Race And Rest EasyThrow out that raggedy old sofa with the coverlet hiding who-knows-what, and enjoy watching your favorite racing programs in these ultra-comfortable Racing Furniture offerings. All the products are made from first-quality, soft top-grain leather and engineered hardwood frames, combined with a heavy-duty wire frame suspension. Signature pieces from Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, and Jimmie Johnson are the beginning of the company's product line and will accent any racing rumpus room in style. Racing Furniture, www.racingfurniture.com; 800/854-1496.
X-Ray Vision ArtGive the racer who has everything X-ray vision with a technical cutaway print from Under the Hood Art. Each of the collectible prints is hand-signed and numbered by artist Jason Coupe. These prints are the result of over 250 hours of hand-drawn drafting and electronically airbrushed design. Limited edition prints of Jeff Gordon's No. 24 or Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 are available by mail or on-line, with more cars to come. A signed print retails for $39.95 and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Open edition prints are only $29.95. Under the Hood Art,www.underthehoodart.com; 410/266-9118.
Country, Cars, And CDsCountry music and stock cars have been together since Marty Robbins used to bang fenders with the best of the tour in Nashville. This new country music/racing CD, Lookin' for a Ride, comes out of Music City, U.S.A with twelve original songs about racing, and it's ready for your singin' racer to join along. With entertaining vocals by Ernie Rowell, who's worked with country stars George Jones, Ray Price, and Mel Tillis, the disc has cuts like "Waitin' for the Green" and "Hot Ride" to get your motor running. TC Enterprises, 800 18th Ave. South, Suite E, Nashville, TN 37203; 615/254-2823.
Detailed Action Race FiguresWe've come a long way since G.I. Joe stormed onto the male action figure scene in the '60s. Action Performance and McFarlane Toys (spearheaded by Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn) have teamed up to produce cutting edge NASCAR-driver action figures of six top racers, including Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., Rusty Wallace, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Ryan Newman. McFarlane Toys figures are noted for their details, accuracy, and picture-perfect facial details. Check your nearest racing collectible outlet for availability, or www.action-performance.com and www.spawn.com for purchasing.
The Best Dale Earnhardt Jr. Book Ever-PeriodWe shamelessly know what we're talking about, because Dale Earnhardt Jr., Standing Tall in the Shadow of a Legend was compiled and edited by Stock Car Racing's very own associate editor, Larry Cothren. It details Little E's rise from a kid playing with toy cars to one of Winston Cup's top stars. Cothren unearthed never before published stories and photos about Earnhardt Jr.'s short track beginnings, which alone make this book a must-have to understand Earnhardt Jr.'s racing roots and competitive drive of today. If you buy one racing book this year, it should be this one. Available at bookstores nationwide, online wherever books are sold, or at www.motorbooks.com.
Have Software, Build Engines, and Tune ChassisFor the engine builder or crewchief on your Santa list, check out DynoSim and FastLapSim from ProRacing Sim of Memphis, Tennessee. These modeling software titles are so much easier to repair or adjust than working in reality. An example is when you try out an engine combination that puts a rod through the block, or a chassis setup that has your driver trying to keep it off the wall.