NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Paul Lee has announced a special tribute livery honoring Tom "the Mongoose" McEwen, one of drag racing's most iconic competitors, during the 2026 Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

This tribute celebrates several historic milestones starting with the 50th anniversary of McEwen's 1976 Bicentennial paint scheme, America’s 250th anniversary, the 75th season of NHRA competition, and the 60th anniversary of the Nitro Funny Car category.

McEwen became one of NHRA's first crossover stars, earning the nickname "the Mongoose" while captivating fans through his legendary rivalry with Don "the Snake" Prudhomme. Beyond his success on the racetrack, McEwen revolutionized motorsports marketing by pioneering corporate sponsorships that forever changed the landscape of professional drag racing.

"Tom McEwen helped shape the sport into what it is today," said Lee. "His personality, innovation, and ability to connect with fans changed drag racing forever. Being able to honor his legacy on one of the biggest stages in our sport is something our entire team is incredibly proud of.

“ 'The Mongoose' was a close friend of mine as well as my drag racing mentor. It’s amazing to be able to honor him and get to run my all-time favorite 'Mongoose' paint scheme. And having English Leather participate makes this even more exciting.”

The custom tribute body, which will debut on the team's Paul Lee Racing Nitro Funny Car, celebrates McEwen's legendary career and lasting impact on NHRA Drag Racing. The design is a modern interpretation of the iconic 1976 Bicentennial paint scheme that McEwen campaigned 50 years ago. Originally created by renowned artist Kenny Youngblood, the livery has been thoughtfully reimagined by Youngblood himself to fit the modern Funny Car body while preserving the spirit of one of the most recognizable paint schemes in motorsports history.

“Designing this tribute was about much more than recreating a paint scheme, it was about honoring one of the true pioneers of our sport," said Youngblood. "Every detail was carefully considered to capture the spirit of Tom 'the Mongoose' McEwen and create something that longtime fans will recognize and appreciate, while introducing a new generation to his incredible legacy."

Fans are invited to stop by the Heritage display area at the U.S. Nationals to meet both Lee and Youngblood and get an autographed drawing of the Paul Lee tribute Funny Car.

“We’re thankful to Paul for allowing digital artist Greg Flowers and me to put this tribute wrap together – the fans are really going to love it!  The best part is that it’s a way for both Paul and myself to say thank you to a racing legend who not only defined drag racing in the 70s, but who helped us both in our careers,” said Youngblood, who was inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame by “Big Daddy” Don Garlits in 2014.

Youngblood will be in Indy to unveil this iconic tribute, as well as personalizing a limited number of "Blood Did It" CARtoons depicting the car, for the fans in attendance. Youngblood’s association with Lee also spans many years, as Paul called on Kenny to design the graphics for his first Funny Car.  

“This is going to be an emotional moment for me — this tribute wrap has exceeded my expectations,” said Lee.

In addition to reviving McEwen's iconic 1976 Bicentennial paint scheme, the tribute brings English Leather, a Dana Classic Fragrances brand, back to the racetrack 50 years after it originally sponsored McEwen’s Funny Car.

“English Leather’s connection to Tom ‘the Mongoose’ McEwen is a memorable part of the brand’s history,” said Joann Petz, of Dana Classic Fragrances Inc. “It’s especially meaningful that 50 years later, English Leather has stood the test of time as well. To see the English Leather name return to the racetrack with Paul Lee Racing is incredibly special. We’re proud to help honor Tom’s legacy and celebrate such a storied chapter in drag racing history.”

Longtime Paul Lee Racing partner SRI will also embrace the throwback theme as well with a retro red, white, and blue logo featured on the team’s Nitro Funny Car.

This Paul Lee Racing 'Mongoose' Tribute Funny Car will make its unveiling debut for the fans during Friday night’s qualifying session at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, held Sept. 2-7 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Fans will have the opportunity to see the special livery throughout race weekend as Lee competes at the Big Go.