Drag

Cannon returns in 2006 with Cannon Jr

Six-time Pro Modified World Champion Scotty Cannon to run 2006 IHRA tour with SKULL GEAR backing; Scott Cannon, Jr. aiming for Rookie of the Year honors DECATUR, Ill. -- Scotty Cannon is beaming these days as a team owner. The six-time Torco ...

Published: Sep 17, 2005, 7:50 PM

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Six-time Pro Modified World Champion Scotty Cannon to run 2006 IHRA tour with SKULL GEAR backing; Scott Cannon, Jr. aiming for Rookie of the Year honors

DECATUR, Ill. -- Scotty Cannon is beaming these days as a team owner. The six-time Torco Race Fuels Pro Modified World Champion has secured major sponsorship from Evan Knoll's SKULL GEAR to run the 2006 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series and contend for the championship. What started out as a trial program in 2005 blossomed into a full ride for the crafty veteran who now chooses to turn the wrenches.

Cannon's eldest of four sons is more than qualified to handle the task of propelling the classic 1953 Studebaker in competition.

"Words can't describe how happy I am today," Cannon said. "I am thankful for the opportunity Evan has given our team. The past couple of years have tested our resolve and with this program we have a fresh start and a great opportunity to go out there and prove ourselves all over again."

If proving their value was the objective, Cannon and son have more than achieved that. Since returning to competition in August, the second-generation Cannon has driven the same car his father did in 1998 to a second-place ranking in the 2006 Torco Pro Modified Shootout point standings. He's also managed to pull into 20th place in the championship race despite missing the first seven events of the year.

"I'm proud of what our guys have managed to pull off with a car that should have been retired a long time ago," Cannon said. "She's fat, she's old and I guess it only has a face a mother can love -- or a Cannon."

If anyone knows the ins and outs of this old beast, it would be the elder Cannon. He purchased the car in Australia during the 1997 season and had it shipped to the States. Cannon brought the swing-arm chassis car into competition with little regard for the competition en route to winning a phenomenal six national events and reaching the finals in three more. He established five world records that same year.

Cannon parked the Studebaker in favor of a nitro Funny Car. He drove the car in limited action during the 2004 season.

"We're going to finish out the season with it," Cannon said. "I plan on having a new car next year, so that should help us a lot out of the gate."

Cannon will have a new car built by Vanishing Point Race Cars and plans to be testing by December. Eastern Race Fuels will serve as an associate sponsor.

-ihra-

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