Sam bass nascar biography of barack

Sam Bass, NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist, died Saturday. He was 57.

Bass’ wife Denise confirmed the artist’s passing in a statement. Bass had been battling kidney failure and was in search of a transplant, NASCAR.com reported.

“It is with a sad heart that our family shares the news of our loss with the NASCAR community,” Denise Bass wrote. “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.”

In a statement, NASCAR said: “Though he may have never turned a lap or a wrench, few captured the essence of our sport through his work more than Sam Bass. He was a consistent presence in the NASCAR garage, and his ever-present smile and endearing personality welcomed all. 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.”

Speedway Motorsports, Inc. President and CEO Marcus Smith released a statement calling Bass “a significant part of NASCAR’s history.”

“He poured his heart, soul and talent into producing souvenir program covers at many speedways including Charlotte for more than 30 years,” the statement read. “His work provided our fans a keepsake to treasure, and that was so appropriate, because Sam was always such a fan of our sport and he was such a treasure to the entire NASCAR family. His body of work will be a legacy that lives forever. We will miss Sam’s smile and positivity.”

Many in the NASCAR community expressed their condolences.

It was a frigid February day in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2014, and Sam Bass was lying in bed watching live NASCAR television coverage from Daytona Beach, Florida. There was no way to know it just then, but his notable artistic career was as frozen as the ground outside the window. A new stock car season had dawned in Bass' darkest hour.

It was odd for Bass to be in the snow and the sheets rather than his customary sand and sun. For decades Daytona was his February home, the initial brushstroke each year for this life that imitated its art.

Bass lived a move-fast-or-get-passed philosophy. He never slowed down. Couldn't. Not by nature and not by necessity. He is an artist for hire, and therefore he is the development department, the production department, the shipping department and the oversight committee.

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In that moment, outside that window, the weather was bad in North Carolina; snow fell heavy over the Queen City. Businesses and schools had closed. Staffing was thin. That included hospitals.

Bass has Type 1 diabetes and, until now, was neither diligent about, nor especially interested in, treatment. In 2008 he lost the lower portion of his left leg because of nonchalance about taking the shots his condition requires. He prefers the term "stupidity."

Now here he was again, six years later, back in the hospital, angry and disappointed just like the last time. But this round was different, and this battle was different. This time he was septic -- and nearly dead. He went back in the hospital last Wednesday to treat an infection but should get out this week, according to a news release.

"I tremendously appreciate the prayers and continued support of everyone during this extremely difficult time," Bass said in the release.

Before his lat

In a special ceremony on Sunday, Charlotte Motor Speedway honored the accomplishments of legendary NASCAR artist Sam Bass, who passed away in February. Bass' wife Denise was presented with framed artwork that featured every May race program cover which Bass produced for Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Making the presentation to the Bass family was Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.

"Sam was somebody that was always made you feel comfortable," said Smith. "He had a lot of challenges, but he didn't let that stop him from spreading his smile and joy. It was really inspiring to everybody that knows Sam. He had a special place in a lot of hearts in NASCAR. Charlotte Motor Speedway had a really good relationship with Sam over the years. We have had some of the greatest moments and finishes in NASCAR and that was captured by Sam Bass."

"It's really an honor to be here today with Denise and the family," said U.S. Congressman 8th District Richard Hudson. "Sam was such a special guy. He loved this sport and was always wanting to give back. When he passed I actually read a speech on the House floor of the U S Congress."

Hudson then presented Denise Bass with a framed copy of the proclamation that was read.

Starting in 1985, Sam Bass produced 88 program covers over 34 years for Charlotte Motor Speedway.

To be a NASCAR legend, you typically need to be a top-notch driver, a master in the pit box, or a visionary team leader.

Sam Bass charted his path to stardom in another way, using colors, creativity and a passion for racing to design unforgettable car paint schemes, souvenir program covers and race trophies across decades.

The legendary artist, who died in February 2019 at age 57 after a courageous fight against kidney failure, became a fixture at Nashville Superspeedway when NASCAR first brought top-level racing to the Middle Tennessee track in 2001.

Sam helped design the famous Gibson guitars that Nashville champions received in Victory Lane and also created scores of memorable souvenir program covers that collectors still covet today.

With NASCAR’s return to Nashville Superspeedway, Sam‘s legacy remains firmly entrenched at the track, with tributes in the Infield Media Center and a Gibson guitar still a part of the Victory Lane tradition for Nashville’s race winners.

"Sam would be honored, and our family is proud, to have his name still associated with Nashville Superspeedway," said Denise Bass, Sam‘s wife of more than 37 years. “Sam was a people person and a great storyteller. He loved sharing the memorable experience of presenting the Nashville guitar trophy to each winner-and the fans remember.”

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Sam‘s journey began in Hopewell, Virginia (about 20 miles south of Richmond) where he was born in November 1961.

It didn‘t take long for the love of his life to enter his world, as he met Denise when they were both in the seventh grade. They married in November 1981 and built a family. Today their daughter is 20 and son is 17.

Other than his family, Sam had two overriding passions — art and music.

Raised on country music, Sam was the lead guitarist for a band during his junior high and high school days. While art ultimately won out as a career choice