NASCAR Models by Steve Salhany
Jerry Nadeau's 2002 #44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge
Jerry Nadeau's 2002 #44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge
This was Jerry Nadeau's quote after coming within 2 laps of victory at Infineon Raceway (formerly Sears Point) in California. Jerry, in his first ride with the #44 Georgia-Pacific Dodge owned by Petty Enterprises, had built a 5-second lead on the field and looked well on his way to victory when the rear end suddenly broke on lap 108, swinging the car around to a sudden halt and adding another round of bad luck to Jerry's already impressive bad luck resume. He's estimated that ill fate has cost him 6 wins in the past 2 years. It's not easy being a Nadeau fan.
This was my first build of the new Dodge kit from R/M, and I was very impressed with the body shape and overall stance. I did add a strip of styrene strip to the front valance to lower it to a more race-ready look. I also cut out the side window from the one-piece window unit to represent the Sears Point car.
I combined 2 decal sheets for this steed, a 2001 Slixx GP/Sparkle sheet, and a 2002 Slixx Brawny sheet. The 2001 sheet supplied most of the main graphics, while the 2002 sheet gave me the "Brawny" on the sides of the car, the contingencies, and various other small details.
I was also able to use some extra graphics to decal the driver figure and install him in the seat. I'm very happy with the way he looks in there. Too bad he's wearing a helmet, or else I could have painted the tears on his cheeks as well!
Painting was done with Tamiya Pure White and Testor's French Blue, both from rattle cans, followed by a coat of Future. I used Testor's Fluorescent Orange Acrylic to paint the front valance, matching it to my references.
While Jerry gained a lot of attention for the Sears Point near-miracle, he did have some good runs in the car for the rest of the season. His best finish was notching a strong 13th at Lowe's in October. He missed the last 5 races of the 2002 season with injuries sustained in a go-carting accident, but is geared up for 2003 with the MB2 team and strong sponsorship from the US Army. "
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