Why is the Busch Series Racing in Mexico?

Starting in 2004, the Busch series held a race in Mexico City at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track. This year will be the third year that NASCAR has been south of the border. What would motivate them to pick up a venue like that?
In 2005, it was estimated that one seventh of the population in the United States is Hispanic. This is a demographic that just hasn’t been turned onto stock car racing in the past. Mexico City can change that. But there has definitely been some resistance from the teams.
In the first Mexico City race, the prize money was so little that most teams didn’t break even. It’s expensive for your whole team to travel and especially expensive to transport the racecars.
Truthfully, for the first race, most teams made the race only because of the owner points which were awarded. Since that first race, the purse has grown and teams are more likely to come out having made at least some money.
Another reason that teams are traveling to the race is for their sponsors. One of the main rationales that the Mexico City race is considered so important is because there are so many international sponsors.
Many of the team’s sponsors, such as Lowe’s and Red Bull, already have a strong presence in both Mexico and the United States. Racing in Mexico increases the sponsor’s exposure. Several team owners have said that they wouldn’t choose to race in Mexico because of the added expenses but do so for their sponsors.
There was quite a lot of complaining when the race was first announced. Besides the expense, people were concerned about the safety issues of being in Mexico.
Carl Edwards says he looks forward to the race now but he was nervous about being in Mexico the first time, especially when he had to visit the hospital due to a crash during a practice round. However, his short hospital stay was great and he considers this race an exciting trip now.
The idea behind having an international race is that not only will it be a tool to hook Hispanics in the U.S. on NASCAR but will also open up a whole new audience of race fans in Mexico. So they are building a larger fan base two at a time.
NASCAR is determined to branch out into all parts of the world and become the most popular sport. We think they are well on their way to doing just that.

Nascar Collectibles Keep the Racing Flame Going 24/7

Stock car racing fans are within a league of their own. Rumbling engines amid fierce rivalry between racing legends and young gunners is what gets them excited. This type always knows who the leaders are and where the next track competition is. They are wired to be in the midst of these thundering battles and will never lose that grip.

Are you within this description? Does your life get truly charged when the topic of racing crosses your mind? Do you share a camaraderie with others of the same spirit when race day draweth near? Well here’s another question. What can keep this flame alive 24/7 within the souls of those who truly love this great American sport? …NASCAR collectibles!

What are NASCAR collectibles? There are multitudes of these including blankets, pillows, rugs, mats, clocks and even bean bags. Die-cast cars, men’s and women’s apparel, authentic race memorabilia and even home décor and bedding items can be found and purchased to either wear or embellish your domain. These clearly tell others where your loyalty lies!

NASCAR collectibles offer a broad range of affordability so it’s possible for pretty much anyone to get in the game. There surely are high-ticket items that are reserved for the more well-to-do out there. Their homes can be wreathed with authentic pieces of past action that are autographed in full glory. There are also countless more affordable items that would appeal to any fan no matter what income bracket he or she is in. There is something for everyone!

Consider stock car racing merchandise as a way to get your life more in focus with your passion. Officially licensed NASCAR collectibles also may be the precise gift to give to someone that you know who lives in the fast lane of this racing world. Why not let yourself and other speed diehards relish in the excitement that makes life bearable before the engines are started for the next dogfight duel on the tracks?

Nascar Gifts Last Lap for 2007

Now that Jimmie Johnson has wrapped-up the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup championship what is left of the racing season to be concerned about? The answer is shopping for the NASCAR gifts needed for friends, family and yourself before the Christmas holiday is upon us all.

Yes, it’s that time of year race fans. This is equally true for those who may not be fans of the sport but have loved ones to shop for that are. You’ve got to prepare yourselves for searching for the items that are on the wish-lists of stock car racing aficionados. There’s time to spare but the clock is ticking. Avoid the panic button being pressed allowing anxiety to begin a crescendo that could end in shopping disaster. What’s the solution?

