AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (February 20, 2009) – Automotive Fine Arts Society founding member, Bill Neale, will debut his most recent work, “David Hobbs, Superior Ability Honed by Years of Racing Experience,” during the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 13-15, 2009, in Amelia Island, Fla. The painting, which was inspired by Neale’s personal association with Hobbs, is a 24” x 30” acrylic on canvas. The original painting will be available during the 14th annual AFAS Amelia Island art show, which is sponsored by Mazda North America. David Hobbs will be the Guest of Honor at this year’s Concours. “David Hobbs […]
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (February 20, 2009) – Automotive Fine Arts Society founding member, Bill Neale, will debut his most recent work, “David Hobbs, Superior Ability Honed by Years of Racing Experience,” during the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 13-15, 2009, in Amelia Island, Fla. The painting, which was inspired by Neale’s personal association with Hobbs, is a 24” x 30” acrylic on canvas. The original painting will be available during the 14th annual AFAS Amelia Island art show, which is sponsored by Mazda North America. David Hobbs will be the Guest of Honor at this year’s Concours.
“David Hobbs was an amazing driver and captured some coveted victories throughout the 1970s,” said Neale. “I had the pleasure to work with him when he was on top of his race game. I was in the advertising business and my client, Haggar Slacks of Dallas, was the team sponsor. I worked with Carl Hogan, who owned the cars driven by Hobbs and team driver Brett Lunger. That time has become one of the most entertaining experiences I can remember because of Hobbs’ great personality.”
“David Hobbs – Superior Ability Honed by Years of Racing Experience” depicts a Lola 333 that is powered by a Moran Chevy engine. The sky blue with gold trim Formula 5000 car, piloted by Hobbs, is shown at speed as it crests the track and sets up for the next turn. Haggar, the team sponsor, is shown on the front and rear wings along with participating sponsor, GoodYear. A portrait of Hobbs in his racing suit is shown behind the Lola 333.
Hobbs enjoys a 30-year history in many various levels of motorsport racing. He has piloted sports, touring, Indy, IMSA and Formula cars and has participated in the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1971, Hobbs won the U.S. Formula 5000 championship. Twelve years later, he raced to victory at the 1983 Trans-Am Series championship.
“The title of the painting is a bit more lengthy than most,” noted Neale. “But it’s really an important part of the piece and gives it an added dose of authenticity. The title is actually a statement that Hobbs made in jest after he had just won the big race at Sears Point. I think it goes to show that his personality not only helped him win races, but kept him an affable person.”
As a founding member of the AFAS, Neale’s paintings are treasured centerpieces in many exclusive private and museum collections across the globe. A contributing artist for Car & Driver, Cavallino and AUTOMOBILE magazine, he is best known for his private commissions of cars ranging from old Ferraris to the newest models out of Munich, Detroit and Tokyo. Neale resides in Dallas with his wife Nelda.
