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Motor into the holidays with auto ideas
December 15, 2007
BY JEFF TAYLOR AND CAMILO ALFARO Pioneer Press

The holidays sure can be tough. I mean how do you buy for the guy or gal who seemingly has everything? Most people have at least one special car, race series, driver or even a movie that has a car connection -- the trick is to find the connection. So to lend a helping hand we’ve compiled our annual list of four-wheel-related gift ideas. As always the selections that follow are available with “a click, a call or stop at the mall.” I hope these help you make the connection.

Get it on video

The Motorsports HERO is a waterproof mini wireless digital video camera for motorsports. Its quick-release simplifies click mounting the camera to your car, motorcycle, helmet, etc. Developed at the track, the Motorsports HERO shoots TV resolution 30 fps video with sound tuned to capture the grunt, squeal, and stoke of driving at the limit. Records 56 minutes of video to a 2 GB SD card (not included). 2 AAA batteries. $179.99 retail. Available at www.goprocamera.com.

A Champ Car holiday

While the open wheel race season is over, you can still create some motorsport excitement on a smaller scale via the Champ Car HO Slot Car Set-Long Beach Grand Prix edition by AFX. The set includes a pair of controllers, enough track to build layouts of Long Beach as well as Cleveland and Surfers Paradise tracks, among others. The cars are 1/64th scale (HO) replicas of Champ Car’s biggest rivals—Bourdais and 2003 Champion Paul Tracy. Information on other Champ Car products and merchandise such as shirts, sweaters, caps, mugs, key chains, driver posters and team gear can be obtained at www.champcarstuff.com and www.speedgear.com or call 1-800-777-4453 and mention code ZCT76 for free ground shipping!

Booked up

Automotive “coffee table” style books are a great gift, and Motorbooks (www.motorbooks.com), (800) 826-6600 is a great source with car books for every type of car and enthusiast. One book we’ve recently reviewed is “Motor City Dream Garages.” This book focuses on Detroit the world’s automotive capital and some of its most interesting dream garages. Peeking inside some fantastic garages and photographing some rare and valuable cars, author Rex Roy profiles almost two dozen garages and their owners: price $34.00. Not into garages? Then check the site as virtually every make, vehicle, how to or collector car topic is on the site. Motor books are also found in all the big box book stores.

A scaled back garage

If you can’t have a garage filled with new and classic cars, here is the next best thing: die-cast cars. Highway 61 Collectibles offers some great 1:18 scale replicas available online or at better hobby stores. Check these out.

Chicago White Sox Hummer H2

A Hummer H2 with authentic White Sox team graphics highlighting their 2005 World Series Championship. All four passenger doors including and tailgate open to reveal an incredibly detailed interior, that includes reclining front seats, foldable rear seats and spare tire with fabric cover all for $99. The "stop and stare" graphics and high level of detail make this a very cool addition to your memorabilia collection. (www.ffertl3.com)

Magic Finger

The TurnPro Magnetic Finger improves upon the best tool you already own -- your hands. This indispensable product is a snug, stretchy glove that comes with a powerful magnet under the surface of the index fingertip. The glove fits securely and the magnet allows you to hold and retrieve any small metal object with precise control. Now you can pick up nails, screws, bolts and washers, small tools -- anything a magnet will attract. This easy to use, affordable and clever little innovation is available in two sizes. For more information visit

 

I looked at the Michael Irvine web site and ordered the "Open at Eight" print. I enjoyed the phone call with Mike's wife. They live in Cananda near Niagra Falls. I look forward to framing and hanging this artwork with my other Challenger posters.
Steve