The holidays are coming up and that means only one thing: presents. Many people on your list can be pretty easy to buy for, while others can be a real challenge. For me, buying for the men in my life has always been a bit of a hassle. I wanted to find something that they liked and would get a lot of use out of at the same time.

Are you looking for a good gift idea for the man in your life? Are you never quite sure what to get him, and worry about buying the wrong thing? Does he have t-shirts and ties you have gotten him hidden in the back of your closet? Even if your man is hard to buy for, there are great ideas out there. If you cannot think of a good gift for your man or are tired of giving him the same old thing, consider a gift basket filled with his favorite goodies. Most men have some type of hobby- and our personal favorite is of course NASCAR.

You can purchase gift baskets online, but if you do not have enough time for it to be shipped, you can check your local stores. There may be stores that specifically make gift baskets listed in the phone book. If not, you might contact a local florist as many of them also make gift baskets for special occasions. If you cannot find a local shop and you do not have time to order online, do not panic. Making your own basket is easy enough. You can purchase a basket at any crafts store, use a blanket, apron, or paper to line it and stuff it full of goodies for your man!

Here is our favorite gift idea for the Nascar fan of the household:

NASCAR Gift Basket ? NASCAR fans love almost anything NASCAR gift related. You can fill your man’s basket with his favorite driver’s toy replica cars or a coffee cup with his favorite driver’s number and colors. You can add to the basket a hat, t-shirt, bumper stickers, coasters, magnets, or a key chain. Does your man like to play darts? There are even NASCAR darts! If you really want to give him something extra special, order tickets to his favorite NASCAR race ahead of time and hide those in his basket.

You really have no excuse to get him something old and boring this holiday season. Nascar is hotter than ever and there are so many gifts centered around the sport, that you can easily choose something to keep him happy with! So start searching for fun Nascar goodies and give your man something this holiday season that he will really be proud to call his own. Enjoy!

The world-class driver Dario Franchitti will become the first European in NASCAR history; the Scottish who has raced in the United States since 1997 in the former CART series and Indy Car Series will drive for Chip Ganassi in the 2008 season using the No. 40 Nextel Cup car, to join the well known Juan Pablo Montoya, who made the official switch from F1 to NASCAR last year.

The 34-years- old driver, decided to move to NASCAR after an 11 year?s career in open-wheel racing where he recently obtained the title of the most prestigious race in North American Indy-style racing, the Indianapolis 500 plus the Series Championship. Dario signed a multiyear contract to replace David Stremme; who ended his relationship with his sponsor Coors Light. It is important to mention Franchitti not only had a great end in Indy Car Series, in five seasons of competition his resume lists eight wins, 30 top fives, 46 top 10s and seven pole positions in 67 starts, he is definitely an extraordinary driver.

Dario is the latest international driver to jump to NASCAR after his good friend and former CART Juan Pablo Montoya moved from Formula 1 last year. Apparently, this American sport is becoming more open to drivers of others countries; therefore, its popularity has been expanded worldwide. In regards Franchitti said ?NASCAR fans don’t have to worry about the sport losing its American look.? ?NASCAR is always going to be predominantly US drivers?.

The Scotsman already had his first appearance in stock cars competing at the Craftsman Truck Series in the Kroger 200; however, it was not as he expected since due to an incident he had to leave the competition. Thought, his performance before the lap 100 was above the standard of a first time driver. He will continue to prepare for his first NASCAR Sprint Cup with a show up in NASCAR Busch Series this weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway.

The Scottish has a long way to go before he can even think about winning a stock car race. NASCAR is totally a different world than IndyCar Series and there are a lot of things to get use to. There is a plenty of work to do between now and the beginning of the 2008 season; but the new challenge represents new goals in Dario?s life that seems to have a lot to show still.

