engine whisperer

Chris Owens – The Engine Whisperer Chris Owens has spent over four decades in the machine shop his father started, becoming one of the most quietly skilled engine builders in Texas. Though not the loudest voice in the room, his work speaks for itself—meticulously machined, precisely balanced, and built to perform. Chris’s journey began in the shadows of Owens Racing Engines, founded in 1974 by his father, George Owens Jr. As a boy, Chris attended races with his dad, absorbing the atmosphere of competition and mechanical ingenuity. When George passed away in 1982, Chris was only 12, but the fire had already been lit. At 15, he began working in the shop alongside Joe Ankenbruck, a trusted employee of George’s who kept the business going after his passing. Chris never left. Over the years, he refined every part of the engine-building process, earning a reputation for precision and patience. When Joe passed away in 2023, Chris naturally stepped into a leadership role—quietly running the shop that bears his family name. Today, Chris handles the day-to-day work at Owens Racing Engines, specializing in engine assembly, cylinder head work, crankshaft balancing, and machining. He’s not one to brag, but his results speak loudly. This blog, The Engine Whisperer, offers an inside look at the process, the philosophy, and the horsepower behind every build. For Chris, it's not about noise. It's about excellence.