The NASCAR community honored the memory of the sport’s first licensed artist today. From painting race program covers to designing paint schemes for drivers, Sam Bass deployed his creativity to showcase his lifelong love for NASCAR throughout his career.

However, in February 2019, NASCAR lost the legendary artist aged 57. Paying tribute to Bass, MBM Motorsports, along with Joey Gase, ran a tribute scheme on their #66 car. Unsurprisingly, the NASCAR community still deeply feels the void left by the valuable artist.

Remembering his contribution to the sport, various NASCAR members posted tweets about the artist on his 61st birth anniversary. Calling him a legend, many expressed their desire to induct him into the NASCAR Hall of Fame posthumously.

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Throughout his career, Bass designed paint schemes for drivers, including Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. Apart from that, he worked in race-day programs that were featured on the cover of Charlotte Motor Speedway publications.

NASCAR on losing its licensed artist

In February 2019, Sam Bass’s wife Denise confirmed the artist passing away after battling kidney failure. She wrote; “It is with a sad heart that our family shares the news of our loss with the NASCAR community. Sam Bass, a loving husband, father, and inspiration to us all, passed away earlier today. Thank you for your prayers during this very difficult time.”

Moreover, shocked and saddened by the news, the governing body stated that although Bass ‘never turned a lap or a wrench,’ he captured the essence of the sport like no one else. The apex body said; “Though we have lost a member of the NASCAR family, his legend will continue in his art–all of which illustrated the greatness of our sport and the talent of a true friend.”

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Clearly, Bass was an integral part of the sport. In one of his interviews in 2017, the artist revealed that the best part of his career was his interaction with the people in the sport.