Putty Hill Garage and Gastrock Racing Team from 1962 to 1964

Putty Hill Garage and Gastrock Racing Team from 1962 to 1964

During this time frame, there were several drivers, cars, and numbers for the team. All the while, keeping their paint scheme of white with red flames on the front. The drivers included the following: Chuck Talbert in the Number 5 in at least 1962, as well Ernie Tester and Frank Cline in the Number 7. Unfortunately, no photos were available in Jim Bunty's albums for these drivers and cars; however, you can find a few photos of these cars and drivers on the Maryland Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame website on their pages on Wesport Stadium and Dorsey Speedway.

The photos below include the return of Ralph Smith to the team in the Number 12 in 1963 and Frankie Thompson in 1964 when the team became the Gastrock's Towing team. The Number 12 is a bit different than the 88, 88A, 5, and 7 cars, which were 1937 Fords with Flathead engines or Mercury V8 and a 1957 Ford with a Mercury V8. The Number 12 cars were Buicks with Nailhead engines.

The Eras of the Putty Hill Garage Teams

If you haven't already, I would suggest starting on our Legacy of the Putty Hill Garage Racing Teams post first.

Putty Hill Garage Racing Team from 1952-1953
Putty Hill Garage Racing Team from 1954-1957
Putty Hill Garage Racing Team from 1958-1959
Nite Crawlers Racing Team from 1960-1961
Putty Hill Garage and Gastrock Racing Teams from 1962-1964 (You are here)

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1962-1963

Likely taken in 1962 or 1963, the five photos above show the number 12 Buick being built and before it even has it's engine installed.

1963

  • Ralph Smith

    Ralph Smith with the Number 12 Buick

  • Number 12

    The Number 12 Buick site built and ready to race.

1963

Familiar Win

Ralph Smith with the racecar after a familiar win at Lincoln Speedway in Pennsylvania

1963

Receiving the Trophy

Ralph Smith receiving his trophy at Lincoln Speedway on May 11, 1963.

1963

Ralph Smith

Ralph leans on the racecar at Lincoln Speedway on April 20, 1963.

1963

The Team

Team members stand with the racecar at the track, including Jim Bunty (middle)

1963

  • Collision on the Track

    Ralph and the racecar in a collision on the track

  • Collision on the Track

    As is the nature of racing, another collision on the track

1963

  • Give it a Push

    Jim Bunty (behind the car) and another team member push the car into place whil Ralph Smith steers.

1964

  • Win at Lincoln Speedway

    Frankie Thompson after a win at Lincoln Speedway on May 2, 1964

  • Win at Lincoln Speedway

    Another photo of Frankie's win at Lincoln

  • Another Win

    Another win for Frankie Thompson at Lincoln Speedway

1964

  • Jim Bunty and Frankie Thompso

    Jim Bunty (Left) and Frankie Thompson (right) with the Gastrock Buick Special.

  • Frankie Thompson

    Frankie Thompson with the Gastrock Buick Special.

  • Gastrock Buick Special

    The Gastrock Buick Special with a Nailhead engine.

  • Gastrock Buick Special

    The Gastrock Buick Special with a Nailhead engine.

1964

Paused in Time

A crash paused in time at Lincoln Speedway on July 19, 1964.

1964

Without the Signature Paint

Frankie Thompson in action at Lincoln Speedway on July 25, 1964

1964

Without the Signature Paint

Buick Special number 12 on the trailer outside of Jim Bunty's home in Essex, Maryland on August 29, 1964

1964

  • Helping Hand

    Frankie Thompson, still wearing his helmet, helps to roll over another car.

  • In Action

    Farnkie Thompson in action at Lincoln Speedway

  • In Action

    Another photo of the Gastrock Buick Special in action on the track

1964

  • Show at William's Grove

    Frankie Thompson (right) at a show at Williams Grove Speedway in Pennsylvania.
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Inspired by the 1960 National Modified Champion Racing Jackets worn by the real team

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