![]() ![]() ![]() In 1949, France launched a strictly stock-car series. The competing Flock brothers, who became known as the "Flying Flocks," were curious about a new type of race started by Bill France, who formed NASCAR in December 1947 and ran a modified series in 1948. But in the next race, he outran his siblings. Flock embarrassed himself by spinning the car after turn one. While his brothers wouldn't let him drive their cars, another owner offered Flock his vehicle. Sister Ethel was a stock-car driver in her own right, competing in more than 100 races and finishing 11th in her only Grand National.įlock's first professional ride came in 1947 in North Wilkesboro, N.C., in a modified race. Bob and Fonty had their racing careers, which began in the late 1930s. Perhaps it began with Tim's father, who was a bicycle racer and owned the first car in Fort Payne. In fact, the family seemed drawn to the sport. The teenager disregarded an uncle's warning not to date Flock because his brothers were bootleggers.įlock held various jobs but couldn't get racing out of his blood. In 1942, he was drafted into the Army, but was discharged because of an ulcerated stomach.įlock married Frances Marie Roberts in 1944, three years after meeting her when she was 13. Though they tried unsuccessfully to keep Tim away from car racing and in school, he watched the races, which were held in cow pastures and drew crowds of 200 to 300.ĭropping out of school at 16, Flock went to work. The older brothers started competing in unorganized racing events against other bootleggers. Bob and Fonty, Flock's other brothers, also became involved in the family business. Upon Williams' death, Carl became the bootlegging kingpin and moved the family to Atlanta. During prohibition (1919-33), Tim said his uncle was "the biggest bootlegger who ever lived in Atlanta." The eldest, Carl, had already become involved in Uncle Peachtree Williams' bootlegging business. ![]() Flock's mother Maudie, who worked in a hosiery mill, looked to her older children to help pay the bills. He was only one when his father Lee, a mechanic and taxi driver, died at 52. Julius Timothy, who would be known as Tim, was born on May 11, 1924, in Fort Payne, Ala. Most notable was "Jocko Flocko," the pet monkey who accompanied Flock in his car for eight races. With his career winding down in 1961, Flock gained more headlines when he was banned for life from NASCAR for his involvement in attempting to start a drivers union.įlock's personality and antics were as memorable as his victories. His winning percentage of 21.2 remains the best in NASCAR history. Exploding on the scene in the 1950s, he won two Grand National championships and finished with 40 victories (in 189 starts). Raised in a family of bootleggers who never met a vehicle they wouldn't race, Tim Flock made his mark as one of stock-car racing's pioneers. Them guys were still running sideways," says Richard Petty about Tim Flock on ESPN Classic's SportsCentury series. You would see a bunch of them drivers running sideways and doing all. ![]()
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