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South Carolina Short Track Legend, Charlie Powell Passes Away At 83-years-old

by Hunter Thomas August 2, 2020 0 comments

South Carolina short track racing pioneer, Charlie Powell passed away at the Medical University of South Carolina on Saturday at 83-years-old.

Powell had a role in owning and operating Florence Motor Speedway since 1995, and throughout his time at the track, he saw drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and local weekend heroes win at the 4/10^th-mile oval. Prior to owning Florence Motor Speedway, he had also owned Summerville Speedway.

Back in 2011 at 75-years-old, Powell even got behind the wheel of a race car himself for the final time at Dillon Motor Speedway. He finished 12^th in the Late Model race.

On July 4 this year, Powell who is a native of Sumter, South Carolina, hosted his final race at Florence Motor Speedway. Speedway Plus Production, LLC will take over the reins and keep the stock car racing tradition alive at the track.

Following his last race, Powell posted on Facebook and said, “Florence Motor Speedway has give all the race teams and fans a place to come race and enjoy fellowship for many years. The new owner of Florence Motor Speedway has big plans for the facility and please make plans to support them like you have done (Me) Charlie Powell for so many years. I have met a lot of people over the years and make a lot of friends in my racing career and owning race tracks. I’m glad I can take all the memories with me and your friendships. Thanks again and I hope to be sitting in the stands next to you somewhere soon watching some great racing!!!”

On Wednesday, August 5, the visitation for Powell will be held at the Faith of Assembly of God (337 Farmington Road, Summerville, SC) from 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Powell will be laid to rest in Dorchester Memory Gardens Mausoleum (11000 Dorchester Road) in Summerville.

More information about Powell’s visitation and burial can be found here: https://www.jamesadyal.com/obituaries/Charles-Charlie-Timothy-Powell/#!/Obituary

Florence Motor Speedway Statement

“It is with profound sadness to address the passing of one of the greatest people to ever grace short track racing, especially down here in the Southeast. This is never a post we would ever want to deliver, but with our deepest regret, we have unfortunately lost Charlie Powell. Charlie was and always will be a true pioneer of short track racing down in our area and he never shied away from putting in the work and relentless effort to make short track racing survive.

“Mr. Charlie will be forever missed but he will always obtain the high amount of respect that he so greatly deserves. Thank you sir for everything you have done and more importantly, thank you for being who you are and always being so passionate bout what you love. We ask that everyone keep the family and friends in prayer.”

Photo Credit: Charlie Powell Facebook