Trophy
Object number2010.62.7
Date1964
MediumWood, metal
Credit LineGift of William Watt
DescriptionTiered trophy with gold design and rectangular wooden base. At top in gold medal is a coupe sitting atop a two-handled trophy cup that is flanked by two gold eagles sitting on globes. In the center of the trophy is a gold, winged victory holding a torch standing on a block of marble with an olive branch wreath depicted on the front. On plaque on front of base in engraved award information.Dimensions35.5 x 7.75 x 12 in. (90.2 x 19.7 x 30.5 cm)InscriptionsOn plaque on front of base in engraved: "1ST ANNUAL / LAUREL HIGHLANDS OPEN / 100 LAPS / JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY / 1964".
Historical NotesWilliam "Blackie" Watt is a legend in local auto racing. From the tracks of Western Pennsylvania to a year spent on the NASCAR circuit, Watt became known for his fast times and the cowboy boots he drove in. William Oliver "Blackie" Watt was born on December 13, 1933, in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. In 1961, Blackie and Joe Pitkavish teamed up to begin a twenty-five year relationship and Blackie had enormous success driving Pitkavish's modifieds. Blackie campaigned the Pitkavish cars locally as well as Langhorne and Syracuse. He was the fastest qualifier at Langhorne in 1961. In 1966, Harry Neal, a close friend of Blackie's, bought a 1964 Ford Grand National. They decided to try the NASCAR circuit. The team competed in a total of 19 events and Watt finished in the top ten nine times. The team was financially outclassed but still won a qualifier for the Firecracker 400 while sliding sideways over the finish line in a photo finish beating many of the big-name drivers in the process. The team competed at Rockingham, Atlanta, Bristol, Darlington, and Charlotte. The team only competed for one year in NASCAR. One of the highlights of his career in the 1960's was winning the first Laurel Highlands 101 at Jennerstown. One of the hardest fought races ever witnessed at Lernerville saw Blackie, in his Jack Lentz prepared #93, and Herb Scott battle throughout the feature. Blackie and Herb really put on a good show with Blackie eventually getting the win. He continued to run the modified and late model. He won 53 features in 1974 and won the track championship in both divisions at Latrobe Speedway in 1974 and 1975. He accomplished the same feat at Lernerville a few years later. Blackie was such a big winner at Latrobe Speedway that a bounty was placed on him. Watt continued to race regularly until 1990. [Source: http://www.speedwayproductions.biz/articles/B_Watt.htm]
Previous owner
William Oliver Watt
(born 1933)
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