Unity Meets ProStock LEGENDS: Buddy Martin, Herb McCandless,Joe Pappas

Today on Unity Motorsports Garage My brother Steve and I hit the road north about 2.5hrs to meet some of my childhood heroes!
we were invited to the ‪@mccandlessantiqueauto6509‬ open house to do a video and to talk with Buddy Martin and Herb McCandless of the Sox and Martin ProStock team from the 1970's. while there I ran into Joe Pappas of the MoTown/Mopar Missile ProStock car and was able to ask about my ProStock Dominators that supposedly came off of the Missile..
I hope you enjoy the video and I'm sorry about the audio during the interviews but hopefully I can get back up there soon and have some 1 on 1 time with the Legends
#dragrace #mopar #soxandmartin

[@mccandlessantiqueauto6509]

We will have you back for a 1 on 1. Maybe we can schedule it before his knee surgery March 31st. I can help you pull out some really fun stories from him.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

That would be amazing hope you liked the video!

[@johnshackelford6965]

Tommy Bosher Roadrunner 1968

[@mikemcclune1440]

I watched the series of videos on Herb McCandless KZbin channel I recommend it for sure

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Mike, it is awesome! They will be coming out with a documentary on Buddy Martin pretty soon... Thanks for watching Andy

[@racer6583]

I was 7 when herb won the champion ship been in love with dusters ever since, watched them run at Norwalk, and dragway 42 near columbus OH. Even seen them run at Maplegrove, I wished that I would've got their autographs, but dad said let them be they are real busy, my dad raced a 69 camaro I forgot what class, I think it was sportsman or stock eliminator. thanks for bring back some good memories.

[@bluecollarcook]

Such a great visit. Those guys were so friendly and loved telling their story. One could sit for hours in that place to admire everything. Good job Andy!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

It was a great time shared with the best brother ever! You deserve the credit for ALL of the Video footage... Andy

[@turbomike71]

I really appreciate you making this video, I was only 10 years old when these legends were battling it out on the strip. Dad took me to US 30 to see the Snake match race when I tuned 9. Herb McCandless and Don Carlton were my heros as I grew up. The Mopar Missile, I had Ted Spehar autograph my diecast car. Thank you again, it brought back some great memories.

[@704406bbl]

The museum is a wonderful place for Mopar history. I was in there and met Herb. He is always gracious to his fans. I got to meet Ronnie Sox in 2005 at Rockingham before he passed and I still have his autographed picture of one of his cars. Herb was there and struck up a conversation. What great guys they both were!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Absolutely! I could talk to those guys for days!!! Thanks for watching Andy

[@hoost3056]

I started with Mopar, leaned into Ford and always had Pontiac, Olds and Buick somewhere. There's an iconic shot of Dandy Dick Landy throwing his Duster ( I think that's the one ) on the bumper during launch at one of the major events back in the day. Andy, your docs and interviews always take me back to a happier time. Thanks always

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Same here, started with Mopar then got into Fords later on... in my early days I completely despised Fords! Thanks for watching Andy

[@3pedaljay231]

This is truly what the Drag Racing community needs. In this interview there are literally 3 of my 4 hero's in drag racing Talking or referred too.

[@rong4189]

Awesome video Andy! So much history and seeing the old S&M building was great. Two Lane is one of my favorites too. My oldest brother took me to see him it when it came out, I was 9. Now I have the dvd and watch it about once a year lol.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks Ron! Im glad you enjoyed it and once Buddy told us the Sox and Martin building was still there... We had to see it! It was an honor getting to do this video Andy

[@johnelliott7375]

Thank you very much Steve!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

He's the best brother I could ever ask for John! We had fun on this trip thats forsure... Andy

[@Mike583]

I was 17 in 1970 so i still remember the legends of the past decades well. It's great to know a few are still with us today. It's also very sad that so many of yesteryears giants,have left us! Thanks so much for allowing us older guys,the chance to relive some great times of our youth!❤

[@edsmachine93]

Andy this is such an inspiring video. What a beautiful museum. The history and memorabilia is unbelievable. Thanks for sharing. You and your brother did an outstanding job. Take care, Ed.

