The latest news from the Ronnie Sox Foundation
Diane Sox appearance schedule
Archives: 2008 | 2007
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The 426 Hemi raffle tickets can be purchased here thru Pay Pal!! Just click on the add to cart button. There have been a lot of emails inquiring about the motor and what is in it, how much power etc.. Well, here ya go, the build sheet and dyno sheets!!! Just click HERE !! |
September 24, 2008
As always, it was a pleasure seeing Rick Gorski. What a super guy this man is to everyone he meets. I also had the utmost pleasure of meeting Greg Tomko of Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep and Elmer and Kathy Fern, friends of Greg. Elmer and Kathy chauffeured me to/from the airport and Greg loaned me a 2007 Chrysler 300C during my stay. I also had the privilege of meeting Bill Goldberg. I especially enjoyed watching him interact with the kids. He was totally awesome. Bill graciously offered to help the Foundation in any way that he could. Maybe down the road, Bill and I will do something together to further promote the Foundation. Lastly, I hope that I am invited back to Norwalk again next year because I had a great time, raised some money for the Foundation and had the opportunity to meet and spend time with some really nice people! Diane Sox September 9, 2008 Updated 10-21,2008 Additional Prizes Already Received for the 2009 Hemi Engine Raffle Below I have listed additional prizes I have received for the Hemi raffle and from what I am hearing I can anticipate more to come. The chance of winning another great prize, if not the Hemi, is increasing each day. As the additional prizes come in I will keep you informed by updating this list. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this endeavor so far with prizes and/or by purchasing a raffle ticket. Diane Sox September 5, 2008 Great news about one of our little buddies!  Recently, I posted on Moparts that Julie Dietz called to advise me that her son Westin Dietz, a little angel I met while visiting St. Jude in 2007 was cancer free. Westin turned 4 on July 12, 2008. See the attached pictures of our God Blessed Angel. Below is Westin's story in his mother's words: This is the story of our little hero Westin Dietz . Westin was 19 months old at diagnosis and had been a playful little boy. Westin has been running a low RBC and we had noticed a swelling in his stomach. After much testing we were told that Westin had neuroblastoma in his abdomen. Westin was sent to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital for treatment. This neuroblastoma that Westin had was a high risk tumor because of its size and genetic makeup. We completed a new protocol at St Jude and we believe with the power of the most high that high risk is no risk. God has taken the highest risk and given us a healed son. Westin has completed 9 rounds of chemotherapy …. Each round containing many different types of chemo. He had a stem cell transplant and 26 rounds of radiation. He finished 16 months of maintenance chemo of Accutane and Topotecan. We recently went for scans in July 2008 and the scans have shown what we believe that Westin is completely whole. We will return every 4 months for the next year and then every 8 months and then every year until for 5 years. We believe this is all a part of the journey and we are praising God for His faithfulness to us and our son and we thank God for St Jude and all their supporters. They are giving as God gives…..to the least of these. Westin has 3 sisters, Alli, 19, Hailee, 16, Emma 6. He is a true miracle!! Diane Sox |
September 3, 2008 Match Race Of The Ages At The 11th MCG World Finals  The 11th MCG World Finals just got bigger. Saturday come see the Match Race Of The Ages as two pieces of Mopar racing history will square off in a Match Race. The original Motown Missile Duster (owned by Kevin Christner) vs. The original Sox & Martin Duster (owned by "Hemi Fred" Ristagno) will square off in a first to the end wins match race and no match race is complete with out an official starter. So to start this race we have non other than Ronnie Sox's wife Diane Sox. So don't miss your chance to relive history. Special Match Race T-Shirts will be available for purchase with Diane Sox, Bill Goldberg, and the drivers of the cars available for autographs. All proceeds of the Match Race and Match Race T-shirt sales will go to the Ronnie Sox foundation & St. Jude's Children's Hospital Hemi raffle tickets will be available at this event also. Chrysler Classic Events www.ccevents.com |
Aug. 22-24, 2008 All Hemi Reunion - Quaker City, OH This was truly the most awesome event of the year. To be surrounded by so many historical cars along with the legends that drove them was quite thrilling. In particular, seeing the many Sox & Martin cars, of course, was my favorite thing of the weekend. I also had the surprise of my life when Clark Rand, owner of two Sox & Martin Hemi told me he had a surprise for me. When we pulled into Quaker City Raceway there was the surprise - a replica of the Sox & Martin Car Hauler from back in the day. Since I was not around in that era of Ronnie's life this brought tears to my eyes especially after hearing Ronnie tell me so many funny tales about he, Buddy and Jake and their travels in this truck. Jim and Cindy Kramer along with their entire staff did an exceptional job in putting on this event and extend a heartfelt thank you to them for including me in this historical event. I had a great time and raised additional funds for Ronnie's Foundation. Diane Sox |
