Those three numbers roll off the tongue so easily they inspired a hit song and popular kitchen cleanser: "Four-Oh-Nine." But they were also the hottest stockers on the drag strip in 1962! Chevrolet's new, big-inch motor ignited the decade of factory muscle wars by winning the inaugural NHRA Winternationals in 1961. For '62, more ponies were packed into the 409, yielding a matching 409 horsepower rating. The most obvious improvement was the "dual quad" set up made so famous by the Beach Boys song! These potent motors were dropped into the sleek, redesigned "bubble top" Bel Airs, fine-tuned by the best Chevy racers in the land, then towed to Pomona for the highly anticipated Stock Eliminator showdown. So dominant were the 409s that two of the best reached the final round---one from the East; and the other from the West.

Unfortunately, car magazines of the era did not document this historic event in color. But more than four decades later, James Ibusuki's newest painting transforms black and white memories back into "exciting living color" as Dave Strickler challenges "Dyno Don" Nicholson for Mr. Stock Eliminator! Although Dyno successfully defended his '61 Pomona title, both racers would go on to become bona fide legends.

In fact, by winning the first two Winternationals, Nicholson became one of the earliest professional drag racers. He quit his "day job" at Service Chevrolet in Pasadena, California, moved east and never looked back. Strickler also turned pro and maintained his reputation as the finest stocker pilot of the Northeast. (And yes, the "Bill Jenkins" listed as tuner on Strickler's "Old Reliable II" was the same renown "Grumpy" who would go solo in '65 as a Plymouth owner-driver, and then return to Chevrolet with his first "Grumpy's Toy," a '66 L79 Nova!)

Some fans may not recognize the period-correct Pomona Raceway depicted in Ibusuki's painting. The famous Winternationals banner, Christmas tree, guardrails and permanent timing tower had yet to be erected. As with all of his works, the artist has faithfully reproduced the famous quarter mile setting of 1962. "The Winternationals of 409" is a beautiful artistic tribute to the beginnings of stock car drag racing! Strictly limited to 850 numbers, each 13" x 34" museum-quality lithograph is hand signed and numbered by the artist. A color certificate of authenticity is included.