New Dirt Track Painting, “Rivals in the Dust”

By Liv Jacobs | 08/27/2024

I remember when my dad, Scott started dirt track paintings in 2000. His first image called "Ultimate Champion" left everyone enamored at the immense about of detail that went into the painting.

Anyone that was lucky enough to see the original painting, saw the intricacies in Scotty Parker's uniform. All of his patches and decals were there and some were the size of a grain of rice. The motorcycle was in focus with dirt kicking up behind. It made you feel like you were at the track watching the race.

"Ultimate Champion"

painting by Scott Jacobs of scotty Parker dirt track racing

Before this series began, I had never heard of the sport. After a few paintings were completed, we were invited to the racetrack in Del Mar, CA to watch Parker and Springsteen race. I was blown away by the noise and skill the racers showed as they sped by the stands at high-speed.

As friendships deepened between the racers and my family, Scott planned a painting unveiling at our house with them. The painting was an image of the three top Harley-Davidson Factory racers, Scotty Parker, Jay Springsteen, and Chris Carr barreling towards the finish line in 2003.

The unveiling went smoothly; I'll never forget how much fun I had with my next door neighbor as we greeted the cars on horseback to show them where to park.

"Triple Threat"

dirt track painting by Scott Jacobs of Scotty Parker, Jay Springsteen, and Chris Carr racing across the finish line

As the years went by, more dirt track images were completed. Then in the 2010's, Scott shifted gears and focused on Harley-Davidson wine and lifestyle paintings.

I'm happy to say that over the last few years, Scott has revisited the unique genre of dirt track racing, so here we go as I cover the new one you're about to witness!

A New Painting

Every year for Sturgis Rally, Scott comes out with an official painting to commemorate an aspect of the Rally's history. This year, he decided to include racers Scotty Parker and Jared Mees in one painting.

"The idea came when I heard Jared Mees had 9 Grand National Championships which Scotty Parker has held for the last 20 years. I wanted to merge the two racers and their careers onto one track symbolizing that Jared has the opportunity to break that longstanding record" shared Scott.

Scott contacted both racers about the idea and asked for hi-res photos of them on turn four of a racetrack.

"I got photos from each racer and they were exactly what I needed. They were leaning at the same angle, their bodies in the same position which made the compilation that much more believable".

As I interviewed my dad, he reflected, "the most time-consuming part of this painting was doing all the patches and tiny lettering on their helmets."

"Both of their plate numbers are #1 which wouldn't happen in real life since there's only one number one racer each season, but this was to symbolize the past and the present racing against each other."

As the finishing touches were applied to the painting, we scheduled an official unveiling at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum AND at Jacobs Gallery during Sturgis Rally.

The Unveiling

Jared was already coming to Sturgis to race downtown and Scotty flew in to hang out and make this special appearance.

On the day of the event, the crowds arrived promptly awaiting the release of Scott's new dirt track painting. After the sheet was pulled from the easel and the crowds had the opportunity to experience the painting, Scott, Jared, and Scotty began hand-signing the edition.