[@Sludge73]

Thanks for taking us on the trip!

[@mikemcclune1440]

I got to see the Sox & Martin cars running out at Quaker City Dragway out in Salem Ohio back in the late 80's at a nostalgia drag race event It's great to see these cars being preserved and restored for people to see Thanks for sharing this with us getting to speak to some racing greats

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Mike Im glad you enjoyed it! it was an honor for us to be able to do this video.. I highly recommend the Herb McCandless documentary and subbing to their channel... spoiler alert they just finished up a documentary on Buddy and it should be out this year sometime! Andy

[@mikemcclune1440]

@@UnityMotorSportsGarage yes the McCandless documentary series is great and can't wait to see the Buddy Martin documentary.. I remember hearing and reading stories of the super stock and pro stock wars from back in the day, Sox & Martin, Akron Arlen Vanke, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and many others

[@matthewklein9225]

That McCandless documentary is amazing

[@andrew_brent]

This was an awesome video of some old school pro stock legends, thanks for sharing Andy 👍

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Im glad you enjoyed it Andrew! Thanks for watching Andy

[@louarthur7648]

Wonderful video. On my bucket list. Thank you for making and sharing this. Herb is one of my heroes; in 70, I was 10, ATCO was where my Dad took me most often. Herb's driving and the S&M car are a few reasons I've been a Mopar or NoCar nut my entire life.

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

These guys were my heroes as a kid. What a wonderful time. Thanks for the video

[@stevea6722]

Great video, great racers. Herb McCandless along with Sox & Martin are heroes of mine to this day.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed it. They were my heroes as well Andy

[@rjs2005]

I just visited the McCandless Collection museum on Friday- I wish I had known that Sox & Martin's shop was so close by. Two race teams factor large in my automotive/racing enthusiasm- Petty Enterprises and Sox & Martin. Herb, Buddy, Ronnie, Jake- all heroes of mine. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@BloodRaven1969]

I grew up and have always been a Ford and Mopar guy (and still am), this touched my heart in that deep racing place. Damned near a tear or two time seeing these guys again. And up yours YT for turning my Bell off! Grrrr!

[@myretirementlife8731]

Really great video. Thanks for sharing this.

[@tomstrum6259]

Thx So Much for posting this, Andy.....You Certainly hang out with & Professionally interview

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching Tom! I'm glad you enjoyed it.. I'm still learning trust me! Andy

[@rong4189]

Wow Andy, don’t know how I missed this video a year ago 🤷‍♂️. Great stuff. I found an interview somewhere on the internet years ago with Ronnie and he said that Wally Parks told him “I want to apologize for the raw deal Chrysler got back then and I was part of that.” Great video Andy! Edit; Oops, I guess I did watch it a year ago, I saw my old comment 🤷‍♂️

[@brucegordon4924]

Great Video, Many Thanks for sharing this history!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching Bruce! Im glad you enjoyed it Andy

[@fortyshooter1]

Enjoyed that trip back in time! Back in 1971 my brother and I were always ordering parts directly from S&M for his 1970 Hemicuda. Back then we had them shipped by Trailways bus to Petersburg Va. Truly a golden time to enjoy Mopar muscle! About the Sox and Martin team and Herb.....back in 1995 we had the Super/Stock Magazine Reunion event at Va.Motorsports Park a new dragstrip in our area then. I got the autographs of Ronnie, Buddy, and Jake on a Hemi valve cover along many other stars of Chrysler drag racing!

[@roberttraphagan3572]

Wow! This is great! I was a huge fan of Sox & Martin back in the day.

[@papasmodelcarroom8450]

That my friend was AWESOME Thanks for sharing 😮

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching Andy

[@thomasleclair7418]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks Andy......another great trip in history......