August 17, 2008 Hemi raffle update I never dreamed when I started the Ronnie Sox Foundation that I would receive as much support as I have from the race world and, in particular, Mopar. I received a phone call this evening advising me that up to 40 plus additional prizes are being donated to me for our Raffle. The plan now is to draw the first raffle ticket for the Hemi engine, and depending upon the total amount of prizes we end up receiving we’ll draw additional tickets for each prize. The chances of winning something for your $20 donation just increased. Most of the prizes being donated relate to racing; however, I was told that I may even receive an autographed CD by Tim McGraw. I should have a complete list of all the prizes being donated within the next week or so. I am totally excited! What a true testament this is to Ronnie and his contributions to the world of drag racing. I want to thank everyone who has already purchased a raffle ticket. Remember, 100% of all proceeds raised are going to St. Jude because Ronnie had so much compassion for the kids knowing first-hand what they had to endure with chemo treatments. So in Memory of "The Boss" and a cause very dear to his heart, please support this raffle! All the best Diane Sox |
August 11,2008 Hemi motor premiers at the Mopar Nationals in Columbus  Todd Werner, Chuck West, Diane Sox, John Nichols, Russ Flagle from Indy Cylinder Heads, Randy Bolig Editor of Mopar Muscle Magazine with the 426 Hemi. Indy Cylinder Heads brought the raffle motor to the Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend so that everyone can see what they are going to get if they hold the winning raffle ticket. Ticket sales were brisk with over 300 being sold over the course of the weekend. This is going to be a great fund raiser for the Ronnie Sox Foundation. I want to thank everyone who helped at my booth and all of those who purchased tickets. This is a great cause and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will benefit from this in a big way. I also want to extend a personal thank you to Randy Bolig for the idea to raffle off the motor and Russ Flagle for making it happen with his gracious offer to build the Foundation a Hemi. Diane Sox |
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July 30, 2008 A CHANCE TO WIN A 426 HEMI ENGINE!  Randy Bolig, Editor of Mopar Muscle Magazine approached me with a brilliant idea on how to help raise additional funds for the Ronnie Sox Foundation. Randy's idea is to have an engine built along with having me attend a number of the National events next year to promote the raffling off of the engine. While at the Carlisle All-Chrysler show in July, Randy discussed his idea with Chuck West and then the two presented it to me. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with joy and much excitement. Later that day while Randy was visiting with one of his advertisers, Russ Flagle of Indy Cylinder Head, his idea came up in conversation. Russ offered to build a 426 Hemi to be raffled in 2009. The plan is to make the engine look like a vintage Hemi, with black, wrinkle-finish, valve covers and a Cross ram intake with Holley carbs. As Randy stated, 'they plan to build a serious street engine that anyone would love to have in his or her car.' Words could never begin to express my heartfelt gratitude to these gentlemen for their continued loyalty and extreme dedication to the Ronnie Sox Foundation. This extreme generosity and thoughtfulness exemplifies how much Ronnie was and continues to be loved and that in itself is very pleasing to my heart. I hope everyone is as excited about the raffle as I am. Stay tuned to the website for updates and more details regarding the 2009 426 Hemi raffle. I wish all of you the best of luck on winning the Hemi and, more importantly, I sincerely appreciate your continued love and support of Ronnie's Foundation, his legacy and his wonderful memory. Thank you and God bless you all Diane Sox UPDATE! Information about the raffle has been posted on many Mopar enthusiast message boards and web sites and the reaction from the posts looks like this is going to be a great raffle!! Threads can be found at Moparts, MopowerStyle, For A Bodies Only, DFWLX Club, Cowtown Mopars and many more!!! For a printable copy of the flier that you can post at work or your local auto supply, click HERE |
June 23, 2008 In memory of Scott Kalitta 1962 - 2008 I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Kalitta family during this very difficult time. I was deeply saddened to return home this weekend and hear the news of your incredible loss. Knowing first hand the pain of losing a loved one, I always claim God's promise, "...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord..." Scott was loved and admired by many and he will be missed by all. You're foremost in my thoughts and prayers. Diane Sox |
