The latest news from the Ronnie Sox Foundation


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"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away "

God Bless Our Troops and their Families

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July 9 - 11, 2010
Carlisle All Chrysler Nationals

To say that the All Chrysler Nationals is growing by leaps and bounds is an understatement. This year's event was another huge success. I understand they had well over 2,200 cars and trucks from all over the world. Despite the weather being a bit warm, the midway was packed all three days with Mopar enthusiasts. Tickets sales for the Sox & Martin Hemi Cuda went well. I owe Rob Wolf a special thanks for the flood of fans who not only purchased raffle tickets but who laughed and joked about MCG's August article entitled "I rode with Diane Sox and lived to tell about it". Everyone certainly enjoyed a good laugh including the part where I was totally "unaffected" yet Rob was "scared" . I keep telling Rob to check the bumper of his vehicle because he'll never know when a stick will appear on it that will read: "Diane Sox says Rob Wolf is a WUSS". All kidding aside, Rob is a great guy and I value his friendship immensely.

In addition to the beautiful cars and trucks at the All Chrysler Nationals, there was a burnout contest, a bikini contest, a huge swap meet, a car give-away, a engine giveaway and various other activities for both women and children. This event truly has something for everyone. I personally enjoy the celebrity guests each year. This year’s celebrity guests were James Best, better known as Rosco P. Coltrane from the long-running TV series The Dukes of Hazard, Lou Santiago, host of the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Car Build Off (whose final builds are judged by non other than the infamous Chip Foose) and Tom Coddington, former Chrysler Executive and Engineer. Byron Cherry who played Coy Duke was also on hand. Other legends roaming the grounds were Tom Hoover, Mr. Norm, Herb McCandless and Bill Stiles.

I truly feel honored when I am asked to participate in this amazing event. Carlisle’s support of the Ronnie Sox Foundation is greatly appreciated as is the exceptional hospitality that is always extended to me. My heartfelt thanks to everyone at Carlisle and I look forward to next year’s event.

Diane Sox





July 20, 2010

It is with heavy heart that the Attitude Apparel / Kent Services & Trucking Pro Stock team announces the passing of team owner Steve Kent’s father on July 19, 2010. Oredas Kent passed away at his residence after a lengthy illness and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations to D.R.A.W. Additional information will be provided once funeral plans have been finalized. Please keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Diane Sox





July 14, 2010

Joseph Medwick at the 2010 All Chrysler Nationals with me displaying his donation of $1,000 to Ronnie's Foundation. Since meeting in 2007, Joseph has been an avid supporter of the Ronnie Sox Foundation and vows to be as long as he possibly can. As you can see from the picture, he is true to his word. Even though I have sent Joseph a proper thank you letter I also wanted to acknowledge him on the website for his unwavering support.


Diane Sox





July 6, 2010

I received word from friends Shirley Bencaz-Kvatck and Rob Wolf at Mopar Collector's Guide that our dear friend Paul Wilson, (Mopar Photographer for MCG) passed away at his home last night. My heart is filled with so much sadness. I valued my friendship with Paul and will miss him dearly. I would ask that you keep Paul's family in prayer during the difficult days ahead.

