Burning Rubber
The next few years are a blur for Don, something akin to the Ziggy Stardust years for Bowie. This time in his life is well documented in the hip periodicals of the time - "The Western Producer", "Bow Hunter", "Popular Science" and "Life" all devoted entire issues to this prairie kid with the eyes of an artist - that's right - entire issues - not just articles. Don sought help for his bratwurst addiction at the Richard Petty School of Stock Car Racing after being personally invited by Richard Petty himself. Mr. Petty was quoted as saying, " ... when you're pushing 200 miles per hour with a concrete wall inches from your passenger side the last thing on your mind is chewing sausage." According to Jedlic those words struck a chord with him, and the two years of intensive "Racing Therapy" paid huge dividends. Not only did he kick the bratwurst habit, but his portraits of life on the NASCAR circuit sold hugely in Mississippi, Alabama and the northern Chinese provinces. In addition to his heart rending pit crew portaiture, Don took the checkered flag at the Taladega 500 in his rookie year, and never failed to finish lower than the top 5 in any of his races. Things really looked like they were on the upswing for sure when Don received a hand penned note that would change his life forever. ...next