Although the crewmembers at Petty Enterprises work hard to turn the team’s Dodges into tigers on the track, their newest race car has proved to be a real pussycat – thanks to motorsports designer Sam Bass. It was Bass who took the image of Garfield, the world’s most famous cartoon cat, and wrapped him around the wind tunnel-tested curves of Kyle Petty’s #45 Dodge Intrepid. Garfield, who celebrates a milestone 25th birthday this year, has loaned his mischievous, Cheshire-like grin to the front of Petty’s car, while the chunky feline’s trademark orange-and-black tail curls to the back, anticipating his next opportunity for lasagna. Garfield’s appearance on the Intrepid’s hood wearing Richard Petty’s cowboy hat, shades and Petty Enterprises crew jacket makes it clear he imagines himself to be the new King of stock car racing. The special paint scheme’s appearance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s August 3 Brickyard 400 is part of a celebration to honor Marion, Ind., native Jim Davis’ cartoon creation during the week of the race. “I like it,” commented Davis about the Bass design. “It’s fun, bright, colorful and captures Garfield’s wit. We should be able to see this car from outer space!” “It’s hard work to draw for a living,” Bass said about his and Davis’ occupations. “To create a comic strip character that is still being enjoyed a quarter-century later by readers of all ages, all around the world is an incredible accomplishment. I have been a fan of Jim’s work and creativity for a long time. It was so much fun for me to work on this project.” Bass has announced the release of a fine art poster commemorating Garfield’s 25th birthday that features the Petty car design. It will be available through the Sam Bass Gallery for $20 per poster. For more information about the Kyle Petty/Garfield car design, log on to www.sambass.com or phone 704/455-6915.(7-30-2003)