June 6 - 8, 2008 Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Race I was in attendance at the Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Race in Danville, VA which also included a Wings & Wheels Air & Car Show featuring All American Muscle for 2008. The event spotlighted cars with American power. I owe a special thanks to Ron Crable and the entire staff at VIR not only for the invitation to participate in this event on behalf of the Ronnie Sox Foundation, but for the exceptional hospitality extended to me during my stay. The black and white dinner on Friday evening along with the food was exquisite. On Friday and Saturday there were aerobatic aircraft shows, vintage and military fly-bys, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Classic cars and Motorcycles. I was honored when asked to pick my favorite car to win best in show on behalf of Sox & Martin. Of course, I chose a 'Cuda! This was a great event despite the very hot weather and I enjoyed very much talking with the various car owners and fans. Diane Sox |
June 4, 2008 I received word today that Hubert Platt is home and doing great! I understand that he was even contemplating on going to the Ford show this past weekend in Carlisle, but opted to stay home and take it easy. Smart move Hubert! I put in a call to Billy West to check on Hubert only to find out that Billy himself was in the hospital with some breathing problems. I spoke to Billy again on Friday and he was doing much better and was hopefully going home that afternoon. I know both Hubert and Billy appreciate all the well wishes from the fans. Let's pray that both continue on the road to recovery and are back out at the reunions/car shows soon. Diane Sox |
May 30 - June 1, 2008 Muscle Car Reunion Special thanks to Chris Schneider, Tom Mitchell, Johnny Mopar, Clark and Colleen Rand and the numerous loyal Sox & Martin fans along with everyone else involved at the Muscle Car Reunion held on May 30 - June 1, 2008 in St. Louis, MO. As always, the event was exceptional and being a part of this event each year helps the Foundation set the bar a little higher in helping the kids at St. Jude in Ronnie's memory. It is an honor to be a part of this event and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Diane Sox |
May 24, 2008 As most of you know, Hubert Platt had to undergo Open Heart Surgery on May 22, 2008. I received word from Fred Simmons regarding Hubert's condition Thursday evening, May 22, 2008 around 7:00 p.m. EST, Fred received a call from Hubert's son Allen. Allen had just left the ICU unit where Hubert is at the present time. Allen stated that when he entered the ICU unit he heard Hubert say "Hey I'm over here", he was raised-up in the bed and talking with the nurses, and they were laughing. I cannot speak for everyone, but to me, this was heart fulfilling to know that Hubert not only made it through the surgery, but was doing well so soon afterward. I would kindly ask that you continue to keep Hubert and his family in prayer. Below is the address to the hospital where Hubert will be until further notice. I am sure he would love to hear from all the fans. I know personally when Ronnie was sick the cards and letters especially from his fans made Ronnie's day a lot brighter. So let's get the cards and letters going to Hubert - "The Georgia Shaker" .... We love you Hubert! Diane Sox Hubert Platt Saint Joseph Hospital of Atlanta 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, Ga. 30342
April 16, 2008
Fred Babcock e-mailed me today that he had spoken with Dante Duce's brother and nephew and learned that Duce passed on February 15th at a Hospice Hospital in Las Vegas. Duce lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. For those of you who may not know the name, Dante Duce was the team captain of the 1964 USA Drag Team which went to England. Most of you know already that Ronnie and Buddy were a part of that team that went to England. In 1963 Duce went to England to race Allard racing and had talked with Dean Moon - Mooneyes dragster and Mickey Thompson to race in England. This is how drag racing showed up in Europe. Attached is a photo of Duce sitting in an Allard and, of course, next to him the Mooneyes dragster that he drove. We have yet again lost another drag racing legend. Please keep Duce's family in thought and prayer. Rest In Peace Duce.
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March 28- 30, 2008
This past weekend during Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas, Phil Painter conducted an auction in an effort to help raise money for Ronnie's Foundation which, as we all know, supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Ronnie's memory. Unfortunately, I was unable to make the trip this year so Buddy Martin graciously offered to take to Las Vegas for me, Ronnie's Sox & Martin shirt that I donated for auction. I am elated to report that the highest bidder for the shirt pledged $4,500! I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude to everyone who participated in the auction. Needless to say, when Buddy called to advise me how much was raised during the auction, I was filled with emotion beyond words. I would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to Bill Sefton, the highest bidder, along with Phil Painter, Buddy Martin and the other many loyal and very dedicated Ronnie Sox fans. I know as I write this that Ronnie is smiling down, humbled as he always was at the continued love and support from his very loyal fans and long time racing partner Buddy Martin. The children at St. Jude were very near and dear to Ronnie's heart and I know without a doubt that Ronnie is proud of all our efforts to help these children in his memory. Again, I thank all of you for your continued support of the Ronnie Sox Foundation and, more importantly, the children at St. Jude.
