Hill print commemorates Harvick's first win

Renowned motorsports artist Garry Hill has just released a new fine art print commemorating the first anniversary of Kevin Harvick's first NASCAR Winston Cup win.

"Three for 3" features Harvick's unforgettable March 11, 2001 Atlanta victory lap with his arm and hand extended from the car with three fingers saluting his fallen comrade Dale Earnhardt.

The title represents the fact that Harvick was victorious in only his third Winston Cup Series start (a modern era record) and the salute is for the famous No. 3 that has become synonymous with the name Dale Earnhardt. This print is hand signed by Harvick.

Of course, Harvick was the Cinderella story of the 2001 season. Barely into his second year as driver for Richard Childress Racing's NASCAR Busch Series team, the California native was pressed into double-duty in the wake of Earnhardt's tragic death in the Daytona 500.

Harvick responded by driving the GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet to victory in only his third NASCAR Winston Cup Series start. The youngster returned to the Winner's Circle just a few months later in the inaugural event at Chicagoland Speedway. In the meantime, Harvick was running away with the Busch Series championship on the strength of five wins and 20 top-five finishes.

By year's end, Harvick would be NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie Of The Year and NASCAR Busch Series Champion -- the first man in history to accomplish both feats in the same season. His performance earned him recognition as the National Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year. He is the first rookie to win the coveted award in its 33-year history.

"It was an emotional roller coaster for the entire RCR team," Richard Childress said. "We were at the lowest point anybody could be at Daytona on Feb. 18. To come back at Atlanta and win that race, that was the greatest thing for our whole sport...... For Kevin to win that race, that's what the fans needed and that's what the sport needed.''

Artist Hill's passion for racing is never more evident than when he speaks of his latest creation.

"Kevin Harvick is an incredible talent," said Hill. "He is an exciting driver to watch. He's the kind of driver who would be out there racing every weekend even if it didn't pay a dime. I'm really honored to be able to work with Kevin and Richard Childress on 'Three For 3.' The number 3 in the title is done in the unmistakable stylized '3' that Richard and Dale made famous. I think that is a very special touch, and something I'm quite proud of."

Harvick's heart-wrenching first victory is sure to be recognized by history as truly one of the "Great Moments In Racing" and therefore is included in Hill's highly-acclaimed series by the same title documenting NASCAR's most memorable moments. Hill is also known for his other ongoing series -- the All-Star Series -- commemorating each running of The Winston.

"Three For 3" is limited to only 500 prints and 50 artist's proofs. In addition to being signed by Harvick, each print is signed and numbered by Hill. The price is $229 per print, with artist's proofs being offered for $458.

To order, call Garry Hill Automotive Fine Art at (800) 847-0043.