Buy your NASCAR gifts early and have them gift-wrapped with time to spare! Take the lead today and get ahead of others who might just claim the last piece of merchandise that you may desperately need before the race is over. It’s a cruel fact that manufacturers make a limited amount of products that may run out before Christmas Day. Don’t let your competition get the inside lane on the gift that will make someone you know beam with racing excitement.

The good news is that there are racing gifts in pretty much any price range. There are the higher priced NASCAR memorabilia that have actual pieces of the driver’s car and autograph on it as well. There are pricey leather jackets and furniture and upscale die-cast models for those that can afford them. These may go quickly so it may be best to make a determination early on and make the move in time to have these type of products shipped to you pronto.

There are NASCAR gifts that may be more in your price zone such as clocks, blankets, pillows, throws, rugs, mats or bean bags all having a favorite driver on them. There are tons of ideas for apparel including the basic t-shirt to the sporty uniform jackets that boldly advertise the stock car competitor that has won the gift recipient’s favor. There is a buffet of racing merchandise out there now that may not be around for long that could make somebody’s holiday season a most memorable one for years to come.

Take the advice of StockCarUSA.com and start your engines early in the rush to finish the race a winner. Let your 2007 racing season end with a checkered flag for yourself and the ones that you aim to please.

Model Cars: Fit For All Ages!

Model cars are basically a miniature representation of actual cars, and they are normally a to-scale model of the real cars. Model cars are normally made of die cast metal and most companies dealing in die cast metal offer a lifetime warranty for their model cars. Model cars are of several types, and the best types will have quite some intricate details and movable (but unbreakable) parts, just like the original cars.
Model cars are prepared from all kinds of material, right from wood, plastic, resin to die cast metal. The die cast metal model cars are supposed to be the strongest of any kinds of model cars. They are strong and sturdy and take a lot more of wear and tear than other model cars.
The First Model Cars
While model cars are mostly seen as toys and gifts for children and teenagers, they were never designed or marketed as children’s toys. In fact, some models today are collectors’ item and more expensive than any other toy in the market.
The first die cast model cars were prepared by Banthrico in the late forties. These model cars were, of all things, made especially for the banking industry. Basically, these model cars were miniature banks, and they were given to people who opened a new account in a particular bank. The cars had a slot at the bottom, through which the bank account holder could put in their loose change.
The most popular car models at that time were the Buicks, Lincolns, Packards, Chryslers, Dodges, Cadillac, Ford and Chevrolet. Miniature cars, or model cars, as they are popularly known, have a common scale of 1:25th, however, some model cars are prepared at a larger scale of 1:20th.
Stepping into the Modern Age
Maybe the first usage of modern model cars was in the automobile industry, when AMT and its sister company produced 1/25th models of the popular coaster and friction models. These models were mostly used as a toy for children who used to come with their parents to the automobile shop to buy cars.
Die cast models are manufactured in various scales, like 1:18, 1:24, 1:48 and 1:43. Today, a die cast model car is created with a great amount of detail, as compared to when die cast models first burst on the scene. There are several details that vary from model cars of different scales. The die cast model cars created in the 1:18 scale are mostly the ones created as the collectors’ editions.
The prices of die cast model cars vary from model to model. Obviously, the price increases with an increase of details and even graphics. Some die cast model cars are so detailed that they will even have the decals and other designs that are seen on the original models.
Today, there are several ways in which you can buy model die cast cars. Most toy shops will have all the major types of model cars, and you can get quite some relevant model die cast cars. Also, there are several websites that cater to people who wish to collect die cast models of cars. These websites are known to offer the rarest of die cast model cars.

