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Tracks: Local Artist Carves Texas Motor Speedway 'Two-Step' Trophy

2 September 1998

FORT WORTH - DALLAS- Robert Cortez never realized the impact a Boy Scout leader would have on his life. At the age of twelve, Cortez joined a "poor" scout group whos e scout master, Lupe Felipe, taught the boys "we will make what we need".

"He was the greatest influence in my life," said Cortez. "I learned the basics of carving from him."

Cortez was commissioned to carve a pair of boots for the Texas Two-Step Trophy for Texas Motor Speedway. Not only had Cortez never designed a trophy, he had never carved a pair of boots before. Furthermore, time was of the essence as Cortez had to have the trophy completed in five days.

The Pep Boys Indy Racing League and Texas Motor Speedway were preparing for a press conference to announce the "Texas Two-Step" - a special award given to the highest points holder form the June 6 and Sept. 20 Pep Boys Indy Racing League races at Texas Motor Speedway. Officials from both organizations wanted a trophy for display during the announcement, but due to the time factor involved, neither party was sure if a trophy could be done.

Cortez stepped up to the task. Over the course of Memorial Day weekend, Cortez spent over 20 hours carving the trophy at the Working Artist Network booth during ArtFest in Dallas.

"It was an honor to work on the trophy for Texas Motor Speedway. Not only did it help my career, but I helped the Working Artist Network gain recognition," said Cortez

Cortez, a full-time heavy-equipment mechanic at the Fort Worth branch of Darr Equipment company, is also owner and operator of the Wood Horseman Co. and works on his carvings every day.