Speedway in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

A.J. Watson

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 1, 2021

1. A.J. Watson Marker

Inscription.
The “Wizard of Indy” is an apt title for master car builder, A.J. Watson. He arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1948 and in 1950 qualified the low budget “Pots and Pans Special”, built by a group of fellow Glendale, California hot-rodders. This set the stage for A.J. as he changed the face of racing at the world’s greatest race course. In 1955, he won the 500 as chief mechanic. Then, in 1956, he won with a car of his own design, it was the first of the famed Watson Roadsters.

Revered today as the most beautiful cars in Speedway history, they were as effective as they were aesthetic. From 156 through 1964 A.J.’s cars won six 500’s. In 1963, half the 500 field were cars built by A.J. or built from his plans. And, in 1964 the top four finishers were Watsons. Renowned for his unprecedented successes, he’s best recalled among his peers for his white crew cut, building a car without getting dirty, his humbleness, and willingness to help others.

Erected 2016 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association Indiana Bicentennial.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 39° 47.283′ N, 86° 14.492′ W. Marker is

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in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Speedway. Marker is at the intersection of Crawfordsville Road and North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Crawfordsville Road. marker is at the Speedway Trailhead Park, off a round-about. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4910 W 16th St, Indianapolis IN 46224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Allison Machine Shop (approx. 0.3 miles away); WWI Aviation Repair Depot (approx. 0.4 miles away); Indianapolis Motor Speedway (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Pathology Building (approx. 2 miles away); Pathological Department / Old Pathology Building (approx. 2 miles away); Floyd "Pop" Dreyer (approx. 2.1 miles away); Central State Hospital (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Henry F. Campbell Mansion (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 1, 2021

2. A.J. Watson Marker

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 1, 2021

3. A.J. Watson Marker

The marker stands on the trail with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway showing in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.