GREENSBURG, Pa. — When William Oliver “Blackie” Watt walks through the halls of Newhaven Court at Lindwood, his trademark grin and quick wit still turn heads, just like his cars once did on racing tracks across Pennsylvania.
The 92-year-old native of New Alexandria in Westmoreland County has traded the roar of late models and modifieds for the comfort of life with his wife of 63 years, Mary Lu, at the senior living community. But make no mistake, the competitive fire that fueled feature victories estimated at nearly 1,000 still burns bright.
“I just love to keep moving,” Watt said. “Doesn’t matter if it’s on four wheels or two legs.”
It’s a fitting attitude for a man whose initials — W.O.W. — once seemed prophetic.
His racing career began almost by accident in 1951, when a scheduled driver didn’t show up, and the then-teenager jumped behind the wheel. Blackie kept on driving.
“My dad used to race. My two brothers and I used to go out into an empty field and drive around,” recalled Watt, who began racing at age 17.
He eventually approached team owner Joe Pitkavish and asked if he could drive his No. 88 car. Eventually, Watt’s persistence paid off, and the partnership benefited both owner and driver.
“The first time I drove his car was at Jennerstown Speedway,” Watt said. “The first seven nights I went there, I won. The previous driver said that car could never win there, but I sure proved him wrong.”
Over the next four decades, Watt became one of western Pennsylvania’s most respected and successful dirt-track drivers, collecting hundreds of wins — though he never bothered to count precisely. He built a reputation for running “hard and flat-out.”
Watt spent one memorable 1966 season competing in NASCAR’s top Grand National division, facing legends such as Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison.
Driving for Blairsville trucking company owner Harry Neal, among Watt’s best finishes that season included three sixth-place runs and a top-30 spot in overall points, a remarkable achievement for an independent team running on grit and ingenuity.
“Blackie was in the qualifier for the Firecracker 400,” said Mary Lu Watt, recalling what she ranked as one of her husband’s most memorable races — held in Daytona, Florida, on July 3, 1966. “Because I was his wife, I had a pass and could have gotten in. But my friend who was with me that day didn’t have a pass. We couldn’t get in together, so we waited outside.
“Suddenly, we heard the race announcer screaming so loud that we could hear it in the parking lot,” Mary Lu said. “It was Blackie. He won the race by 4 inches after moving from fourth place to first.”
One published account of Watt’s dramatic finish in the Firecracker 400 qualifier noted, “He pulled the slingshot down low behind Bobby Allison and dipped his left side tires onto the apron, causing his car to go sideways across the finish line in first place, passing Roy Mayne. It took over two hours to declare Blackie the winner by a bumper.”
Watt unofficially puts his career feature win total between 600 and 1,000. He competed in late models and modifieds divisions, including a 25-year partnership with car owner Pitkavish.
In 1974, the team won 36 features and earned track titles at Lernerville Speedway, Motordrome Speedway and what is now known as Latrobe Speedway.
His trademark driving style, such as sliding into corners, car cocked at an improbable angle, became a signature sight for local fans.
Today, the trophies and photos that once filled the walls of his home have found a new audience. Fellow residents and team members at Newhaven Court at Lindwood love hearing his stories about hauling cars to Syracuse, battling for wins at Langhorne, or swapping engines with A.J. Foyt’s crew at Daytona.
“He brings so much energy to our community,” said Lori Grant, Executive Operations Officer at Newhaven Court at Lindwood. “His stories light up the room, and his humor and humility make everyone feel like they’ve known him for years.”
For Watt, the transition from the racetrack to retirement has been as smooth as one of his clean exits off Turn 4. He enjoys the camaraderie of community events, the daily connections with friends and caregivers, and the chance to reflect on a lifetime lived wide open.
“We used to have 6.9 acres of land, so I had a car garage, and I mowed and did a lot of work,” Watt said. “That’s why we chose Newhaven Court. So, we could slow down. Mary Lu’s mother was a resident for eight years, so we were familiar with the community. We spend our days relaxing and enjoying activities.”
At Newhaven Court at Lindwood, a sense of teamwork and shared joy fits Watt perfectly. Whether he’s reminiscing about his days racing a ’36 Chevy coupe for longtime car-owner Pitkavish, or sharing a laugh in the dining room, Watt’s presence is a reminder that life, like racing, is all about momentum.
“Blackie may not be behind the wheel anymore,” Grant said, “but he’s still leading the pack.”
For more information, contact Michael Brandonio, Community Relations Director, Newhaven Court at Lindwood, at [email protected] or call 724.853.2505.
