The time is Labor Day afternoon, 1964. "Big Daddy" Don Garlits has made it to his third consecutive Nationals Championship Final. Known as the Nationals or Indy or the Big Go, this is the most prestigious drag race in the world. Every driver needs a win here to attain quarter-mile greatness. Until today, in spite of winning countless events across the country, Garlits has failed to capture Indianapolis. In the two previous editions, held during NHRA's Fuel Ban, he was the Top Eliminator runner-up driving gas-burning dragsters.

Nitromethane fuel, once considered dangerous and unpredictable, was outlawed from 1957 to 1963. With the lifting of the Fuel Ban in 1964, outrageous horsepower and noise have returned for this 10th running of the Nationals. For the third year in a row, the Swamp Rat from Florida has survived several grueling rounds to reach the final.

Automotive artist James Ibusuki captures the drama and power of this milestone moment in "Big's First Indy" a limited-edition lithograph. The painting depicts historical Indianapolis Raceway Park as it appeared on that day. Although final round opponent Jack Williams got the jump off the line, Garlits' "Wynn's Jammer" reeled him

in at the 1000-foot mark. An instant later, the Swamp Rat flashed across the finish line for his breakthrough win - a 7.67 sec.-198.22mph come from behind victory. Much of the Garlits legend was built around his numerous Indy wins. Don would go on to claim an unprecedented eight Top Fuel titles over the next 22 years!

To honor Big Daddy's standing as the most famous name in drag racing, the print is limited to 1320 numbers. Printed on the finest quality archival paper, the image area is 16"x 34", with ample borders for framing. Each print is autographed by Don Garlits, in addition to being signed and numbered by the artist. Certificate of authenticity included.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The edition of 1320 lithographs and 123 Artists Proofs are completely SOLD OUT!

No other edition of this painting will be offered. However, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing may still have a small amount of "Big's First Indy" lithographs available. Please visit their web site at www.garlits.com or contact the museum gift shop toll free at (877) 271-3278.

I would like to personally thank all of the collectors who helped to make this painting such a popular limited-edition. Your enthusiastic acceptance of "Big's First Indy" is truly inspirational and I will continue painting the greatest moments from the golden age of drag racing!