Charles Joseph Stevenson was born in Sidney, Montana on October 15, 1919, to Joseph Charles, a rancher, and Blanche (née Williams). The family later relocated to Fresno, California.
Championship Car career
Stevenson drove in the AAA and USACChampionship Car series, racing in the 1949–1954, 1960–1961, and 1963–1965 seasons with 54 starts, including the Indianapolis 500 races in 1951–1954, 1960–1961, and 1963–1965. He finished in the top ten 37 times, with four victories, two of them coming during the 1952 season when he won the AAA National Championship.
Non-Championship Car career
Carrera Panamericana
Stevenson after his class victory in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana
In 1951 Stevenson drove a Nash-Healey course (pace) car that was supplied by the Mexican Nash automobile importer in the grueling 2,000-mile (3,219 km) Carrera Panamericana race.[1][2] This endurance event is described as one of the most dangerous automobile races of any type in the world, and Stevenson had to be ahead of the racers to ensure the way was clear.[1][3] In both 1952 and 1953 Stevenson won the sedan class driving a "well-prepared" Lincoln Capri.[4][5] He is the only two-time winner in the history of the Carrera Panamericana.[6]
Stock car career
Stevenson participated in no less than 40 AAA and USAC Stock Car events, finishing in the top-five no less than 14 times.
The AAA/USAC-sanctioned Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIAWorld Drivers' Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indianapolis during those years were credited with World Drivers' Championship points and participation in addition to those which they received towards the AAA/USACNational Championship.
Stevenson participated in five World Drivers' Championship races at Indianapolis. His best finish was a 12th place, and he accumulated zero World Drivers' Championship points.