Diane
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March 24, 2008 It is with great sadness that I relay to you the passing of a dear friend, Johnnie Wade "JJ" Smith. JJ was in Columbus, Ohio for a seminar related to his work for the US Forest Service when he suffered a fall on March 13th from which he did not recover. I knew JJ from the various nostalgia events attended throughout the years with Ronnie. JJ and Ronnie were always laughing and joking around with each other. JJ use to hug me and look over at Ronnie while doing so and he would say "Ronnie you better keep a close eye on me because given a chance, I'm going to steal Diane from you". For someone who was wheelchair bound, JJ was so full of life and had such an enthusiastic outlook on everything in life. He was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him. JJ's passion for cars and racing made he and Ronnie great pals. JJ also had the biggest most infectious smile of anyone I have ever met. His smile alone spoke volumes. I will miss him terribly, not to mention, the Nostalgia events will never be the same without him and that big smile. Please keep JJ's family and close friends in thought and prayer. For those interested, JJ's best friends Dennis and Pam Cox are having a JJ Get Together at their home this Saturday from 2:00 pm until the last person leaves. Please contact Dennis and Pam at 540-298-1279 for more information. JJ's Viewing will be: Wed. 3/26 6 to 8 pm Funeral Thursday 3/27 2 pm Kyger Funeral Home Nicholson road off highway 33 Elkton, VA R.I.P. my friend. Diane Sox |
February 7, 2008 By now, I am sure that everyone has heard of Top Fuel dragster driver, Doug Herbert's tragic loss. Doug lost his two sons James 17 and Jon 12 instantly after their vehicle collided head-on with a second vehicle near their home in Lincolnton, NC. Knowing only too well the pain of losing a loved one, I cannot begin to fathom what Doug and his family are going through having lost not one, but two loved ones simultaneously. Doug has launched the "For My Boys" Tour in which he will begin the 2008 POWERade season with one goal in mind and that is to win the championship, and to win it for his boys. Doug said he wants to make his boys proud and they would have wanted him to win, and that is exactly what he is going to do. Doug's courage in doing what James and Jon would have wanted is remarkable. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Herbert family during this heartbreaking time in their lives. I pray God grants them strength and peace to somehow handle the sorrow. On behalf of myself and the Ronnie Sox Foundation and with a heavy heart I ask that you help to honor Doug's sons by making a donation to Speedway Children's Charities in their memory. For additional information regarding the Charity contact Lisa Powers at (704)-297-0688, 704-732-2400 ext. 117 or at www.dougherbertracing.com Diane Sox |
February 7, 2008 I received a very gracious letter from Catherine Higdon with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital thanking me for the recent contribution on behalf of the Ronnie Sox Foundation in memory of Ronnie. Catherine said that the contributions made on behalf of the Foundation make miracles happen for children with catastrophic illnesses and that they were very grateful for our support. Catherine gently reminded me that our contribution helps to ensure that no child will ever be denied treatment due to financial constraints. Because children come to St. Jude from all across the nation and the world they must be a home away from home and provide services to the children and their families. A very important service among many is St. Jude's "school" for the children so they can keep up with their homework and not be left behind upon returning home. Eliminating cancer in children usually takes a long time, typically several years. Dental check-ups and eye exams cannot be put off while a child is in treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation unfortunately, can have adverse affects on the eyes and teeth so they make sure that their children are screened regularly. St. Jude is also very interested in how their patients fare after these treatments. After all, chemotherapy was not designed for children, and it is important to discover what long-term effects these harsh drugs can have on children. Catherine said these were only a few unique things that our generous gifts twice a year help them to do. Words alone could never express my heartfelt gratitude to all Ronnie Sox fans and friends for supporting me in my efforts in helping the children at St. Jude who were near and dear to Ronnie's heart during his battle with cancer. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support! Diane Sox |
January 12, 2008 I received a $500 donation to the Ronnie Sox Foundation from Fred Ristagno in memory of his late wife, Fran. As most of you know, Fred lost Fran in a tragic car accident just before the holidays. Fred asked in lieu of flowers for people to donate to the Ronnie Sox Foundation in Fran's memory because he said he thought that was what Fran would have wanted. Anyone that knew Fran knew just what a special lady she was and Ronnie thought a lot of her. The two of them use to joke about her being so laid back and Fred being so wired. Ronnie said once that those two were a true testament to the statement of "opposites attract." I know in my heart both Ronnie and Fran are smiling down happily at what we are doing to help the children at St. Jude in both their memories. It is difficult for me to express in words my heartfelt gratitude to Fred and all their friends for the generous donations, but I thank each and everyone of them dearly from the bottom of my heart. I would also ask that you continue to keep Fred, Nick and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Diane Sox |
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