Sam Bass' one-of-a-kind motorsports art has adorned the walls of NASCAR Cafe since the restaurant's Myrtle Beach, S.C., opening in 1997. When NASCAR Cafe constructed three more venues in Nashville, Orlando, Fla., and Sevierville, Tenn., Bass' artistic touch was again readily apparent.

A new chapter in the relationship between Bass and NASCAR Cafe got underway last Friday in Nashville when the award-winning artist presented NASCAR Cafe President Mark Dyer with a Gibson Dale Earnhardt Les Paul Guitar. Gibson Guitar Corporation's CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz, was also at the presentation.

"With NASCAR Cafe having been so good to me and with Gibson being based in Nashville, I felt that it was only appropriate to donate one of the guitars to the NASCAR Cafe collection," said Bass. "I've been a guitar player since I was 12 years old, and it's a dream come true for me to be able to bridge my love of race cars with my love of guitars."

The presentation ceremony took place in the main foyer of NASCAR Cafe Nashville, followed by an hour-long autograph session. Bass was on hand to sign 300 limited edition posters featuring the guitar and the signature black Chevrolet of seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt.

"It's always exciting when Sam unveils a new project," said Earnhardt. "When he told me that he wanted to put his artwork of me on a guitar, I wasn't sure what he had in mind. After seeing the Gibson Guitar, I have to tell you, this is some of Sam's best work. Gibson Guitar has been a pioneer in the guitar industry, so it's an honor to be associated with them on this project. I'm looking forward to what Sam is coming up with next."

"It's a very proud moment for all of us at NASCAR Cafe," said Dyer. "The guitar is really a work of art. It's autographed and numbered by Sam, and it has actual pieces from a race car on it. The shoulder strap is a Simpson safety belt connected to the guitar by hood pins, and lugnuts act as volume and tune knobs. It's definitely a sight to see.

"Anyone who visits NASCAR Cafe Nashville will get the opportunity to see Sam's creation and those of the Gibson Custom, Art & Historic Division, as the guitar will be on permanent display along with other examples of Sam's artistic talent."