In a nod to the historic tradition of the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, the new tower at Gainesville Raceway will be adorned with a 10-foot sculpture of the iconic racecar-driving alligator that made its debut at the inaugural Florida classic in 1970.

Darkhorse Productions of Gainesville, Fla., which produces all manner of sculptures for clients that include Disney, Universal Studios, and numerous casinos in Las Vegas, is building the sculpture of the accelerating alligator, famously posed between two racing slicks and with a steering wheel in its claws. The gator, designed 38 years ago by current National DRAGSTER Associate Editor John Jodauga, for years was part of the event logo.

The bas relief fiberglass sculpture will be molded into the east wall of the south stairwell (track side) along with the NHRA logo.