[@bryanporter894]

Thank you for this video. Great job. My daughter and I came up from Florida for this. (I’m a forward look nut) Not sure how we missed you. What a fantastic place. Want to go back after they’re open regular hours so that I can look a little closer at things without the crowd. Thanks again for doing this.

[@lewismocaby3646]

Awesome video, I was little but still remember seeing Sox &Martin at I-57 Dragstrip. They were testing on their way thru to another track according to my dad, I wasn’t able to hear much of the conversation but remember dad talking to them. That track should be open either this weekend or next, still my local track and it’s been updated this winter by the new owner. As a kid Ronnie Sox and the Grump were two heroes I was always happy to read about in the super stock magazine when mom would let me get a new issue at the drug store. Glad to see these ole boys still kickin and telling stories.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Lewis! Thanks for watching.. Herb and I plan on doing a video here in the near future in more detail Andy

[@426Roadrunner1]

That was a great visit/interview(s) Andy. The Sox & Martin and Dick Landy car photos adorned my bedroom walls back then. Loved those cars and racers. Great times.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@markcarter78]

Cool!!!! Looks like fun. Always a great video thanks Andy

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Mark! Andy

[@johnelliott7375]

Good evening to you Andy.

[@bobbybelcher6800]

Excellent video ! You are on your way to the big time ! Congratulations !

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching Bobby! im glad you enjoyed it. I will always be Andy Wood dont know about that big time stuff.. just doing what I love to do here on KZbin Andy

[@terryboothe2309]

Great video . Those guys are pioneers in the drag racing world . That blue jacket that Herb McCandless had on in the first few minutes of the video reminded me that my wife’s stepdad Ted Cole had one and was building dragsters in the early 70s . He was an engineer at Boeing and tried to put those skills into his cars . I wish I had that jacket . Thanks for the great video

[@tomstrum6259]

I first saw Sox & Martin during summer 1970 match racing Wally Booth "Rat Pack ".....Absolutely 1st Class, Team, pit crew, Car & Most fan Approachable & Friendly.....Ronnie took me Under his Cuda describing Everything & Factory part numbers I could buy from them !!.....Been hooked on S & M & Mopar ever since (50+ yrs) !! Their cars Ruled every Pro Stock fan aspects !!........

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Tom, I fully believe that! Buddy and Herb are just fantastic, they love telling their stories as much as I love listening to them! Thanks for Watching, Andy

[@JustMoparJoe]

Too cool! It’s 50 years later and I still would love my old car to look and run as good as theirs did.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Im with you Joe! I want a Duster again... lol maybe one day its amazing what they did as a team.. Thanks for watching Andy

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@UnityMotorSportsGarage I really want to add some old school flair when I repaint my barracuda. Definitely inspiring

[@johnelliott7375]

I am at my mom's and I learned a little story about this and I hope to tell you 8n person some day thanks again for your time and work with this awesome video.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

That would be awesome John! Thanks for watching like always and I hope all is well your way Andy

[@johnelliott7375]

@@UnityMotorSportsGarage one day at a time

[@wlogue]

Herb did some kind of modification to the Chrysler clutch linkage that made them shift I believe. Such a legend, thanks Andy!

[@mylanmiller9656]

Mopar made a modification in the 1970 car to make it easy to drive on the street, Herb Changed it back because it wouldn't power shift clean.

[@rotorr22]

Great vid, Andy. I can't think Mopar Pro Stock without, "Akron Arlen" Vanke! One of our hometown heroes.

[@gibbsey9579]

Did you find out whether your carbs are the genuine article or not? Top video. Thanks Andy and Steve.

[@davepotanko5514]

Thank you Andy! Also thank you Mike for what you have done for/with your Dad, for us fans.

