the driveline were shifted significantly to the left side of the frame. This 1,600-pound car was engineered to optimize weight distribution for the four left-hand turns of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, reducing tire wear on the right-side wheels. Rodger Ward, a former P-38 Lightning pilot during World War II, operated the vehicle under the management of Bob Wilke and chief mechanic Watson.
 
Starting from the 6th position on the outside of the 2nd row, Ward engaged in a technical battle with Jim Rathmann, involving multiple lead changes. The 1959 event was the first to utilize the vertical scoring pylon installed at the start-finish line. This steel structure provided the first automated visual tracking of the top ten positions, replacing the previous manual scoreboard methods. Ward’s strategy focused on fuel management and mechanical preservation, allowing him to maintain an average speed of 135.857 mph over the 200-lap duration.
 
Ward led for 130 laps, securing the win after Rathmann was forced to slow down due to excessive tire delamination in the closing stages. This victory was the first of two Indianapolis 500 wins for Ward and established the A.J. Watson chassis as the standard for roadster construction at the Brickyard. The 1959 race demonstrated the effectiveness of the Watson "narrow" chassis design, which utilized magnesium wheels and a lightweight frame to achieve superior power-to-weight ratios compared to the heavier laydown roadsters of the previous years.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.