EDDIE VAN HALEN ROCKS PHOENIX NASCAR RACE!

It was a weekend for checkered flags and striped guitars.

In one of his first public appearances since a highly publicized March 2007 rehab stint, rock guitar legend and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Van Halen attended the NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500 race at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) in Arizona over the weekend of April 20-21, where he served as an honorary race official and unveiled two new guitars.

At a press conference that Friday, Van Halen—looking tanned, happy and healthy—unveiled the EVH Frankenstein™ guitar replica, a Fender-built limited edition recreation of the unusually striped DIY instrument he made famous during Van Halen the band’s meteoric rise to rock superstardom in the late 1970s and ’80s. The other guitar was a custom Fender Stratocaster® that would be presented to the winner of the NASCAR race that Saturday.

As an honorary race official, Van Halen helped officially greet and introduce the more than 40 drivers in Saturday’s race. Further, the famous guitarist suited up for a “hot lap” on Friday, taking a speedy spin around the track at PIR with NASCAR driver Kurt Busch.

“I am honored on behalf of EVH brand guitars, amps, and musical products to be invited to such an exciting and fun event,” Van Halen said. “I feel privileged to be working with such amazing organizations like Phoenix International Raceway, their NASCAR event, and Fender.”

Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber said he was “personally delighted that Eddie Van Halen accepted our invitation to join us as our honorary race official for the Subway Fresh Fit 500.”

“I know it will be a thrill for the drivers and fans to have Eddie at Phoenix International Raceway for the NASCAR weekend,” Sperber added.

Fender President Matt Janopaul presented NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon with the custom Stratocaster after Gordon won the race from the pole, delighting fans and ending a 21-race streak of non-pole winners at PIR. Another custom Stratocaster was presented to 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup winner Jimmie Johnson.

Van Halen with Kyle Petty (center) and Janopaul.
Photo by Clay Lyons

Racing stripes: Van Halen unveils the "Frankenstein™" replica at a PIR press conference on Friday, April 20.
Photo by Clay Lyons



Winner Jeff Gordon receives a custom Strat®
from Fender President Matt Janopaul.
Photo by Clay Lyons

Van Halen with NASCAR driver Kurt Busch.
Photo by Clay Lyons