[@ricknorrington2211]

Thanks Andy and Steve!!! Great video!!! Man I love that grass roots drag racing history!! Super awesome how and what was made fast back in the day!! Thanks for sharing!!👍👍👍🏁🏁🏁😁😁😁😁

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Rick, Im glad you enjoyed it! What they did as a team was truly amazing Andy

[@briansd2772]

Buddy Martin, Joe Pappas, and Mr. 4-Speed. Just great! Thanks Andy!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks Brian! Im glad you enjoyed it Andy

[@bruceayers2204]

What an awesome video, thank you from a forever pro stock fan!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Bruce! Thanks for watching Andy

[@nhra7110]

This was soooo good - thank you Andy!

[@StreetCarChronicles]

Such a badass set of guys there! Great video Andy! Thank you for that.

[@vipottaja]

Great, just great!

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

As a young man, I looked up to those guys. They raced cars that looked and sounded like our street cars. And you could go up and talk to them, too.

[@johnelliott7375]

We all hope so Andy! 💯%

[@williamhamilton405]

Sox and Martin,Don Carlton,Petty Enterprise,RCR,Junior Johnson,Max Hurley all from NC and a lot of championships.Thanks Andy

[@robertmagni7201]

What a amazing opportunity to meet true legends of the sport !

[@johnelliott7375]

I knew that you were going to get to the bottom of a lot of great questions and that was one! 😃

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

John, I hope to go back in the near future and get some 1 on 1 time with Herb and Buddy! they are amazing Gentlemen Andy

[@tiredofit9112]

Great video. I was there at the same time you were making this video. Two guys actually came from Canada to see the museum, now that’s die hard mopar guys!

[@douglasshriver52]

very good video.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thank you Douglas Andy

[@johnelliott7375]

No you are 100%💯% correct on this one.

[@jamesblair9614]

Great video Andy, subtitles would have helped us know exactly what Buddy Martin was saying though. These men were giants; and the first couple years of Pro Stock were absolutely the best stock body racing to be seen.

[@mikecondoluci53]

GREAT VIDEO ANDY I REMEMBER WATCHING THEM RACE WHEN I WAS A KID IN THE 70S. HOW IS DV I HAVENT SEEN ANY NEW VIDEOS LATELY I MISS HIM , I HOPE I CAN GET TO MEET HIM, THE MAN IS MY IDLE.

[@danielcampbell6146]

Way cool doco thanks heaps . From tasmania Australia 😊. I love chrysler the most but I love all the big three not to mention lots of other old school American cars.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching Daniel! I'm glad you enjoyed it Andy

[@TonysHotRodGarage]

Man! What a cool video Andy! I enjoyed every second of it! This is the kind of history that deserves to be celebrated. Thank for sharing! 🏁

[@georgedakil3506]

Very well done....

[@fredmacdonald9339]

as much as i love casper and the tech stuff these history videos are golden

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks Fred! history type videos are my favorite to do.. I wish that I had the time to do them more often, but I believe in offering a mix of different types of content a something for everyone type of thing! Andy

[@79tazman]

Those guys there are Mopar Legends Herb McCandless and Buddy Martin. The Sox & Martin Mopars ruled the quarter mile in the Super stock class. I wish I had a time machine to go back to the 60's when Drag Racing was in it's glory days and all the legends were racing

[@318willrun]

Really Cool !!!

[@kcav5374]

Andy really enjoyed the look back. I had heard a lot of the stories from Wally Booth himself when I worked for Booth-Arons Engines (1984-89) Kinda wish I'd never left there....

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for the kind words! Im sure you have plenty of stories that is super cool Andy

[@347mav3]

One reason I love watching the Hemi shootout every year is Listening to Herb tell stories. I love it!!

[@gregleenyit]

Andy thank you for another Amazing video

[@leonlopetkiewicz5162]

That was really great to see and learn about past drag . Informative and inspiring thanks..

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Leon! Im glad you enjoyed it Andy

[@tonyhammer3588]

Brother, that was an EXCELLENT video. Thank you for making it. I’m a Chevy Grumpy fan but love any muscle car from my time growing up. I was born in the 60’s and saw a bunch of awesome cars growing up. We lived on a drag strip in Anoka Minnesota for a some time. All of the big names raced there. It was the only one around the cities. The closest was Brainerd Minnesota.

