NHRA News: Jesse James unveils special paint scheme for Kalitta's Top Fuel rail (3/13/2004)

Jesse James unveils special paint scheme for Kalitta's Top Fuel rail

3/13/2004

"Race fans have never seen anything quite like this before."
– Scott Kalitta

Raucous and radical fabricator Jesse James, host of Discovery Channel's Monster Garage, along with Mac Tools, has melded his innovative and world-renowned talents to produce a scorching, one-of-a-kind paint scheme for two-time NHRA champion Scott Kalitta's Top Fuel dragster.

At the upcoming 35th annual Mac Tools Gatornationals, Kalitta's Mac Tools/Jesse James rail, the hot rod that currently owns the fastest pass in NHRA history of 333.95 mph, will be emblazoned with a unique, one-off "flame" paint scheme. At the conclusion of the event, the Jesse James Flame dragster will be chopped into 1,000 pieces and offered to race fans.

"The dragster is really going to turn some heads in Gainesville," Kalitta said. "Race fans have never seen anything quite like this before. The flames look so realistic. The way Mac Tools is offering the collectible with a piece of the actual car is great too. I hope I get one, but I bet they'll sell fast."

Scott Kalitta's Jesse James Flame dragster.
Click for bigger image.

In partnership with the new and similarly decorated Mac Limited Edition Jesse James Flame Box commemorative toolbox and the entire line of Jesse James flame series merchandise from Mac Tools, 1,000 planks of the high-speed magnesium body will be slapped on individual plaques that provide a convenient display for their accompanying diecast replica of Kalitta's pre-sliced dragster.

Jesse James, founder of Long Beach, Calif.-based West Coast Choppers, built his reputation on hard work and living the motorcycle rebel lifestyle to its fullest. Jesse James' custom motorcycles are famous worldwide for their unparalleled artisanship and over-the-top flamboyance. He also stars as the hands-on dispenser of authority and creativity on the Discovery Channel's Monster Garage television series.

"Racing has always been an adventure for me," he said. "I think it's so cool to be an official part of this great sport with Mac Tools and the Kalitta family."

Mac Tools logos, as well as the famous iron cross insignias of James' West Coast Choppers, will share the hot seat for Kalitta's multiple 4.5-second blasts down the drag strip.

Jesse James is always a crowd favorite when he attends races.
Photo by Gary Nastase

"Having Jesse James and West Coast Choppers involved with our team is great," Kalitta said of the partnership that began at the 2003 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. "He's genuinely excited about drag racing and his involvement with us. I think he would jump behind the wheel of the dragster in a second if we offered, but I think we'll leave the driving up to me.

"It's just incredible the amount of fans we get around our pits when he is at a race. He's become an icon for the rebellious, do-it-yourself types, but he's a great guy to just sit and talk to about racecars, bikes, or whatever. He really likes our fans too. I've never seen him walk away from signing an autograph. He will sometimes sign autographs for what seems like hours at a time. His association with us is great for our sport."

The extraordinary collectible package is available for purchase from more than 1,600 Mac Tools Distributors or by calling 1-800-MAC-TOOLS.

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