Josh Owens is a prominent figure in the reality TV show “Moonshiners,” which has been airing since 2011. He is known for chronicling his adventures making moonshine on the popular Discovery Channel series. Owens, along with his co-star Steve Tickle, has been a key part of the show’s success, reflecting on the boom in moonshine production and consumption over the past 12 years.
Josh Owens’ Career
Josh Owens is not your average moonshiner. He is a master of the art of making illegal liquor in the remote mountains of North Carolina, using ancient recipes and techniques passed down from generations of outlaws. His moonshining career began after he met Barney Barnwell, a legendary moonshiner from his local area. Barney taught Josh the art and science of making moonshine, a high-proof distilled spirit that is usually produced illegally. Josh was fascinated by the process and the history of moonshining and decided to follow in Barney’s footsteps. He has been a cast member of Discovery’s hit show Moonshiners from 2012 onwards. He was illegally brewing moonshine in several US states. Authorities, however, allegedly claim that none of the cast’s alcohol is illegal, and if it were, law enforcement would intervene and stop them.
Now, let’s talk about his career as a professional motocross racer:
Josh Owens grew up in rural North Carolina where he developed a love for nature and adventure. He became a professional motocross and superbike racer in his 20s and won many titles with his fearless style. He competed in different levels of bike racing, such as NCHSA and GNCC. He won the Heavy-C championship in NCHSA in 2003, and then 250-B in 2004. He moved up to 250-A in 2005, but a knee injury ended his racing career. Despite the end of his professional racing career, Josh still enjoys racing cars and bikes. In 2016, he joined the Southeast Gassers Association (SGA) and raced a 1953 Chevy Gasser at Brainerd Motorsports Park and Greer Dragway.
The Motorcycle Accident
Josh Owens was involved in a severe motorcycle accident at the Daytona International Speedway. The accident occurred on March 4, 2023, during a motorcycle race. The details of the crash were not extensively released, but it was confirmed that Owens was injured during the race.
As for the injuries he sustained, they were quite severe. Owens suffered a broken neck, back, arm, and legs. He posted a video from his hospital bed, showing one of his legs, which had about 50 staples and a large scar. Despite the severity of his injuries, Owens remained remarkably positive. He stated that it was only by the grace of God that he survived the wreck and expressed his gratitude for being alive.
His co-star Richard Landry and other friends provided updates on his condition, stating that Owens was doing okay but was not out of the woods yet. A GoFundMe was started by one of Josh’s friends to help cover his hospital bills, as Josh didn’t have health insurance.
Aftermath of the Accident
Josh Owens’ condition after the accident was quite severe. He suffered life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck, back, both legs, and an arm. He was in a coma for ten days following the accident. Despite the severity of his injuries, Owens remained remarkably positive. He stated that it was only by the grace of God that he survived the wreck and expressed his gratitude for being alive.
As for his recovery process, Owens has shown remarkable resilience. He posted a video from his hospital bed, showing one of his legs, which had about 50 staples and a large scar. A GoFundMe was started by one of Josh’s friends to help cover his hospital bills, as Josh didn’t have health insurance. Despite the severity of his injuries, Owens is recovering and is expected to make a comeback.
Regarding the support Owens received from his fans and co-stars, it was overwhelming. His co-star Richard Landry posted a video update after speaking to people close to him. He said, “Everybody keep praying because he isn’t out of the woods yet, but he is doing better”. Jessica Read shared an update on Facebook, claiming that Owens is “stable right now from the accident” and asked for prayers. Fellow Moonshiners personality Tim Smith also provided an update on his friend, expressing gratitude for all the love, prayers, and support for Moonshiner Josh Owens. His family also posted to Josh’s Instagram, saying, “Just wanted to make a quick post for all the supporters of Josh – we are focused on his healing right now but your love and concern has not gone unnoticed and once Josh has had time to recover we are sure he will reach out”.
Owens’ Previous Accidents
Josh Owens has had a history of motorcycle accidents due to the nature of his profession as a professional motorcycle racer. Here are some details about his previous accidents:
- Accident in 2021: Near the end of 2021, Owens experienced a rotator cuff tear, which led to him breaking his ribs, left collarbone, and shoulder blade. This happened after one of the tires on his vintage motorcycle blew, causing him to crash.
- Accident in 2022: Earlier in 2022, Josh was in another motorcycle accident where he sustained a broken collarbone, shoulder blade, and broken ribs after his vintage motorcycle tire blew, leaving him crash-landing on the race track.
- Accident in 2018: Josh was hospitalized at Halifax Health Medical Centre for injuries from a motorbike accident during Bike Week. However, he was released because he lacked insurance.
