"Inspiring Dreams: Where Art Meets Architecture!"

A Drag Racing Icon Captured on Canvas

Some cars are more than just machines - they carry stories, memories, and a spirit that transcends generations. The Agitator, a 1933 Willys gasser, is one of those legendary vehicles. With a record-breaking past in NHRA drag racing, this car has lived multiple lives, changing hands and evolving with each owner.

As an artist, I set out to capture its power and legacy on canvas. But to truly appreciate The Agitator, we need to look back at the racers, builders, and artists who shaped its journey.

The Origins of The Agitator

Bob Chipper: The Builder and Record-Breaker

The story of The Agitator begins with Bob Chipper of Binghamton, NY, who originally built the 1933 Willys to compete in the supercharged gasser class (BB/GS).

• Drag Racing Achievements: Chipper raced the Willys to multiple U.S. Nationals wins in Indianapolis - one of the most prestigious events in NHRA history.

• Setting Records: In 1969, the car set NHRA national records for both elapsed time (ET) and top speed, running a blown and injected HEMI engine.

By the end of 1969, Chipper sold the car to Paul Day of Dayton, Ohio, setting the stage for The Agitator’s next evolution.

Paul Day & The Transformation into The Agitator

Paul Day wasted no time making his mark on the car.

• Chopping the Roof: One of the first modifications was a chopped top, giving it a more aggressive stance.

• A New Name & Paint Job: Day renamed it The Agitator and had it painted by none other than Don “The Egyptian” Boeke, a renowned custom painter.

Don Boeke: The Artist Behind the Paint

A true legend in the custom car world, Don “The Egyptian” Boeke was known for his striking designs at The Egyptian Custom Body and Paint in Dayton, Ohio.

His 1969-1970 paint job on The Agitator gave the car its unforgettable presence, helping it stand out in the fiercely competitive NHRA BB/GS class.

Paul Day’s Racing Legacy

Now running a blown and injected small-block Chevy, Paul Day continued the car’s dominance on the track:

• 1970 U.S. Nationals Winner  - Just like Chipper before him, Day piloted The Agitator to a class win at Indy in 1970.

• 1970 NHRA National Champion - Day’s success with the car earned him the title of NHRA National Champion.

The Agitator Moves to Canada

Around 1971-72, The Agitator found a new home in Canada under Bob Easterbrook of London, Ontario.

While its Canadian racing history is less documented, the car remained a competitive force under Easterbrook’s ownership, further solidifying its status as a drag racing legend.

Bringing The Agitator to Life on Canvas

Decades later, The Agitator continues to inspire - not just on the track, but now through fine art.

My latest oil painting, “Agitator in Action”, is a tribute to:

• The racers who piloted this Willys to victory
• The mechanics and builders who modified it for speed
• The artists like Don Boeke who made it a visual icon

As I painted this piece, I imagined the roar of the engine, the grit of the track, and the determination of the racers who pushed this car to greatness.

Own a Piece of Racing History

Are you a classic car enthusiast or drag racing fan?

•  Interested in commissioning a custom automotive portrait?  Contact me

Final Thoughts

From Bob Chipper’s record-setting runs to Paul Day’s championship victories, The Agitator is more than a race car—it’s a symbol of speed, craftsmanship, and history. And now, it lives on through art.

Stay tuned for the official reveal of Agitator in Action, and let’s keep the legacy of racing alive—one painting at a time.