Diane Sox





JUNE 18-21, 2010

HOT ROD REUNION, BOWLING GREEN, KY

Attending Hot Rod Reunion brought back some wonderful memories for me. The last time I was at this event was in 2005. Ronnie and I attended as the guests of Clark & Colleen Rand. Ronnie and Buddy received the Wally Parks Board of Director's Award for their extraordinary contribution to the image, statute and history of drag racing. Ronnie gave a heartfelt speech expressing his love for racing. After giving Buddy much credit for pushing him to be the very best he could be, Ronnie added that he had been through some very tough times battling his cancer. He publicly thanked me for standing by him during the good and bad times. Needless to say, this was an exceptional, but also emotional weekend for me. This year was very hot but nothing we could not bear. The fans were out in full force. It certainly was great seeing so many great legends and good friends of Ronnie's like Phil Bonner, Hubert Platt, Big Daddy Don Garlits, Roland Leon, and Larry Reyes. I want to extend a special thank you to Phil and Hubert for supporting the Hemi Cuda raffle. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Traci Hrundka whom I met through facebook. Traci was set up next to me this past weekend and she came over and introduced herself and then she graciously donated $1,000 to the Hemi Cuda raffle. It goes without saying that I owe Bill Sefton and the entire staff at Mr. Norm's Garage a huge thank you for giving the Hemi Cuda to be raffled for the Foundation. I also thank Bill for always letting me drive the car to or at the various events. The only problem with driving the car is that I never want to give it back. It is definitely a beautiful car and very a sweet ride. Whoever wins will be receive a great car with a heavenly ride. It is amazing how many guys and girls stopped me this weekend going down the highway or around town yelling "I love your car". If you have not purchased a ticket yet, it's not to late. We will be selling tickets at events and through Mopars at the Strip up until the very minute we raffle the car next year (at Mopars at the Strip). It is $25 for one chance or $40 for two chances. Just think not only will you have a terrific chance to win you will be making a difference in the lives of others since your raffle purchase goes to supporting the children at St. Jude in Ronnie's Honor.

Diane Sox





JUNE 4 & 5, 2010

MOPARS IN THE PARK

Mopars in the Park was once again a huge success with everyone who attended enjoying a great time. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to severe thunder and lightening storms. About 50% of incoming and outgoing flights into Atlanta were either delayed or cancelled. My flight was delayed FOUR times before finally being cancelled. After spending the night in the Atlanta airport, I was informed Saturday morning that the early flight was totally full. I would not be able to fly to Atlanta in time for this event. I was so disappointed! Mopars in the Park is one of my favorite events. I truly regret missing the opportunity to attend. I was very happy to learn the event was once again a huge success. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Club for its continued support of the Ronnie Sox Foundation; and, especially for the Club's generous donation to the Foundation this year in the amount of $1,500. If you were unable to attend this year, please go to the Club's website to see some totally awesome photos of the entire weekend at www.midwestmopars.com. I truly missed sharing this event with you in person, but I look forward to attending next year - perhaps the weather will be more inclined to cooperate with my flight.

Diane Sox





March 29, 2010



Sox & Martin and Mr. Norm's Garage
Announce S&M Hemi 'Cuda You Can Win






Hudson, FL. March 1, 2010 - Bill Sefton and Mike Staveski from Mr. Norm's Garage announced today that they have partnered with Diane Sox and Buddy Martin to offer the first new Sox & Martin Collectors Series Super Street Cuda as the centerpiece of a nationwide charity drive for the benefit of the Ronnie Sox Foundation. This Collectors Series Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda is Serial Number 1. It mirrors the appearance of the legendary Sox & Martin 1970 Pro Stock Hemi Cuda from the world famous red, white and blue paint scheme to the vintage Sox & Martin lettering, classic wheels and aggressive hood scoop. Diane Sox, Bill Sefton and Mike Staveski will unveil the Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda at the Mopar at the Strip on March 26, 2010. Following this event, Diane Sox will display the Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda at major events all over the United States during 2010. At each event, enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to meet Diane Sox and purchase tickets to win this incredible Cuda for just $ 25.00 for one ticket or $ 40.00 for two tickets. At the 2011 Mopars at the Strip, Diane will draw the winning ticket and the lucky winner will be awarded the Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda. The net proceeds from the S&M Cuda will be donated to the Ronnie Sox Foundation, which supports the children at St. Jude and teaches awareness and early detection for prostate cancer. Bill Sefton and Mike Staveski from Mr. Norm's Garage said "It's a real privilege to work with Diane Sox, Buddy Martin and the Ronnie Sox Foundation. The proceeds from the Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda will help make a real difference in the lives of many people."