There?s a whole lot of unique NASCAR collectibles out there that will gratify true, diehard and committed stock car racing fans. Stuff like apparel, die-cast cars, authentic race memorabilia, blankets, hats and a multitude of other traditional items are available for fans of all ages whether guy or gal. But is there a unique type of merchandise that should also be considered?

Absolutely! Did you know that there is now available for fans of Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr, Tony Stewart, and Jimmie Johnson neon clocks with their respective pictures and cars on them? Each one is something very striking and impressive that would be the envy of any fan of these drivers. What are the specifications of these neon clocks?

First off, they are manufactured by Jebco Products which makes these items and other high quality officially licensed NASCAR collectibles as well. They are within either a 16? chrome or 22? black molded round case with a glass or bezel glass lens, respectively. They have electric illumination with battery powered movement. These are simply the features that the fans should know about before they buy one. But much more importantly, what are their benefits?

They are bold. They are magnets for the eyes to admire. They create a picture in the viewer?s mind of competition and a desire in his soul to be a part of it. There?s an invisible quality within each one that can?t be adequately described in human terms. Something is there but can?t be put into words to explain. There?s a feeling that one should belong to you for reasons that only you can possibly know about. It?s all about the NASCAR magic that is deeply within each devoted fan.

The fact that they would be an attractive edition to any home, office, or work area should also be mentioned. Just imagine the perfect spot where the neon clock would be most revered. A side wall in the bedroom? Perhaps at a bare spot down in the finished basement? How about the workshop in either your garage or company location? The hallway?or bathroom?den or kitchen? These are just my guesses and only you can know the best place where one would have the most emotional impact.

Take the advice of StockCarUSA.com and get familiar with the NASCAR collectibles of neon clocks. They would add a new dimension to your love of racing and tell everyone who sees it that you are dead serious about your loyalty. The clocks would not only tell the time but tell others what you are all about in no uncertain terms.

What started off as a way of racing stock motorcars on dirt tracks has now become as America’s biggest and most-watched sporting event. It has rapidly matched and in many places taken over even the NFL as the most-watched sport. Nascar is huge today. For those of you wondering, Nascar stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. There are many popular races that are put on by Nascar. There are more than 1500 races that are sanctioned by Nascar with the Nextel cup, Busch series, and the Craftsman series being the most common ones.

The History

It all began in the early days of the 19th century, when Daytona Beach became the setting for speed and racing cars. It had quickly become the place where speed records were being passed each and every day. In fact, more than 15 records were set here in a span of a few years. Drivers then begun to modify their cars in order to escape the fierceness of the police force. It was here that modified cars began participating in the racing circuit.

William France, Sr.

It was William France, Sr. who can be named the founding father of Nascar or the man who laid the groundwork for it. William France, Sr. had traveled to Daytona Beach from Washington, D.C. to escape from the Great Depression. He then entered in the racing event at Daytona Beach and finished fifth. He saw that very often the drivers were left lurking in the dark after sponsors made off with their money. They were left unpaid most of the times after doing all the hard work.

This led him to the conclusion that a set of regulations, a governing body, and an organized championship were necessary for the improvement of the race and the drivers. This gave way to negotiations with several racing enthusiasts, and Nascar was formed on the 21st of February, 1948.

The First Races And Rules

Can you believe that the first set of Nascar rules and the points system were written on a saloon napkin? The first racing event sponsored by the facultative body was held at Daytona Beach. But the first ever stock car race was held on June 19th, 1949, at the Charlotte speedway. Alterations on the car commenced after about six years after Nascar was formed. Soon, custom-made vehicles began appearing on the circuit.

The Racing Circuits

Some of the tracks expended in the initiatory racing circuits are still utilized today. Martinsville Speedway is one of them. Darlington Raceway, which opened in 1950, is another. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is a popular track on the Nextel Cup circuit, dates back to 1909!

There are a lot of sports that are trying to market themselves to a wide variety of audiences. And one of those audiences is “the family market”. In this day and time, we don’t see too many sports that are really family oriented, but more importantly, that the whole family would enjoy.

