As part of their continued commitment to the sport of drag racing,Sox & Martin are excited to announce their sponsorship of grassroots Mopar racers at the 2024 Thanksgiving Footbrake Challenge, scheduled for November 29-30 at Piedmont Dragway in Julian, North Carolina. This two-day event is one of the premier bracket racing competitions in the country, and it has become a staple in the drag racing community since its inception in 2003.

Mopar racers who participate in the eighth-mile, footbrake-only event will have the opportunity to earn an additional $400 bonus from Sox & Martin if they advance the furthest in eliminations on each day of the event. With daily payouts of $20,000 for the winner and $5,000 for the runner-up, the Thanksgiving Footbrake Challenge offers not only prestige but significant rewards for competitors.

Supporting Grassroots Racing

For Sox & Martin, this sponsorship is about giving back to the grassroots racing community. “Grassroots Bracket Racing is the heart and soul of this great sport, and we want to show our support for these hardworking competitors,” said Mike McCandless, Founder and CEO of The McCandless Collection. “My nephews are dedicated bracket racers and have done a fantastic job of carrying on our family’s drag racing legacy. We want to encourage more Mopar racers to participate and help grow the sport.”

This event reflects the spirit of dedication and passion that has long been associated with Sox & Martin. Their sponsorship is a testament to their lasting influence on the world of drag racing, continuing the legacy set by Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin decades ago.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Thanksgiving Footbrake Challenge, run by Jared Pennington and Steve Stites of Coalburg Racing Promotions, is well-known for its commitment to maintaining the pure essence of bracket racing. The race features a five-tenths full tree and a single class where participants compete without the assistance of electronics, relying solely on their driving skills. The challenge of footbrake racing, combined with the rich tradition of this event, makes it a must-attend for dedicated racers.

Pennington and Stites are equally excited to elevate this annual event. “We’re both drag racers and know exactly what our fellow racers expect from a competition like this. Our goal is to uphold the integrity of this beloved event while continuing to build trust with the racers,” Pennington said.

A Lasting Legacy

Sox & Martin’s involvement in the Thanksgiving Footbrake Challenge is just another chapter in their rich history of supporting drag racing. From revolutionizing the sport with their Supercar Clinic program to sponsoring the longest-running specialty race, the HEMI Challenge, Sox & Martin have always been champions of the racing community.

With this sponsorship, –Sox & Martin hope to inspire the next generation of Mopar racers, encouraging them to push the limits of their skills and strive for greatness. The Thanksgiving Footbrake Challenge is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the grit and determination that defines grassroots drag racing.

For more information about the event, visit  World Footbrake Challenge website, or tune in live to watch the races on YouTube at MotorManiaTV.