NASCAR artist Sam Bass is recovering from surgery for complications resulting from another severe blood infection. A lifelong Type 1 diabetic, Bass was hospitalized twice in 2014 and spent 10 weeks in treatment as a result of sepsis, a severe blood disorder that often results in loss of limbs or even death. Last October Bass’ artwork was missing from the cover of the program for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the first time since 1985.
Earlier last year, in February, the 53 year-old Bass was fighting for his life in a Charlotte North Carolina hospital and missed his first Daytona 500 since 1986. He was diagnosed with diabetes years ago and in 2008 was forced to have his left leg amputated below the knee. Bass now spends time connecting with military veterans who have lost limbs as well contributing his efforts to charities such as the NASCAR Foundation, Speedway Children’s Charities, The Jeff Gordon Foundation, and The American Diabetes Association.
Bass first took up art at the age of seven launching his NASCAR career in 1981. He is NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist whose artwork has appeared on track program covers, racecar paints schemes, and other racing related works. His gallery near the Charlotte Motor Speedway is a popular spot for visitors. MORE>>>
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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