Tue, 14 Sep 2010, 01:08 PM Industrial Distribution Group and Makita Industrial Power Tools Partner to Bring Dave Connolly Back to NHRA Pro Stock

Courtesy of Mark Scheierman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --

Connolly's new ride.

Dave Connolly, twenty-one time NHRA Pro Stock event winner, will rejoin the Pro Stock contingent at the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Charlotte, N.C. on September 16 - 19, 2010.

Representing his first foray behind the wheel of a Pro Stock car in nearly one and a half years, Connolly's return is made possible through a joint business partnership between Industrial Distribution Group (IDG) and Makita Industrial Power Tools. The companies, and the newly formed "IDG Makita Power Tools Racing" team, will kick off their partnership in Charlotte. The deal includes multiple races in 2010 and extends into the 2011 race season. Cagnazzi Racing will serve as engine and technical supplier.

"The emotions are pretty indescribable right now," Connolly said. "Pro Stock is the class I love the most. When I wasn't driving one, I was in the stands watching them. Knowing that I'm going to get to drive a Pro Stock car again is really exciting, especially since I'll have a competitive car and the horsepower under the hood."

Industrial Distribution Group, based in Belmont, NC, is a nationwide provider of industrial products and engineered solutions for manufacturing that enable customers to save money, improve productivity, and streamline processes. "Our expertise in metalworking and precision assembly strategically led us to professional drag racing, and more particularly, the Pro Stock class," indicated President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Lingenfelter. "To have the opportunity to partner with two proven winners, such as Makita Industrial Power Tools and Dave Connolly, is exciting for us and provides an excellent platform to showcase our company."

"It's awesome to be a part of a winning team with IDG and Dave Connolly," said Brent Withey, director of marketing at Makita. "With IDG and Makita's mutual focus on providing industrial solutions, it's a natural fit for a partnership both on and off the track. On the race track, Dave Connolly has the pure drive and passion that makes him a fan favorite and, like Makita, Cagnazzi Racing and IDG are leaders in technology and innovation. Makita Industrial Power Tools can be found in the pits of top race teams across the US, and this partnership is the next step in Makita's growing presence at the track."

When asked about his time away from Pro Stock, Connolly said "I learned that I have the best fans in drag racing. I haven't been to a race where someone hasn't offered encouragement or told me that I'd get back in Pro Stock. It really helps to know you have fan support even when you're out of the spotlight. I can't thank IDG and Makita enough for their support in bringing this program together."

Connolly's car will also carry associate sponsorships from Charter, Kymco, Jegs & Speedco.

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