During this time frame, there were several drivers, cars, and numbers for the team. All the while, they kept their paint scheme of white with red flames. The drivers included the following:
- Chuck Talbert in the Number 5
- Ernie Tester in the Number 7
- Frank Cline in the Number 7
- Ralph Smith in the Number 12
- Frankie Thompson in the Number 12
Unfortunately, no photos were available in Jim Bunty’s albums for these drivers and cars. However, the Maryland Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame has some photos on their Wesport Stadium and Dorsey Speedway pages.
The photos below include the return of Ralph Smith to the team in the Number 12 in 1963. Frankie Thompson took over in 1964 when the team became the Gastrock Towing Team. The Number 12 is different from the other cars in that it’s a Buick Special with a Nailhead engine.
The team traveled less with the Number 12 and raced mostly in Pennsylvania at Williams Grove and Lincoln Speedway.
The Number 12 Buick Special
Photos taken of the progress building the Number 12 Buick Special
Ralph Smith Returns in 1963
Ralph Smith with the Number 12 Buick Special
Ralph stands with the car at Lincoln Speedway
The team stands with the car at Lincoln Speedway
A pair of wins for Ralph Smith and the team at Lincoln Speedway
Ralph Smith in collisions on the track
Jim Bunty (left) and another team member push the car into place while Ralph steers
Frankie Thompson and the Gastrock Special in 1964
Frankie Thompson racks up wins at Lincoln Speedway
Jim Bunty (left) and Frankie Thompson (right) stand with the Gastrock Special
The Gastrock Special with a Nailhead engine
A crash paused in time at Lincoln Speedway on July 19, 1964
Frankie Thompson and the Gastrock Special in action at Lincoln Speedway on July 25, 1964
The Gastrock Special without the signature paint scheme sits on the trailer outside of Jim Bunty’s home in Essex, Maryland on August 29, 1964
Frankie Thompson lends a hand to help roll over another car
Frankie Thompson and the Gastrock Special in action
Ralph Smith, Frankie Thompson, and the Gastrock Special at a show at Williams Grove Speedway
Explore the Eras of the Putty Hill Garage Racing Team
Just Getting Started
From 1952 to 1953, Pete Kantorski was the car owner and driver of the Number 23. The team was the Free State Stock Car Racing Association Champion in 1953.
A Pair of Champion Drivers
From 1954 to 1957, championship drivers Ralph Smith and Ken Marriott raced the Number 88 and 88A, respectively, to earn the team’s first titles.
Dominating Alcyon Speedway
From 1958 to 1959, Ed “Fireball” Lindsay took over the Number 88, racking up his share of wins, particularly at Alcyon Speedway in New Jersey.
The Nite Crawlers
In 1960 and 1961, the team won back-to-back NASCAR Modified Championships with car owner Tiny Slayton and driver Johnny Roberts.
Gastrock Special
1962 to 1964 saw a few drivers for the team. With Gastrock Towing as the new car owner, the car was now the Number 12 and a Buick Special with a Nailhead engine.
