July 11, 1968: Richard Petty is fond of Fonda
Stock Car Racing History
Ah yes, Fonda... site of what one writer called one of racing's 10 Stupidest Moments and it involved my first racing hero, J.T. Putney:
"The 10 Stupidest Moments In NASCAR History" By Steve Nash
The greatest events in NASCAR history can usually find their way onto columns fast. They are moments of greatness, superiority, luck, and above all talent. They define the sport; they make up the foundation for the competition that the sport is built on.
Unfortunately, the other moments never make it onto columns and lists. No, these aren't the good, the great, or the awesome moments. Yes, they are the dumbest moments. The total lack of judgment, and the stupidity that certain situations have produced. The brainless and above all wacky moments that most drivers tend to forget fast. And to celebrate NASCAR's growing success, I've come up with a list entitled: The Ten Stupidest Moments in Winston Cup History.
6. Graveyard Shift-J.T. Putney, Tiny Lund-Fonda Speedway, 1966-
Putney had started second, and quickly jumped to the front, leading the first 31 laps. However, on lap 32 he spun off of turn two. The tiny 1/2-mile dirt track didn't have an outside retaining wall on the turns, so he spun over the banking. Putney regathered his car into control on a service road that led from the Erie Canal to the backstretch. Oddly enough, the road went through a graveyard, which is where Putney drove through before returning to the track. But by returning to the track, he drove straight in the path of Tiny Lund, who t-boned Putney, and also took out Bobby Allison and Lyle Stetler. Putney not only took out four cars in his bonehead maneuver, but he was KO'd by a punch from Lund. Lund had approached Putney following the incident in the garage area, and knocked Putney unconscious with a right-cut to Putney's jaw. NASCAR officials fined Lund $100.
By the way, "The King" finished second that day (7/14/1966) to David Pearson and ahead of northeast NASCAR Modified standout Rene Charland.
