This epic piece of sports memorabilia was conceived in celebration of NASCAR's 50th anniversary in 1998, when the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history were announced. To commemorate the event, Press Pass produced 250 of these lithographs, which were signed by the 34 living drivers (at the time) during Speedweeks in Daytona in 1998. Bill France, Jr., CEO of NASCAR, also signed the lithograph.
Press Pass planned to sell the lithographs for $25,000 each with the proceeds going to charity. Although one lithograph was auctioned to Felix Sabates for $1,000,000, the rest of the lithographs never made it to the marketplace until Press Pass began inserting them as instant win prizes in select boxes of high end NASCAR trading cards before going out of business in 2015.
While it is unknown how many are in circulation, only a handful were released from Press Pass each year making this particular item one of the rarest and most sought after racing collectibles in the world.
At the time of signing, 34 drivers (of the 50 greatest) were alive, and the lithograph features authentic autographs from each of those 34 drivers PLUS Bill France, Jr. Since 1998, eleven additional drivers and Bill France, Jr have passed away. The most recent passings were Buddy Baker (August 10, 2015), Marvin Panch (December 31, 2015), David Pearson (November 12, 2018), and Glen Wood (January 18, 2019).
AUTHENTIC AUTOGRAPHS FEATURED ON THIS LITHOGRAPH INCLUDE:
Bobby Allison
Buck Baker (died April 14, 2002)
Buddy Baker (died August 10, 2015)
Geoff Bodine
Jerry Cook
Dale Earnhardt (died February 18, 2001)
Bill Elliott
Red Farmer
Tim Flock (died March 31, 1998; just 7 weeks after signing)
A.J. Foyt
Bill France Jr. (died June 4, 2007; NASCAR CEO 1972-2000)
Harry Gant
Jeff Gordon
Rusty Wallace
Jack Ingram
Ernie Irvan
Dale Jarrett
Ned Jarrett
Junior Johnson
Terry Labonte
Fred Lorenzen
Mark Martin
Hershel McGriff
Cotton Owens (died June 7, 2012)
Marvin Panch (died December 31, 2015)
Benny Parsons (died December 31, 2007)
David Pearson (died November 12, 2018)
Lee Petty (died April 5, 2000)
Richard Petty
Ricky Rudd
Herb Thomas (died August 9, 2000)
Darrell Waltrip
Rex White
Glen Wood (died January 18, 2019)
Cale Yarborough
DECEASED DRIVERS FEATURED ON LITHOGRAPH:
Davey Allison
Neil Bonnett
Red Byron
Richie Evans
Ralph Earnhardt
Ray Hendrick
Bobby Isaac
Alan Kulwicki
Tiny Lund
Tim Richmond
Fireball Roberts
Marshall Teague
Curtis Turner
Joe Weatherly
Bob Welborn
LeeRoy Yarbrough
Size: Approx. 39" x 26"
Authentication: PSA/DNA Letter of Authentication
Signatures: Signed Boldly in Black Pencil with a consistent PSA/DNA assigned grade of Near Mint/Mint 9
Item # 0237 - Nascar's 50 Greatest Drivers Signed Lithograph - PSA/DNA
- Product Code: FRA-000396
- Availability: In Stock
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$9,950.00
Tags: NASCAR'S 50, Greatest Drivers, Multi-Signed Lithograph