INDY-500 WINNERS Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
1960 Indianapolis 500: The Apex of the Watson Roadster Duel
 
The 44th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes is recorded as one of the most competitive editions in the history of the event, defined by a sustained battle between Jim Rathmann and Rodger Ward. Rathmann drove the Ken-Paul Special, a Watson-built roadster powered by the standard 255 cubic inch Offenhauser engine. The chassis followed A.J. Watson’s established design of shifting the engine and driveline to the left, but it was specifically tuned for this race to handle the higher cornering speeds allowed by the track's increasingly smooth asphalt surface.
 
Starting from the 2nd position in the middle of the 1st row, Rathmann participated in a race that featured 29 lead changes, a record that stood for 51 years. The 1960 event was visually characterized by the dense concentration of spectator scaffold platforms and infield viewing structures, which provided elevated vantage points for the crowd of over 250,000 people. Rathmann and Ward traded the lead throughout the second half of the race, with the outcome determined by tire management on the abrasive track surface.
 
In the final laps, Ward was forced to decelerate to avoid a tire failure, allowing Rathmann to secure the victory with an average speed of 138.767 mph. Rathmann, who had finished in second place at Indianapolis three times previously (1952, 1957, and 1959), finally reached Victory Lane in his 11th start. This win solidified the Watson-Offy as the dominant mechanical package of the era, marking its third consecutive victory. The 1960 race remains a primary example of the technical limits of front-engine roadster performance before the transition to rear-engine technology.
 
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.