[@jimkillen1065]

I appreciate the videos . I had Mopar hot rods back when I was a kid but never had a hemi . If I had I might of stayed with Mopar. I really like ability to make hp at higher hp and stay together

[@johnelliott7375]

I think I have just added a stop to my bucket list.

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

You wont be disappointed! I promise Andy

[@johnelliott7375]

@@UnityMotorSportsGarage I penciled it in.

[@Geezer1320]

Really enjoyed this video and the interviews.

[@MrBmoyer]

Wow.. Nice Job.

[@shotsrodder]

Great job 👍

[@vrm86gt]

Cool video, thanks Andy!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks for watching brother! Andy

[@LeftForDeadGarage]

I want to make the trip up there soon and check that place out. Great video

[@tonycapp6569]

Great video!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching Andy

[@travismopargarage4949]

man awesome video great interviews i need to get out there and see that place at one point and time i was thinking about painting my Aspen up as a Sox & Martain car

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Thanks Travis! it was an honor getting to do this video! that place is so cool. I plan on going back to get some 1 on 1 time with Herb and Buddy in the near future.. amazing gentlemen thats forsure Andy

[@georgeseco91]

When Racing was a Truly American Made, which is one of America's Life best, God Bless USA.

[@Charles_S.]

Great vid 👍

[@donaldhalls2189]

Beautiful looking car's, just wondering, that 1955 300 Chrysler is similar to the one that's having it's engine rebuilt on Nick's Garage on you tube?would have been excellent meeting your mentor so to speak, thanks heaps for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

I'm glad you liked it Donald. Thanks for watching Andy

[@codyedgington6852]

Andy ain't heard from ya in a bit glad ya posted brother. I say ya been busy. Quick question. SHOT PEENING CONNECTING RODS! DO OR DONT AFTER POLISHING THE BEAMS? IF YOU NEED TO WHO DOES THIS? ISO INFO FOR MY UPCOMING BUILD.

[@mr.x1510]

Is very cool video

[@johnrivinius4873]

I was there a few days ago, it was awesome

[@davidberkey1041]

Great to see Akron Arlen Vanke at the beginning od this video.

[@GodandGears]

That’s some cool racing history Joe! Thanks for sharing!!👍🏽😎

[@gregoryworth6644]

Great interviews, great people,if you haven’t watched herbs 4 part doc on utube its a must see for anyone interested in early pro stock,the part where his son surprises him with the 70 pro stock duster tells you how he feels, S&M, Don Carlton , and everyone else were top notch, just wish they had never let them start using Lenco’s, thanks Andy and your brother

[@johnelliott7375]

I was born and nearly alive when Gramps watched the race.

[@lynnrunningdeerB4]

I knew where one Sox and Martin Max Wedge 440 was. He's now in Key West somewhere.

[@terrysmith8133]

maybe you can let us know how more about herb's car collection and the event that you did the interview in. is there a date and phone number and time and place to see these events?

[@ericp7496]

Akron Arlen Vanke was my cousin. He was truly the blue collar champion.

[@jackwells1452]

There's a guy that you probably never heard of by the name of Butch Ball he was a factory Mopar racer but he was way ahead of his time, after Mopar racing he ran 4cyl turbo pinto's into the 9's and beat the likes of Jenkins and Hamburger

[@bigboreracing356]

👍🏻

[@johnelliott7375]

Priceless🥲

[@jts9120]

I didn't see many fords or chevys..

[@unclesquirrel6951]

Personally I blame squirrels.... mopar legends

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Yes they are!!! Thanks for watching Uncle Squirrel Andy

[@tiredofit9112]

At the end of the video that is not the original Sox and Martin building. you did not go down far enough. That building was built in the 90s. Hubbard’s impala parts is in that building. you needed to go down the hill, another half mile. It’s at the corner of Tucker Street and Anthony Street. Just saying.

[@tiredofit9112]

Correction…Anthony Road