Annual gift-buying ideas for racing fans

Christmas is just two weeks away, so it’s time for my annual last-minute Christmas gift guide for the race fan. No matter what type of motorsports your speed junkie is into, there’s something on this list that’s going to delight him or her. There’s something for every budget, from under $5 all the way up to “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.” I have included the websites where you can order everything a racer or fan could desire, and have it under the tree by Christmas morning.

Here are some sites with merchandise to delight any race fan:

http://store.nascar.com/pages/Gift_Guide

This site has a wide variety of NASCAR-themed merchandise including calendars, die-cast cars, hats, shirts, jackets, furniture, wall plaques, and much more. Many include images of your favorite driver or track. If your dog happens to be named Junior, you can even get him a doggie t-shirt with the number 88 proudly displayed on it.

http://shop.ims.com/indycar

The Indy Car store features hats, shirt, jackets, signs, stickers and decals, shot glasses, beer can cozies, stuffed animals, and much more. Choose your race fan’s favorite driver, track or event for a memorable Christmas gift.

http://f1store.formula1.com/stores/F1/en?portal =CHMHGTFG&CMP=PSC-CHMHGTFG

Along with the usual clothing and photographic items, this site also features unique gifts such as clocks and lamps made from authentic F1 race car parts. For example, a clock made from a Lotus carbon fiber brake rotor, a table fashioned from a Force India wheel rim, or a skid block keychain. Right now the year-end sale is underway with selected items up to 50 percent off.

http://www.nitromall.com/featured.php

If your favorite gearhead is an NHRA fan, this site has it all; shirts, hats, jackets, coffee mugs, adult beverage glasses, diecasts, and much more. Is there a favorite driver, track or event your race fans like? Chances are they will be represented on most, if not all, of the merchandise available.

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/shop/gear

If two wheels rather than four are what turns your race fan on, something from this site is going to make you his or her favorite Santa. From inexpensive t-shirts, stickers, pins, and hats to a desktop statuette of a vintage rider, there’s something for every budget. Be sure to check out the DVD of the motorcycle racer’s favorite movie, “On Any Sunday.”

Is your loved one a fan of local dirt track racing? Here’s just the ticket (literally):

http://fernley95aspeedway.com/spectator-fees.html

A season pass to Fernley 95A Speedway is just $125. The pass is good for admission to all regular-season races, excluding special events.

For the more robust of spirit, here are some opportunities to get behind the wheel and see “what it’s like out there.”

http://www.drivepetty.com/race-tracks/las-vegas-motor-speedway

The Richard Petty Driving Experience has programs starting at $109 for a three lap ride-along and going all the way up to the 50-lap $2699 racing experience. There are riding and driving opportunities in both a NASCAR stock car and an Indy Car at the 1.5 mile oval.

http://www.nascar racingexperience.com/daily-deal/

The NASCAR Racing Experience provides thrills at variety of race tracks in a NASCAR race car, either as driver or passenger. Right now experiences are sale priced, ranging from $89 to $1,799, depending on the activity. Nearest tracks to Carson City are Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and Phoenix International Raceway.

http://www.dreamracing.com/

Is your racing aficionado’s dream to drive a supercar? Dream Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway can fulfill that dream with a stable of exotic machinery including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, McLaren, Corvette, and more. Prices start at just $199 for five laps in a Porsche Cayman and there are packages combining drives in two or four different cars.

http://need2speed.com/

And here’s a local treat! To experience the thrill of racing in close quarters, the karts at the Need2Speed indoor track in Reno are just the ticket. I tried it myself earlier this year, and it’s great fun. Adult 14-lap races are $23 ($18 for members) and 12-lap Youth races are $20 ($15 for members). Gift cards are available, and check Groupon for deals.