Indy Roadsters

Indy Roadster History
In 1946, Frank Kurtis began designing cars specifically for Indy 500, the Ross Page special being his first. The Indy Roadster was introduced in 1952 and was specially designed to accommodate the repetitive turns of the 2.5-mile oval by placing more weight on the inner left-hand of the vehicle. In addition, the Roadster was much lighter and quicker. The Kurtis Roadster dominated the Indy 500 lineup for several years.

In 1955, a mechanic named A.J. Watson arrived at Indy and took the “roadster” to a new level. He modified a Kurtis-built roadster for the John Zink Team and won the race. Overall, Watson built some 23 roadsters, including the cars that won the 500 in 1959-60, 1962 and 1963. When A.J. Foyt, Jr., recorded the last 500 victory for a front-engine car in 1964, he, too, was driving a Watson roadster. Watson-built cars won the race seven times, which leaves him tied for the record for most wins by a builder. Watson, a legend in motorsports, will be honored in person at the Rolex Monterey Historic.

Overall, the Indy Roadster won the Indy 500 twelve consecutive times (1953-1964).

“By conquering the great challenges of the Indy 500 races, the Roadster left an innovative mark in the history of automotive engineering,” said Earle. “Our event will not only honor the various Roadster models but those who participated in the entire Indy Roadster Era, including drivers, mechanics and team owners.”

 

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