Steve Matusek of Aeromotive Fuel Systems surprised everyone on Monday afternoon when he pulled the wraps (no pun intended) off of his brand new look that he’ll begin the 2013 season with that pays homage to his good friend Tom McEwen and the upcoming big screen flick, Snake & Mongoose.

Photos credit: Aeromotive Inc./Steve Matusek

Matusek received permission straight from the ‘Goose to adorn his 2010 Ford Mustang NHRA Pro Modified entry with the scheme that pays tribute to McEwen’s iconic 1970 Plymouth Duster Funny Car. McEwen’s Duster was sponsored by Mattel and campaigned during the era when he and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme were both backed by the folks at Hot Wheels and engaged in their historic rivalry that made the pair famous and has the attention of Hollywood more than 40 years later. Named the Mongoose II, Matusek’s 500 cubic inch, twin-turbocharged entry is virtually identical to McEwen’s Duster, complete with the Hot Wheels logo and the iconic Mongoose graphic down the side and the star-laden stripe that runs from nose to tail and looks spectacular with the flat hood.

The upcoming NHRA Gatornationals in Florida will be Matusek’s first race back in competition since the car was damaged in November at the Street Car Super Nationals when it spun around early in the run and tagged the wall passenger side first. Four months later, Matusek’s buddy, chassis man Larry Larson, has the Mustang looking like new and ready for battle.

Now, all we need is a car covered in the “Snake” Hot Wheels colors to make the theme complete.