NASCAR has always had the reputation of being a family sport. Families seem to love it and can be involved in it together. For once, Mom is not shut out of sports talk. NASCAR estimates that 40% of their fan base is female. Mom has her favorite driver, dad has his favorite and the two have a friendly competition while sharing an interest and hobby. It’s an activity you can do with your teenager without him thinking you are totally out of touch and that, as we all know, is priceless! Families can also watch races together on television without fear of inappropriate material searing their young children’s eyes. And if you think that it is only something that the “South” loves, you would be surprised to find that 50% of NASCAR fans are “white collar”. It has become a sport for all people and all families.

As the NASCAR Circuit has grown and worked to expand their markets and fan base, they have definitely experienced change throughout the years. When Brian France took the helm he made major alterations such as allowing hard liquor companies to sponsor cars and he also decided to drop Winston as a sponsor, effectively sending an “against tobacco” stance. He is the one responsible for dreaming up the Chase for the Cup, which has changed so much about the competition. Now they have brought in international drivers and there is talk of a female driver. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that NASCAR wants drivers to be good role models. In October 2005, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. stepped out of line by using a mild curse word in Victory Lane. That action earned him a fine which in the end took him out of the running for the Cup.

Now I’m not saying that NASCAR racing is perfect and “lily white” clean. But in this day of greed, overexposure, loss of family values, and many more challenges, NASCAR seems to be working to keep it something that fans of all ages and all backgrounds can enjoy. As long as they keep that up, they will be successful with the family.

The bottom line is that NASCAR is family fun and that seems to have stayed the same year in and year out. We hope that it stays that way!

Ever see the high-end stock car racing products for the home such as furniture or personalized plaques for the wall or other types of eye-catching collector memorabilia for the homestead? Do they look great? Sure thing. Affordable? This question many times can be answered with the common expression “Nope”!

Hey, reality checks often lead us to another expression that money doesn’t grow on trees. This basic truism will leave us with limited options on our stock car merchandise shopping list for personal purchases or for gifts to other racing fans. There is one choice, however, which might be the perfect compromise – NASCAR pillows.

Check these babies out when you get the chance. They are attractive and colorful items to have around the home. They can have your favorite driver and number on it or the NASCAR logo that we all know and love. You can even rest your weary head on these action packed collectibles. But best of all friends…They’re CHEAP!

C’mon people. We all have to live within our means. Extravagance can be a dirty word that might just put us into the ‘ol poor house. But is life worth living if we can’t on occasion spend a little bread for something nice? Nope! That’s why NASCAR pillows can be a frugal way for the racing fan to get his or her fix of the action.

Take my advice and you’ll get a happier home and a more sound bank account. You will have acted in a financially responsible manner while getting a piece of the passion that you live for. What?s not to love about that? NASCAR pillows truly allow the best of both worlds!

Even though NASCAR started as a backwoods illegal race to run moonshine, it has today evolved into a sport that is not only entertaining but depends on physics too. The obvious element in the physics of NASCAR is the aerodynamic design required by these cars in order to achieve top speeds of near 200 mph with the minimum drag coefficient. But there are other forces involved too such as Newton?s Law of Motion and centripetal force.

Newton?s Law of Motion states that a body will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by some external force. In outer space for example, in the absence of gravity, an object will go on forever. So there are forces that resist the movement of a NASCAR vehicle such as wind drag and another known as centripetal force.

Centripetal force should not be confused with centrifugal force. However without getting too technical, you can think of centripetal force as a real force acting perpendicular to the motion of the moving body. Centrifugal force on the other hand is actually a fictitious force and what we feel as we are thrown outward from a moving vehicle is the reaction force.

Centripetal force in the physics of NASCAR is crucial to keeping a car on the track. The tires of the vehicle provide the friction which is part of the centripetal force. The centripetal force needed to keep the car on the track cannot exceed the square of the speed of the car. To put it in simple terms, if the car takes a turn too fast, the wheels leave the ground and an accident occurs. The physics of NASCAR dictates that turns on the racetrack must be banked in order to increase the friction (part of the centripetal force) to hold the car.