You can order raffle tickets online HERE



Diane Sox and the car will be at the following events:

Mopars at the Strip Las Vegas, NV Mar. 26-28, 2010
Mopars at the Motorplex Dallas, TX April 17, 2010 (car appearance tentative)
Mopars in the Park Farmington, MN June 4 & 5, 2010
Chryslers at Carlisle Carlisle, PA July 9 - 11, 2010
7th Annual Marilla Show Buffalo, NY July 24 & 25, 2010
Mopar Nationals Columbus, OH Aug. 13 - 15, 2010
O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals Charlotte, N.C. Sept. 16-19, 2010
SEMA Show Las Vegas, NV Nov. 2 - 5, 2010
Muscle Car Nationals Rosemont, IL Nov. 20 - 21, 2010
PRI Show Orlando, FL Dec. 9 - 11, 2010
Barrett Jackson Scottsdale, AZ Jan. 9 - 16, 2011
Grand National Roadster Show Pomona, CA Jan 23-25, 2011
16th Annual Chrysler Trade Show Indianapolis, IN March 2011
Mopars at the Strip Las Vegas, NV Mar. 18-20, 2011 (Drawing will be held this weekend)








March 26-28, 2010

Mopars at the Strip

This year's Mopars at the Strip could not have been better! It was truly a special event starting with beautiful [sunny and warm] weather. It was overwhelming to see and mingle with all the wonderful sponsors and fans who have and continue to support the Ronnie Sox Foundation. Buddy's presence added just the right touch. The all around camaraderie certainly made for a truly memorable weekend. Shortly after the Hemi Shootout, Phil Painter announced that Buddy Martin, Bill Sefton and myself were going to raffle off the first NEW Sox & Martin Collectors Series Super Street Cuda for the Ronnie Sox Foundation. I have to tell you that keeping this under wrap until the announcement was extremely hard for me. Out of sheer excitement over the entire deal, I almost spilled the beans twice to fans. The Collectors Series Sox & Martin Super Street Cuda is Serial Number 1. It mirrors the appearance of the legendary Sox & Martin 1970 Pro Stock Cuda. Buddy (when his schedule permits) and I will be joining Bill and Mike for the entire year displaying the car at major events all over the United States . Tickets to win this incredible Cuda are only $25 for one ticket or two for $40.00.

The ultimate highlight of the weekend for me was after Phil's announcement and some speeches, I actually drove the Cuda down the track along side Buddy in Bill's replica '68 Barracuda. My only thought at the time was how much Ronnie would have loved being apart of this exciting endeavor. Ronnie loved racing and his fans more than anything in his life. It's what he lived for. It gives me great pleasure knowing Ronnie's exceptional legacy lives on through your continued support of my efforts to help the Children who were very dear to his heart at St. Jude . Ronnie is smiling down proudly at you and my love and our efforts to honor him. I thank each and every one of you and especially Ronnie's partner of so many years, Buddy Martin, for being my ROCK these past four years.

In the next couple of weeks Bill will have links posted as to where fans may purchase tickets online for this beautiful car. Keep checking www.ronniesox.com or Mr. Norm 's Garage for more information and updates.

Diane Sox





March 24, 2010

Mopar Cruise from Phoenix , AZ to Las Vegas



Diane with Brandon Swartz, "the next generation of drag racers"



I was thrilled when asked by Bill Sefton to participate in this year's Annual Mopar Cruise! The Mopar Cruise started in Phoenix and ended at Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas (yes, I said Las Vegas ). As if being invited to participate wasn't thrilling enough, Bill informed me that I would be driving the NEW Sox & Martin Cuda street car. The entire trip was an unbelievable adventure. I met so many wonderful Mopar fans and enthusiasts. We truly had a great time. As always, it was great seeing Rob Wolf, who as usual, was working to obtain the best footage possible of the cruise. Also working hard covering the cruise, was my friend, John Pappas . Another highlight of the day was meeting Bob Riggle . In addition to being a great legend, Bob is a delightful gentleman to be around.

Diane Sox





February 21, 2010

Ronnie Sox makes National Dragster Magazine's List for Top 10 Pro Drivers of the century



Diane Sox


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