PB Candies, son of iconic Funny Car team owner Paul Candies, admits he and his dad had wanted to attend the California Hot Rod Reunion for many years. However, obligations and demands always stood in the way.

Paul Candies passed away July 21, 2013, after suffering a heart attack.

This season PB decided to clear his schedule to come hang out with longtime family friend and former Candies and Hughes driver Mark Oswald.

PB Candies, son of iconic Funny Car team owner Paul Candies, admits he and his dad had wanted to attend the California Hot Rod Reunion for many years. However, obligations and demands always stood in the way.

Paul Candies passed away July 21, 2013, after suffering a heart attack.

This season PB decided to clear his schedule to come hang out with longtime family friend and former Candies and Hughes driver Mark Oswald.

“My dad never had a chance to get out to one of these,” said Candies. “He had talked about coming and there always seemed to be conflicts which never allowed us to come. After Dad’s passing, when Mark said he was going to run the car out here, I knew I had to come if only to support Mark. It wasn’t so much about Dad’s passing as it was about being here.”

The elder Candies helped to sponsor the Funny Car belonging to Wayne Mellinger before his passing. PB said his father was a generous man, and his supportive personality made him one of the most loved people in the pits.

“He was a loved man and it was very obvious at his [funeral] service,” said Candies. “There were so many people there, along with cards and letters. Then you hear about how he helped people, the stuff you never heard about and it’s pretty overwhelming. He never talked about the stuff, he just did it.”

Just coming to the California Hot Rod Reunion helped PB reconnect with the people he knew growing up.

“I came out here for the people and to hear the stories,” said Candies. “It’s always great to see these guys you saw when you were growing up as a kid in the sport, especially when you haven’t seen them in many years.”

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