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LYMAN, S.C. -- After a five-year stint in the nitro Funny Car ranks, Scotty Cannon is returning to Pro Modified, the class that made him a celebrity, for 2004. With primary sponsorship from Oakley, he will be campaigning the ’53 Studebaker that he bought from Murray Anderson while on a tour of Australia in 1997. This time around, however, the sleek swing-arm-equipped Stude’ sports a blown Brad Anderson Hemi between the rails.
Throughout much of his drag racing career, Cannon has been known for his perceived “bad boy” attitude. In addition to his trademark Mohawk hair style, earrings and always present Oakley sunglasses, the South Carolina native has likewise adorned his race cars with radical and flamboyant graphics down through the years. The latest incarnation of the ultimate Pro Mod Studebaker is no exception, as the accompanying photos will certainly attest. Painted by Chuck B at Banshee, the “Killer Red ‘Mater” is back in all its glory, ready to take to the IHRA, NHRA and match race circuit as part of Mike Ashley’s Gotham City Racing team. Cannon already has a number of match races signed, including a big meeting with Jason Scruggs at Carolina Dragway on February 14th. He’s also preparing to try and break current IHRA champ Mitch Stott’s 5.98 record set at Darlington International Dragway early in 2003. As expected, the trash talk is already starting to fly in advance of the February 19-22 showdown at Darlington. According to insiders, since the rules for the Winternationals are more liberal than usual, don’ t be surprised if there’s some “Mater juice” somewhere on Cannon’s hot rod. Enough said. A month later, on March 11-14, Cannon will have the bright red Studebaker at the CompetitionPlus.com Spring Open at Virginia Motorsports Park, where he plans to take on all comers during “Chicago-style” competition on the final day. He’s back, he’s fast and he makes no bones about wanting to regain his status as “top dog” in the Pro Modified world. This should be interesting!
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