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A.J. Watson RIP


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#1 B Squared

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 16:52

I'm so saddened to have to pass this information along, A.J. Watson will be greatly missed. It is a pleasure to have known him for the last 20 years as my Dad, brother and I worked on our projects and sometimes went to Mr. Watson for assistance. I'm glad to have known him, our many trips to his shop are treasured, as was he.

 

http://www.nationals...-j-watson-dies/



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#2 B Squared

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 17:35

Robin Miller at Racer remembers Mr. Watson:

 

http://www.racer.com...atson-1924-2014



#3 arttidesco

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 17:50

I only got to read about the great AJ Watson and the dual Parnelli Jones had in the Watson Roadster against Chapman's Lotus driven by Jim Clark in the early 70's, it was without question part of the romance that fueled my interest in all things motor racing at a formative age.

 

Sad to hear of your loss Brian.

 

Condolences to Mr Watson's family and friends may he RIP. 



#4 David M. Kane

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 18:54

What a sad day for me, for all of us...I first listen to the 500 on the radio as a 10 year old in 1950. A.J. was an icon. A.J. Foyt said he was the first A.J.! That is the most humble words that A.J. Foyt has ever uttered in some respects. That's a little harsh to say the least. At 11-12 I got my first flattop haircut because of him.

 

He was my hero! Goodbye my friend, RIP.



#5 Michael Ferner

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 18:55

Oah, ****! It was bound to happen some day, but this is one heck of a way to ruin this one. :cry:



#6 racinggeek

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 19:02

Damn, and after Bignotti left us recently, too. Chatted AJ up a couple times at Road America and Milwaukee -- pretty easy to recognize him as the crew cut never went away -- and he was pleasant and willing to talk. RIP.



#7 Richard Jenkins

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 19:21

A true legend, and I'm glad that in more recent years he got the recognition he deserved that many other car builders of his era didn't always receive.

 

RIP



#8 rateus

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 19:33

Farewell to the creator of (in my mind at least) the most beautiful race cars ever built - there's just something about a Watson roadster that ticks all the boxes for me.  A fitting legacy for a great man - RIP.



#9 Henri Greuter

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 19:43

Bye A.J.

Wished that Andy Granatelli ever tried to talk you into building a Novi powered version of your icon but you probably would not have done that anyway, given your opinions on how a car had to be built

Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.

 

Henri



#10 jj2728

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Posted 12 May 2014 - 20:40

RIP

#11 B Squared

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Posted 13 May 2014 - 09:19

A.J. Watson with Rodger Ward and Ralph Wilkie the day after their 1959 victory at Indianapolis.

WatsonWardWilkieIMS59001_zps6fd69e51.jpg

#12 JacnGille

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Posted 14 May 2014 - 00:47

Sad news



#13 raceannouncer2003

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Posted 14 May 2014 - 05:23

His cars live on…I'm sure he would have been pleased and proud at Monterey 2007:
 
DSCF3683.jpg
 
DSCF3685.jpg
 
DSCF3765.jpg
 
Vince H.
 
 
 

 


Edited by raceannouncer2003, 14 May 2014 - 05:24.


#14 red stick

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Posted 14 May 2014 - 17:52

Admittedly it's short notice, but any word from those closer to the area on IMS having any kind of tribute?



#15 E1pix

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Posted 19 May 2014 - 22:43

Truly sad news, we felt more than honored to spend some weekends with AJ when shooting for Hemelgarn/Lazier in 1992.

What a lovely and humble man! AJ was a regular guy who lived the dream through one memorable era.

Another Legend is gone... though his Legendry is truly immortal.

Thank You, Sir (and our condolences, Brian).