Hill print commemorates Burton's Daytona win

A limited edition print celebrating Ward Burton's victory in the 44th Annual Daytona 500 is the latest release in the The Great Moments in Racing Series of limited edition prints by renowned motorsports artist Garry Hill. Each print has been hand-signed by Burton himself. The Great Moments collection is derived from original artworks documenting many of the greatest moments in NASCAR racing history.

"2002 Daytona 500" depicts Burton's No. 22 Bill Davis Racing Caterpillar Dodge flashing under the checkered flag after capturing the Great American Race on February 17.

"There is certainly no greater moment in racing than winning the Daytona 500," said Hill. "With the way our sport has grown, there are many prestigious, high-profile events. But there is still only one Daytona 500."

The original artwork was unveiled earlier during ceremonies at Daytona USAówhere the painting is on display along with Burton's race-winning machine.

"This is something we'll be doing annually," Hill elaborated. "I'll be doing an original painting of the Daytona 500 winner each year. It will be unveiled and displayed with the winning car; then it will become part of Daytona USA's permanent collection."

Hill sees the reigning Daytona 500 champion as one of the last visible links between the new generation of drivers and the legends who pioneered the sport of NASCAR racing.

"Ward Burton is a unique individual," Hill observed. "He bridges an important gap between the drivers of today and the stars of yesteryear. When you think about the way he races and the way he lives his life, there are a lot of similarities between Ward and some of the drivers that came before him. He races hard. He is an avid outdoorsman. He reminds me of guys like Dale Earnhardt and Bobby Allison."

Garry Hill Automotive Fine Art is offering 500 limited edition 2002 Daytona 500 prints, along with 50 artist's proofs. Standard issue prints are available for $200 each, with artist's proofs offered for $400 apiece. Framing and remarques are also available by special order.

"International Speedway Corporation has allowed us to include the 2002 Daytona 500 logo in the title of the print," Hill said. "That is kind of unique because the official Daytona 500 logo changes from year-to-year."

Hill is perhaps best known for his highly-acclaimed print "Pass in the Grass," which documents Dale Earnhardt's breathtaking move on Bill Elliott in the 1987 edition of The Winston. That piece is included in the All-Star Race Series, an ensemble of limited edition fine art prints based on a collection of original paintings that commemorate the annual The Winston NASCAR all-star race.

To order the 2002 Daytona 500 limited edition print, or for more information on all Garry Hill artwork, including the Great Moments in Racing and All-Star Race series, call (800) 847-0043. Or check out the Garry Hill Automotive Fine Art web site at: www.garryhill.com