Legendary NASCAR owner/driver Everett “Cotton” Owens has
passed away at the age of 88.
The Union, South Carolina native had been in ill health
for some time, and erroneous rumors of his passing circulated two weeks ago,
shortly after the announcement that he will be inducted into the sport’s Hall
Of Fame early next year.
As a driver, Owens won nine races in NASCAR's
premier series, including the 1957 Daytona Beach road course; claiming the
first-ever NASCAR victory for Pontiac. He finished second in the 1959
championship standings, behind NASCAR Hall of Famer Lee Petty. He also claimed
the 1953 and 1954 Modified Division championships, earning the nickname, “The
King of the Modifieds.”
After retiring as a driver, Owens continued his
career as a car owner, hiring future Hall Of Famer Junior Johnson to drive his
machines in 1962. That same year, he began a long running association with Hall
of Famer David Pearson that resulted in 27 of “The Silver Fox’s” 105 NASCAR
premier series wins. Pearson finished third in 1964 championship points driving
an Owens-built Dodge, and the pair subsequently claimed the1966 NASCAR Grand National
championship.
In 1998, Owens was named one of NASCAR's 50
greatest drivers.
Photo Credit: cottonowens.com
Wish he could be there for the induction, but glad he got to see his name called
ReplyDeleteRIP Cotton. Had the chance to meet him back in 2009, class act. I have some pictures and video of him I took that day on my blog.
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