Charles "Slick" Owens [1], 2009 May 6

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Identifier: OH-OW0575

Staff Only

Charles "Slick" Owens oral history interview 1, 2009 May 6

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Scope and Contents

In this first of two interviews, Charles "Slick" Owens recalls his career in stock car racing as a mechanic and parts distributor during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Growing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Mr. Owens first became involved in racing while working at the garage of his relative, Cotton Owens, and later went to work for driver Rex White. Mr. Owens describes his duties working on Mr. White's cars and as part of his pit crew. Other topics discussed include the occupations of his father and grandfather, his military service, his promotional trip for Ford Motor Company, and mechanical modifications used on Mr. White's cars.

Dates

Creation: 2009 May 6

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The material is in English

Conditions Governing Access

30 of 31 oral history interviews are in the digital repository. Original audiovisual materials closed to patron use.

Biographical Note

Slick Owens was a 76-year-old man at the time of interview, which took place at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was born in Clinton, South Carolina in 1933. He was educated at Spartanburg High School and was employed as a mechanic and parts manager for several race car drivers and teams, including Rex White, Bill Stroppe, and Holman-Moody.