Racing pioneer Putney dies at 72

By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
April 11, 2001
4:35 PM EDT (2035 GMT)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Former NASCAR Grand National (now called Winston Cup) racer J.T. Putney passed away here Wednesday morning. He was 72.

Actively competing from 1964-1967, the Arden, N.C., native entered 125 races and garnered 16 top-fives and 49 top-10s. He finished a career best of second twice in his career.

J.T. Putney enjoyed speed -- whether on the ground or in the air.

The driver of the No. 19 Chevrolet was the rookie of the year runner-up in 1964. His best finish in points was in 1966, when he ended the season eighth. David Pearson was the champion that year.

"He was a journeyman of the sport, traveling from track to track when we had like 58 races back in those days," said Bob Latford, an author and historian of motorsports. "He was a big man for his size in those days at 6-2, not like today's drivers. He ran as hard as he could with the equipment he had and was a real nice guy."

An avid aviator, Putney would often fly himself to the race events. His passion for the sky didn't quit after his racing days ended. He went on to work as a commercial pilot, owned his own planes and also was an air traffic controller in Macon, Ga.

In recent years, he had developed a heart condition, but it didn't keep him down. He and former driver Marvin Panch would travel to the Northwest and purchase motorhomes for Panch's business.

Julian Taylor Putney is survived by his wife, Joyce.