Edwards & Young Racing – Seattle & Kent, WA.

We are saddened to learn that fellow local racer, Gary Putman, has passed away. Here’s Gary’s obituary from the Seattle Times:

Gary Robert PUTMAN April 21, 1954 ~ May 3, 2012 Gary was born and grew up in Van Wert, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he spent several years touring the US and Canada, camping, hiking, fishing, paying his way with short term work and freelance auto repair. He settled in Seattle in 1978. Gary continued to be an active outdoorsman, adding boating, motorcycle riding, and drag racing to the activities he enjoyed over the years. He worked 33 years at West Side Import Repair in West Seattle, first as a mechanic and then as owner-operator, until illness forced him to close the business in May 2011. Gary was always willing to lend a hand and share knowledge; he is the last of his family, but will be mightily missed by his many friends. A gift to your favorite charity or to cancer research would be an appropriate memorial. – Published in The Seattle Times on May 7, 2012

View/Sign Gary’s Guest Book

This from our August 2004 archives, and how I wish to remember Gary, when he was racing and having a great time. R.I.P. Gary, you will never be forgotten and thanks for the memories…  Roger

===============

We also offer our congratulations to Gary Putman with his Chevy-powered Pontiac, making it to the final round this evening and narrowly missing the win! With this outing, Gary is basically assured a spot on Pacific Raceway’s Pro-bracket team to represent PR at Mission this season! That’s two years in a row that Gary has made the team with the 400 small-block designed by us.

Update: As of August 15th, Gary was #5 in the PR points standings this season!

Gary Putman runs first 10!
Finishes #5 in the PR points race

Rich Carlson photo - Bremerton Raceway 2003

Gary of Westside Imports recorded his first 10-second pass in his Pontiac at Bremerton Raceway on April 11, 2004. Gary runs a 400 Chev low compression, small-block designed by Young Racing Engines.

Gary recorded a 10.977 @ 122.46 mph with a 1.515 sixty-foot time after freshening the engine over the winter after 200 trouble-free passes and installing lower rear gears. The following weekend Gary recorded a even quicker 10.94 pass at Pacific Raceways after averaging 11.20’s @ 118 mph last season.

After a slight jetting change, On the morning of April 25th at PR, Gary ran a 10.83 @ 123+ mph in good air!

Update: Gary finished #5 in the Pro-bracket points at Pacific Raceways this season.

Congratulations to Gary!

Wes recently asked:

Thanks for your website! I love it! 

I own a ’66 Tempest and I am modifying it to get a 12 second mile this summer. Our cars look very much alike! 

The engine is being built as we speak. I wanted to know what you did for your suspension. I am having trouble getting big tires to fit without air shocks. 

Thanks,

Wes

Chris responds:

Wes,

We use the Mickey Thompson ET Street #3755, it measures 28×12.50 and has a tread width of 9.9 in. You have to flatten the wheel lip on the inside of the quarter panel and do some slight hammering to the inner wheel house. You also have to use the Center Line wheel that has a width of 8.5 in and a 4-7/8 back space if memory serves.

We use the 55.5 in rear end and a 1/4 wheel spacer. We also use a airbag in the right rear spring to limit body roll on launch along with the Jegs upper and lower control arms. Also use the Competition Engineering adjustable shocks. Hope this helps!

Thanks,

Chris Young

Paul in winners circle at Pacific Raceways on April 23, 2011