Indianapolis: Team Mopar preview

SOX & MARTIN TRIBUTE CAR TO DEBUT AT 52ND NHRA U.S. NATIONALS EVENT

Center Line, Mich. -- Race fans attending the 52nd Annual U.S. Nationals event at O'Reilly Raceway Park will see history repeat itself, as the legendary names of Sox & Martin will once again take to the quarter-mile. Bailey-Panella Racing is set to debut the Sox & Martin tribute car, which will see race driver Bob Panella Jr., compete in the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Series under the Sox & Martin colors. Monte Bailey and Bob Panella Sr., are joined by Mopar-legend Buddy Martin as co-owners of the entry.

Panella Sr., brought the idea of competing at Indianapolis to Martin and Bailey, who quickly jumped on board. It was decided that three time NHRA Pro Stock Truck Series champion Panella Jr., would pilot the machine, which will also feature Mopar power provided by Larry Morgan Racing and Mopar Direct Connection graphics.

Martin is thrilled to be a part of the team and is looking forward to returning to Indianapolis later this week.

"When Bob [Panella Sr.] came up with the idea to run the Sox & Martin tribute car, I knew I wanted to be a part of it," Martin said. "I've loved racing and all of the aspects of the sport that I've been a part of. I knew that Monte and Bob's operation would do things well, and I think a lot of them. I also had talked with Ronnie [Sox] before he passed away and seeing his excitement about the project made me want to be a part of it even more so. I'm looking forward to returning to Indianapolis."

Panella Jr., and the Sox & Martin tribute car will make its debut at O'Reilly Raceway Park on Friday, September 1, with the first round of NHRA POWERade Pro Stock qualifying. The team may compete in other series events as the season comes to a close.

"We're going to see what happens at Indianapolis," Martin said. "It's possible that if things go well in Indy that we may compete at Las Vegas, Richmond and Pomona. We're going to take it one race at a time."

The 52nd annual U.S. Nationals will kick off on Friday, September 1, with the first round of pro qualifying at 6:15 p.m. EST. Qualifying will continue on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. Eliminations are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

-credit: www.moparspeed.com