TORONTO, CANADA (Jan. 6, 2010) – Renowned automotive artist Jay Koka has completed the program cover artwork for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced recently. Koka was commissioned by the speedway in September to design the artwork for the 2010 race, which will take place Feb. 14. The cover art depicts the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car – Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford – and runner-up Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet racing side-by-side around the historic Daytona International Speedway. In his first ever NASCAR painting, Koka departed from his most […]
TORONTO, CANADA (Jan. 6, 2010) – Renowned automotive artist Jay Koka has completed the program cover artwork for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced recently. Koka was commissioned by the speedway in September to design the artwork for the 2010 race, which will take place Feb. 14. The cover art depicts the 2009 Daytona 500-winning car – Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford – and runner-up Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet racing side-by-side around the historic Daytona International Speedway. In his first ever NASCAR painting, Koka departed from his most recent style of relaxed, soft brush strokes to convey this bold racing battle.
“I’m honored to create the official artwork for the Daytona 500 and was determined to deliver a fresh, exciting perspective for NASCAR fans,” said Koka. “So many paintings and posters for all types of racing seem to be created from the same viewpoint – low, in front, with the cars coming out of a turn. I had hoped for something different and with Daytona’s blessing, I was able to explore a whole new point of view depicting these two well known drivers and cars as they fight for track position. The ‘new to me’ NASCAR subject also allowed me to refresh my approach and explore different styles. I’m always looking for new ways to ‘wow’ the viewer.”
Although Koka has generated nearly 200 works of art during his career, this was his first NASCAR painting. He seized the chance to research the sport and translate the passion that fuels NASCAR onto the canvas for the Daytona artwork.
“With this vibrant artwork, Jay Koka has captured the essence of the Daytona 500 – NASCAR’s signature event,” noted Robin Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway. “Year in and year out, ‘The Great American Race’ produces thrilling finishes, tight competition and high-stakes drama with the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In addition to purchasing their Daytona 500 tickets, race fans are going to want to make sure to get a copy of the event program featuring this artwork.”
Koka has been a featured artist and poster artist for many international automotive events, including the famed Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook Concours, Bloomington Gold, Reading Ferrari Concours, Eyes on Design, Ferrari Club of America Annual Meets and the Cavallino Ferrari Classic of Palm Beach. He is a 22 year member of the prestigious Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) and serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. He enjoyed a successful corporate career in marketing prior to the formation of his studio in 1985, which is located near Toronto.
For a high-resolution image of Koka’s Daytona 500 artwork, contact Luke DeRouen of TPRM at (214) 520-3430 ext. 301 or lderouen@tprm-usa.com. Visit JayKokaStudio.com to learn more about the artist.
