Sam Bass holiday die-cast collection unveiled

CONCORD, N.C. -- Sam Bass, the first artist officially licensed by NASCAR -- has teamed with Motorsports Authentics -- the premier manufacturer of NASCAR die-cast replicas -- to create one of the most innovative die-cast lines ever produced.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE CONCORD, N.C. -- A time-honored tradition continues as the Sam Bass Gallery hosts its Seventh Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until 5 p. m.  Complete with door prizes and refreshments, this promises to be the best Open House yet. The gallery is looking forward to sharing the holiday spirit with all of its friends as Bass signs autographs throughout the day.  "Our Christmas Open House is my favorite event we host all year. It is a fun time to celebrate the season with the race fans and together provide much-needed help to those less fortunate," Bass said. "The spirit of giving is what the season is all about, and I hope everyone will come out and join us for a good cause."  NASCAR fans can add to their collections -- and get in a little Christmas shopping -- with a host of holiday specials. Many of Bass' latest creations will be showcased, including the 2006 Happy Holidays die-cast car and a broad selection of his latest original artworks, limited edition prints and fine art posters. Also still available is the soft-cover edition of Bass' book, "The NASCAR Art of Sam Bass," along with a variety of other gift items perfect for stockings. There's something for every race fan on your list.  Among those in attendance will be none other than Santa Claus himself. In fact, the Sam Bass Holiday Open House is one of Santa's favorite yuletide gatherings. And to ensure that others too have a merry Christmas, photos with St. Nick will be available for only $5, with proceeds benefiting Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM).  As always, admission to the Sam Bass Gallery Open House is free. However, we ask all of our visitors to bring at least one non-perishable food item to help re-stock the CCM food pantry. Each family donating food will receive a gift (artist's choice) -- along with the priceless feeling of knowing you helped someone else have a happier holiday. Remember, this season is all about giving.

The Sam Bass Holiday Collection features driver-specific holiday-themed die-cast showcasing some of NASCAR's most celebrated stars and cars. Each collectible is created using the car's actual paint scheme, then embellished with an assortment of holiday images and graphics created by Bass.

Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne are the drivers included in this unique new series.

"Having done the annual Christmas cars for NASCAR since 2002, it has always been my wish to expand the theme to driver-specific cars," Bass said. "I am so excited that happened this year. The cars are awesome and the fans are reacting to the concept with great enthusiasm."

Each car in the Sam Bass Holiday Collection highlights the featured driver's individual personality through Bass' artistic talents. For example, Santa is shown doing a backflip on the hood of Edwards' car. A snowman is snowboarding -- much like a surfer -- across California-born Johnson's car. And Kahne's car, of course, features lots of candy canes and a blue-eyed reindeer.

"The Sam Bass Holiday Collection was custom created for collectors, dealers and fans," said Motorsports Authentics president Ruth Crowley. "It is a unique way to celebrate the spirit of the season while integrating the energy of NASCAR and love for racing. Motorsports Authentics and Sam Bass partnered together to develop a collection of cars that tell a holiday story while still showcasing the individuality of each driver and collectible for the fan. The cars connect and combine the unique Bass art style with the spirit of the season. Sam continues to be a valuable collaborator to Motorsports Authentics, the sport and all of the racing teams.

"The final critical component of this exclusive car collection is the premium quality execution in adapting the art onto a die-cast collectible," Crowley added. "We think these cars are perfect for die-cast collector and racing and art enthusiasts alike."

The Sam Bass Holiday Collection is offered in Motorsports Authentics' most popular 1:24 scale die-cast that features both opening hood and trunk and a full complement of detailing. Suggested retail is $66.95. The Mark Martin car is also available in the smaller 1:64 scale version. Each collectible boasts the strict attention to authenticity that has made Motorsports Authentics the industry leader in the racing die-cast business.

"We are excited about being able to use Sam's artwork to bring the holidays home for the fans of Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Elliott Sadler and Tony Stewart," said Jeff Gilbert, Motorsports Authenics' director of merchandise and hardgoods. "The different personalities were brought to life in each of his designs through the process of both Tampo printing and decal application. Each car is also packaged in its own unique custom package."

The Motorsports Authentics Sam Bass Holiday Collection is available through a number of venues, including NASCAR.COM.

The Sam Bass Gallery is located at the corner of Morehead Road and Performance Drive in Concord, N.C. Form more information, call (800) 556-5464 or visit www.sambass.com.