Another component of physics of NASCAR that serves to keep the vehicle with all four wheels on the track during the race is center of gravity. Center of gravity is basically the point where you could balance the car on the top of a flag pole (theoretically). Racing vehicles need low centers of gravity in order to keep the weight close to the track. If a vehicle has a high center of gravity then it can lose control when it hits a turn much faster. Think of an ambulance with a high profile patient area. If the ambulance took a turn too fast, it would topple over. But if its profile was not too high, it could take the turn faster because the center of gravity is lower.

An ambulance needs the high profile in order to get patients in and treat them but the physics of NASCAR dictate the low center of gravity in order to apply more centripetal force and keep it attached to the track on a turn.

Then there is the machining of engine components in the physics of NASCAR that are important for building horsepower with the minimum of friction. You want friction when it comes to centripetal force but you don?t want it inside of an engine. This is why internal engine parts are machined to within very accurate tolerances?much more accurately than automobiles for family and everyday use. Why? It is because you want to minimize friction inside the engine. When engines torque at these speeds, friction is a very dangerous enemy.

Shortly after the invention of the automobile, Americans fell in love with car racing. Europe started the tradition of setting speed records, but starting in the 1920s America started setting many of these speed records. In fact, most of these world records were being set in Daytona Beach.

That’s right, even in the early days car racing centered around Daytona Beach. Racing fans from all over the United States and the rest of the world started coming to Daytona Beach to watch the Daytona Beach road course. For those of you who don’t know you NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is the biggest race in NASCAR today.

As many know, stock car racing spawned out of America’s Prohibition period. The bootleggers needed fast cars to out run the police when they were transporting illegal whiskey throughout the south and in particular the mountains of Appalachia. These bootleggers started to modify their cars to increase their speed and performance. In order to out run the law, you needed to have a great car. And, as the bootleggers upped the ante, the police did so too. These suped up cars eventually turned into the stock cars that we recognize today. The real life game of cops and robbers turned into the sports that millions of Americans love today.

After the end of Prohibition in 1933, Americans did not want to give up their fast cars. Many Americans living in the South East of the United States started to set up races featuring their tricked out cars. Once these races started being held, the fans started pouring in to watch the car races. From this moment, stock car racing was born. The birth place of these early races was North Carolina. To this day NASCAR is huge in North Carolina.

Today, NASCAR is popular all across the country. While many of the nascar drivers still come out of North Carolina and Tennessee, many more are coming from states like California, New York and Indiana. No longer is the sport just enjoyed in the south. Cities like Philadelphia are now some of the largest markets for television viewers of the sport. Race tracks have been built in Las Vegas, New Hampshire and many non-southern states.

While the South East region of the United States was the birthplace of NASCAR, today the sport is loved throughout the county. Today there are race tracks all across America and it is the fastest growing sport in the country. Despite its regional roots, NASCAR is today the most popular sport in the United States. Every Sunday during race season, over 100,000 screaming fans show up to see the NASCAR drivers start their engines. Not bad for a bunch of bootleggers.

A good organization supports charity and NASCAR does just that through its NASCAR foundation. The foundation has a program where for a 30 dollar donation you can join in on the NASCAR track walk. The Home Depot, one of the nations largest retail home improvement centers, is a major sponsor of the promotions and holds charitable events with proceeds going to the Foundation. But who does the Foundation support and what kinds of events do they hold to raise funds?

One thing they do is sponsor auctions where the proceeds go to one of the foundations supported by the foundation. For example, on September 17, 2007, they announced bidding on Jeff Gordon full-sized and autographed fiberglass auto body. The proceeds from this auction go to the Jeff Gordon Foundation which supports pediatric medical care of children with serious and life-threatening disease.

