When the winner of the Federated Auto Parts 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway rolls into victory lane on Friday, August 8, he’ll join an exclusive group as he receives the one-of-a-kind trophy – a Gibson Les Paul guitar designed by motorsports artist Sam Bass. Bass started with a beautiful Classic model six-string electric guitar, to which he applied a mural depicting the Nashville’s nighttime skyline with a purple haze of moonglow hanging over a speeding Craftsman truck competitor. “I picked the purple tone of the sky because it worked well with the other colors and because it’s a night race,” Bass explained. “At the same time, I guess we can consider it my homage to Jimi Hendrix.” The guitar is the final in a series of four Bass has designed for the 2003 Nashville race season. Only six drivers have taken home one of the unique guitars during the two years the artist has been creating them: David Green (2002 NASCAR Busch series), two-time winner Scott Riggs (’02 and ’03 Busch), Jack Sprague (’02 Busch), Gil de Ferran (’03 Indy Racing League), Alex Barron (’02 IRL) and Mike Bliss (’02 Craftsman Truck series). Because he is an accomplished guitar player as well as collector, Bass could not be more enthusiastic in his approach to each design. “I want each guitar trophy I create to be unique to that race and to that winner,” said Bass. “The only problem is I never want to part with them when I’m done.” For more information about Sam Bass’ motorsports art and guitar collection, log on to www.sambass.com or phone (704) 455-6915.(PR)(8-8-2003)
