Julius
Timothy Flock was, in the fledgling years of NASCAR's Grand national (now
Winston Cup) circuit, more than a champion. He was a genuine character,
joining the likes of Curtis turner, Joe Weatherly and his own brother Fonty as
an example of the rowdy daredevil that was the sports pioneer driver.
He was a two-time champion, first in 1952 while driving the legendary Hudson
Hornet and again in 1955, while campaigning a Chrysler 300 for Carl Kiekhaefer.
That same year, he won 18 races and 18 pole positions, both thought to be
unbeatable. Indeed, his number of wins during the season stood until
Richard Petty raced to 27 victories in 1967.
In his career, Flock won 40 races, ranking him 12th on NASCAR's all time list.
It seemed only natural Flock should take to cars and racing. His father
was a bicycle race of some repute and owned the first car in Ft. Payne, Alabama.
His older brother Carl raced boats before becoming successful in real estate.
His brothers Bob and Fonty carved their own niche in stock car racing and
competed alongside Tim. For a time, they were known as the "Fabulous
Flock Brothers." Younger sister Reo was an aerial daredevil and
expert skeet shooter. Sister Ethel was a stock car driver in her own
right.
Tim saw his first race in 1937 and he was hooked. He tried to get his
brothers to let him drive, but they told him to bide his time. So he
worked as a taxi driver in his hometown of Atlanta and then spent time as a
fireman, bellhop and a parking lot attendant.
In 1948, he began to race a car owned by Ethel and her husband. He won for
the first time in a 35 -lap feature at North Wilkesboro, NC. He decided he
would make racing his livelihood and did well at it, moving up to Late Model
Stocks owned by Ted Chester.
As many of the top drivers of his day, Flock raced on the beach course in
Daytona Beach, Florida, the foundation layout for what was to become the Grand
national circuit. He finished second in 1950 and again in '51 before
winning it in '55 in Kiekhaefer's car.
In 1952, Flock and Herb Thomas staged a furious battle for the championship.
As the season wound down, only 200 pints separated them. When the final
race of the season at West Palm Beach, Florida, rolled around in November, all
Flock had to do was start and title was his.
He did more than start. On lap 64, his Hudson hit the retaining wall and
flipped over, skidding down the front stretch on its roof. This prompted
Flock to say, I bet I'm the only guy who ever won a championship while on his
head." that year, he won eight times in 34 races.
In 1955, the peculiar Kiekhaefer entered the sport. He had made millions
selling out-board motors and he used racing to enhance his sales. He
selected Chryslers and Flock, who had quite a year earlier. It was to be a
happy union. they won most of the races they entered. eleven times
flock led every lap in an event and , with 18 wins, he easily won his second
championship.
Flock was never shy. He liked company and he liked to laugh. Non one
who knows anything about stock car racing can fail sot recount his days with
"Jocko Flocko," the pet monkey who served as his co-driver for a time.

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