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"Y2Ka-Boom!" Description: "Y2Ka-Boom!" depicts Eddie Hill's cataclysmic explosion at the 1999 Houston race. Eddie suffered a broken vertebrae in the incident and was sidelined for the rest of the season. This image represents a monumental piece of drag racing history as NHRA announced the 90% fuel restriction for the year 2000 season. Scenes like this may never again be witnessed. Artist Notes: To drag racing "purists", the rare but spectacular occurrence known as the "out-of-chassis-motor-experience" is without comparison, and one that is of course exclusive to drag racing. Both Eddie Hill and Gary Scelzi performed this feat (Hill attaining it not once but twice) during the 1999 season. I knew that (1) the "edge" of the straight-nitro "envelope" had been reached, and (2) I had to get this on canvas. As engine builder, John Rodeck, puts it.. "We call these things 'events'; when everything is running fine and then something (the event) takes place... then you have what amounts to eight, 4 inch pipe-bombs". The problem was that I didn't know who might have a decent reference photo that I could work from. The Good Lord took care of that soon enough with one of His "garden variety" miracles. While talking with friend and fellow artist Ed Golden at the SEMA Show, he says to me "..hey, you gotta see the picture I got of Eddie Hill blowing up at Houston!" (Golden, an avid drag fan was in the finish line stands with his motor drive running). Normally, when photos are used as a reference, I make changes in the actual painting (these may include changes to lighting, background, reflections, flames, etc). In this case, Ed's photo was so clear and breathtaking, I knew it had to be replicated just as it was. The spark plugs can be seen glowing in the head, the exhaust gas exiting the top combustion chamber and the fuel still being pumped out of the line. The dark area under the car is actually the remains of the motor "diaper", while the bottom of the right rear tire (which, amazingly, was not punctured) can be seen behind it. Eddie survived, but the motor didn't, which brings us to the most meaningful part of the painting; God's promise in John 3;16 (near Eddie's helmet), that "God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life". ORDER FORM |
