I had this originally posted in the introduction forum, but at the suggestion of a few members I've moved it here. I was wondering if there was anyone out there kind enough and or able to maybe help me. My grandfather died when my father was only 14 years old. So obviously I never knew him, and was given very little information about who he was as a person. One of the very few facts I do know about him is that he raced cars, and that's how he won the heart of my grandmother. Upon cleaning out my garage today I stumbled upon this plaque in a box of my grandparent's belongings. My best guess is, if he was a member it probably would have been in the 40's? Anybody possibly have any information, memories or records that might help me on my quest for learning more about my grandfather? His name was William Robert "Bob" Owen Jr. He was to married Dorothea J. Owen, AKA The Pony Lady. Please, please please, I know I might be grasping at straws here, but anything anyone could tell me would so greatly be appreciated. Thank you, Holly
I remember the "Oilers" were active in drag racing in the early 50's, but not sure of them being around in the 40's,---True, they were from the oceanside area, try Dode Martin of "Dragmaster" fame, also in the Oceanside community.
There is a facebook page for the Oilers Car Club...you might try there..maybe they can point you in the right direction..I know it is along shot but you never know..
Carlsbad Oilers. I used to live in San Diego and worked as a civilian at Camp Pendleton. My boss was Howard Crouse from Oceanside or Carlsbad. He told me about the Carlsbad Oilers. Once he brought his club jacket in to show me. Howard took me to the Dragmaster shop and introduced me to everyone there. This was in the mid-eighties. Howard was in his late 50's at the time-I'm sure he has p***ed on by now. At the time I was to uninformed to understand the significance of the folks I was talking to or of the Dragmaster facility. Sam
Holly, If you do find out some info, please keep us posted. A lot of us would be interested in what you find out. For me, it's not just a piece of hot rod history, it's a piece of local hot rod history. Thanks,
Holly, check out the book "The Birth of Hot Rodding" by Motorbooks Cl***ics. The author is Robert Genat and the books i.d. number is ISBN 0-7603-2144-2. Page 75 mentions the Carlsbad Oilers. The club was formed in June 1948 and was the 37th club in the SCTA. The satin club jackets were yellow and purple with a dripping oil can logo on the back. Jin Nelson of Dragmaster fame is credited with the name. The club had 20 members when formed but grew to 50 within two years. They met at the Twin Inns in Carlsbad. The club held reliability runs so there may be some press coverage in the archives of the local papers. Foe initiation, a prospective member had to wear two oil cans attached by a chain around his neck for one week. Check out the picture in the book. There's a photo of 5 members in a T-tub. Your grandfather may be in it. Good luck, Sam
Not sure which came first but my friend, Jack Carpenter, was an Oiler in Carlsbad, CA sometime in the late 40's or early 50's and he runs this plaque on his 23 Willys Touring/Pickup that he's owned for 60 years .....
Hello Holly! I just Pm'ed you. These guys don't know how to spell, it's Dirtyest Devil. Hahahaa. I took a look in the old Scta/Oilers record books I have. I have yet to find your grandfathers name. Not that I won't, I have a lot of stuff to go through. Here is a thread I started, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=450207 I have still yet to post so much of what I have and the info I have learned, always busy. I took a quick look through the 1948 through 53 race stats I have and didn't see anything yet. I also have some old race programs with lots of info. I'll sort through it and let you know if I see anything. I'll reach out to Jim Nelson and or Robert Genat and see if they have any info as well. Jim Nelson was just real sick and hospitalized. He has bounced back and is back on his feet playing cards again. Still telling stories! We'll see what he sez. Hope I can help you.
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