Dave Connolly, 21-time NHRA Pro Stock event winner, will rejoin the Pro Stock contingent at the upcoming
O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Charlotte this weekend.
Representing his first foray behind the wheel of a Pro Stock car in a year and a half, Connolly's return is the result of 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."
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."