“Shades Of Greatness…”, one of the most popular trios of paintings Sam Bass has ever created to commemorate the Earnhardt racing legacy, will be displayed for the first time during the days leading up to the UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The three-part “Shades” set comprises Dale Earnhardt in “Ready To Rumble!”, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in “Tradin’ Paint!” and both drivers in “…The Shadow Of Greatness.” This triad of fan favorites, which has recently been released in a framed collage format featuring a specially displayed title created by Bass for this piece – “Shades of Greatness…” – will occupy a prominent place in the gallery’s entrance during race week. The walls of the Sam Bass art gallery, located less than a lap away from Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s high-banked oval, are alive with vivid recollections of racing’s most exciting and endearing events. The 10,000-square-foot building on Performance Drive in Concord that is currently home to the Sam Bass collection of original paintings and fine art, limited-edition prints also gives visitors a look at some of the artist’s rare personal racing mementos such as historic driver helmets and uniforms, diecast cars, models and a display of memorabilia paying tribute to his second passion – rock ‘n’ roll. A tour of the Sam Bass Gallery is a pilgrimage thousands of race fans a year eagerly anticipate. Adjacent to Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, year round. Visit www.sambass.com on the Internet or phone 800/556-5464 for more information about tours or the “Shades Of Greatness…” series. Admission is free. Tours may be arranged through the gallery coordinator.(PR) Other places to check out: [Jayski just got back from Mooresville, lots to see for a race fan]: Visit many of the race shops, for address’ see my Team Address page ; some shops I have toured in Dec 2002 and Sept 2003 include: Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Petty Enterprises, just last week I checked out DEI and the brand new Richard Childress Racing Museum. All are worthwhile to say the least. Earnhardt Fans may wanna make the trip up to Welcome. NC and check it out, it is worthwhile and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of Chocolate Myers there. some local museums in Mooresville include the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame [see the #7 Underbird there] and Memory Lane Museum . Plus Lowe’s Motor Speedway itself has a lot to see. Also race fans visiting the UAW-GM Motorsports display this week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway will not only receive a free fine art poster created by NASCAR artist Sam Bass, they’ll also have a chance to meet the artist himself during a round of autograph sessions. The painting, Bass’ eighth in a series celebrating the theme of teamwork, uses a split screen effect to combine the on-track action of the UAW-GM Quality 500 Winston Cup race with the people who create, assemble and own General Motors products. Bass will be signing autographs at the UAW-GM display from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 6 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.(10-7-2003)