The NASCAR foundation holds the Blood and Marrow Drives at different tracks each year. The donations help out the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the Hendrick Marrow Program. Other charities of the Foundation are:

The Dale Earnhardt Foundation,This is a foundation run by the wife of the racing great who died in a race car crash in 2001. Dale Earnhardt was concerned about education, children, and wildlife and his commitment lives on through this foundation.

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride,Kyle Petty is the son of the King of NASCAR Richard Petty and he sponsors a motorcycle ride across the USA for the Victory Junction Gang Camp as well as other childrens charities.

Victory Junction Gang Camp,This is an organization with the mission of helping to enrich the lives of children with serious illnesses by providing them a camping experience in a medically-safe environment. It was founded by Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in June 2004. The couple also donated the land that the camp stands on today. The camp is interesting because it was built with a racing theme and all the look of a race track. The camp takes cash donations and there are volunteer opportunities. It is also gives a quilt and a teddy bear to each child who stays there so they are always looking for donations of these two items to replenish their supply.

There are many ways to donate to the foundation. One way is through the NASCARs Auto Donation program. Here, you can donate a vehicle and then any of the proceeds that the Auto Donation program gets from the proceeds in an auction are given to charity. All donations are fully tax deductible.

The Day Telethon,This was a telethon held on May 18, 2007 across from Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Speed Channel, NASCAR, and Sirius radio broadcasted this telethon event through the end of the Craftsman Truck Series Race.

There are many other charitable organizations supported by the Foundation but it is obvious that they care about contributing to the community which is probably one of the reasons why this sport is becoming increasingly popular.

Even though NASCAR started as a backwoods illegal race to run moonshine, it has today evolved into a sport that is not only entertaining but depends on physics too. The obvious element in the physics of NASCAR is the aerodynamic design required by these cars in order to achieve top speeds of near 200 mph with the minimum drag coefficient. But there are other forces involved too such as Newtons Law of Motion and centripetal force.

Newtons Law of Motion states that a body will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by some external force. In outer space for example, in the absence of gravity, an object will go on forever. So there are forces that resist the movement of a NASCAR vehicle such as wind drag and another known as centripetal force.

Centripetal force should not be confused with centrifugal force. However without getting too technical, you can think of centripetal force as a real force acting perpendicular to the motion of the moving body. Centrifugal force on the other hand is actually a fictitious force and what we feel as we are thrown outward from a moving vehicle is the reaction force.

Centripetal force in the physics of NASCAR is crucial to keeping a car on the track. The tires of the vehicle provide the friction which is part of the centripetal force. The centripetal force needed to keep the car on the track cannot exceed the square of the speed of the car. To put it in simple terms, if the car takes a turn too fast, the wheels leave the ground and an accident occurs. The physics of NASCAR dictates that turns on the racetrack must be banked in order to increase the friction (part of the centripetal force) to hold the car.

Another component of physics of NASCAR that serves to keep the vehicle with all four wheels on the track during the race is center of gravity. Center of gravity is basically the point where you could balance the car on the top of a flag pole (theoretically). Racing vehicles need low centers of gravity in order to keep the weight close to the track. If a vehicle has a high center of gravity then it can lose control when it hits a turn much faster. Think of an ambulance with a high profile patient area. If the ambulance took a turn too fast, it would topple over. But if its profile was not too high, it could take the turn faster because the center of gravity is lower.

An ambulance needs the high profile in order to get patients in and treat them but the physics of NASCAR dictate the low center of gravity in order to apply more centripetal force and keep it attached to the track on a turn.

Then there is the machining of engine components in the physics of NASCAR that are important for building horsepower with the minimum of friction. You want friction when it comes to centripetal force but you dont want it inside of an engine. This is why internal engine parts are machined to within very accurate tolerances much more accurately than automobiles for family and everyday use. Why? It is because you want to minimize friction inside the engine. When engines torque at these speeds, friction is a very dangerous enemy.