ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, November 21, 1996 TAG: 9611210003
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PAGE: 16 EDITION: METRO
Get into gift-giving gear.
From stocking stuffers to leather jackets, there's an item for every NASCAR fan on your list. There are stocking stuffers: key chains, decals, pins for hats, earrings and watches with drivers' pictures and car numbers on them. Gold-plated Christmas ornaments will brighten any fan's tree.
"There's something for everybody," said Steve Stone, owner of Racing Image. "There are afghans, coolers (with race cars on top) and trash cans with race cars on them."
Telephones and model car kits come with decals for customizing.
The most popular drivers - based on merchandise sales - are Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Bill Elliott.
Deidra Castellano, manager of the Williamson Road store, will special order items for fans when
For the serious collector, Racing Image has one-half size autographed helmets, which come with a certificate of authenticity.
Stone advised fans who buy collectibles to seek certificates of authenticity.
"It's good to buy race memorabilia or race items at a race speciality shop," Stone said.
In addition to die-cast race cars, clothing is popular with fans - T-shirts, hats, shorts, and, yes, socks are emblazoned with driver's faces, cars and numbers.
Even the youngest NASCAR fans can advertise their parents' favorite drivers in outfits for infants and children of all ages. There are also shoes and baby bottles.
Children's driver's jackets are available to match adult jackets.
To look like the driver on the track, wear a uniform jacket. If you want a NASCAR rug for your den or wall, call Floor Designs. The 2-by-31/2 feet rugs feature Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott and Ernie Irvan.
"Most people put them on the wall not the floor," Floor Designs owner Phil George said.
The store also carries larger rugs with soccer, polo, football, basketball, golf and ice hockey themes.
Roanoke Express hockey fans can get the team logo on many items, including stocking stuffers such as wooden train whistles, mini hockey sticks or logo pucks.
Other team merchandise, including caps, T-shirts, sweatpants and jerseys are available at The Slap Shop at Valley View Mall.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1. Racing Image offers everything from die-cast raceby CNBcars (below) 2. to a Dale Earnhardt racing jacket and cap.