Tom Putnam

[draglist]

I just saw this during an Internet search. Tom Putnam was a great guy, a draglist.com advertiser, and the man who introduced both Jason and Emily to Junior Dragster racing in a fun and safe way. RIP, Tom. You were a special man. bp

Thomas A. Putnam
Dragster Builder

Thomas A. Putnam, 63, a well-known builder of drag racers and founder of the Junior Dragster School, died of cancer Dec. 10 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.

Mr. Putnam, through his company, Putnam Race Cars, built cars, custom parts and youngsters into highly skilled components of the local racing scene. A lifelong racing fan, he started building and driving race cars in the 1960s at the old 75-80 Dragway in Frederick and the Aquasco track in Prince George's County. Demand for his cars and components led him to stop racing and turn to supplying.

He formed the Junior Dragster School in 1997, introducing hundreds of youngsters to the sport at the Capitol Raceway and Maryland International Raceway. He soon became the region's major builder of eighth-mile racers, building cars with a narrow wheelbase and the first rack-and-pinion steering in the class. He sold the school a few months ago, after he became ill.

A native Washingtonian, Mr. Putnam attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

Since 1997, he had worked for the mechanical contracting firm W.E. Bowers Inc. as an air-conditioning specialist. He had previously owned a heating and air-conditioning business, Air systems Inc., in Bowie. In the late 1970s, he was a custom home builder, and in the 1980s, he owned the P.G. Speed and Custom Shoppe in Bowie.

Survivors include his companion, Meg Droegmeyer of Bowie; their daughters, Kathy Gole and Tracy Martin, both of Alexandria; a brother, Robert Putnam of Annapolis; a sister, Sheri Putnam of Fallsington, Pa.; and a grandson.

[pro70z28]

Sorry to here the news BP. Sounds like a great guy.

[bandit]

Sorry BP. RIP Mr. Putnam.

[jim sanders]

sorry B.P.

[WildcatOne]

Sorry to hear of his loss, BP. He helped a lot of people and he was widely known as an all-around great guy. RIP, Mr. Putnam. WC1

[Racer704]

WOW, I just joined the site and wass looking around and saw that Tom had passed away and it hit me big time. Tom built my 69 Pro Street Chevelle. I got alot of ink from that car and it worked great with Toms help. Tom was a good man and I am sorry I didnt here of this sooner, I haved moved to North Carolina from the Wash. DC area and have been here for 6 years.

[draglist]

Tom was a super guy. He and I traded advertising on draglist for free lessons for both my kids in junior dragsters. It was a great time for all of us. He was a great chassis builder and a truly nice man. bp

[Rapid Randy Baker]

RIP Tom

[RH]

Sorry to hear the news BP.
You know that EVERYONE in our neck of the woods knows Tom.
He's been a fixture here for many years and his loss will certainly leave a void in the community.
My condolences to his family.

[Gator]

R.I.P. Tom