The Simple Joys of Matchbox Cars

Their Start
The year was 1953, and the British toy company Lesney Products came out with the first so-called Matchbox car. It was then that they saw one of their biggest sales – a model of the Queen’s Coronation Coach. This led the company to begin producing other scaled down versions of different vehicles – cars, dump trucks, cement mixers, and more. It was always important that they meet that special size requirement – that they fit in a matchbox. Thus, the brand was born. Those early models were (quite naturally) all British vehicles, and they quite primitive – no interiors, doors didn’t open, and they were generally a solid piece of metal.
Their Growth
By the late 60’s, the Matchbox cars had truly entered their Golden Era. Now there were many more models, and they were becoming quite articulate – doors that opened, and so on. This is also when they expanded their lines to include the Models of Yesteryear – renditions of vehicles from long ago. Also, accessories were added – petrol/gas pumps, garages, and so on.
The Trials of Competition
Of course, success breeds imitation. The American firm Mattell came out with their Hot Wheels line, and quickly took over the U.S. market. Well, Matchbox was not about to take that lying down. They responded with the creation of their Superfast line, these were new, sleeker cars; and the addition of other lines. Soon there were Matchbox planes, trains, and ships. Their success led to still new lines – Battle Kings (military models), Sea Kings (different ships), the Adventure 2000 science fiction line, and the Two Pack series. However, these lines proved less than completely successful; only the Two Pack and Sky Busters (airplanes) continued for any length of time.
Death, and Re-Birth
The 1970s saw tough times for Matchbox, and other British toy manufacturers. Eventually, Lesney was forced to declare bankruptcy in June of 1982. The Matchbox brand then sort of drifted for a time, moving from company to company until – almost exactly ten years later – Tyco Toys bought it in May of 1992. Then, in a truly ironic twist, Mattel acquired Matchbox in 1997. To say that loyal Matchbox fans/collectors were concerned would be an understatement. After all, the Hot Wheels / Matchbox rivalry had been raging for years. Would Mattel simply kill the line, revamp it to be like the Hot Wheels or stay true to its roots?
Initially, Mattel did revamp the Matchbox cars. In 2003, they brought out the Ultra Heroes line, which was a complete disaster! They were discontinued a year later, and the company decided to try another tact. A new team, dedicated to preserving the classic style of the cars, began producing realistic looking models with a high degree of details. The one major change from the classic Matchbox cars was that these were based largely on American vehicles. Today, the line has grown to nearly one hundred models, and they show no signs of fading away. Children – both boys and girls – continue to enjoy playing with them; and there are more than a few adults who also take pleasure in collecting them.

Building a Model Car From Scratch

Get the Car You Want
Now, to those of you who are like this, I tip my hat to you. I have patience, don’t get me wrong, but I’m no saint. And to me, this is what it takes to master the art of making your own model car from scratch. I got annoyed at times with just putting the kits together. But do you want to make that car you have seen, but no one has a kit for? Now you can!
Getting Started
Every good creator starts with a drawing. Draw the details of what you want. If you don’t know where to get the supplies, you can show someone at the store what you would really like to do. From there, they can best advise you on the parts you will need. The things you might need will always vary according to whose model you want to base your dream car off of; because while you might be the creator, the idea might have been inspired by a model you pieced together, but you might like to add a few features too. There are many online sources that you can get particular pieces from, not just a whole kit. So, do a search; you might find what you’re looking for.
You first start out by sketching the main frame. Make it very low scale. Make sure you draw your car at different angles so as to hit all those key points of the car that you have floating around in your mind. What does it look like? Start adding your detail into it. Add in custom painting. Some people add flames and things like that. With the design etched on paper you can begin formulating it from scratch.
Use Proper Scale and Details
By determining what scale you want, you can begin designing. If you make it too small you will have a hard time getting in the details. Just a little side note that is helpful to remember. Develop the measurements you want to use. Make your reference points at the tires. Using current kits for pieces, design the car that you would like to make. You may like one type of car, but see it with a different bumper or fender; that sort of thing. The sky is the limit with what you want to do. This allows you to paint it whatever color you want to, and use different styles to your liking to create that one special piece. The more details you add in your drawing the more ideas you can get for what you need to create, and what you need to get from other sources.
Online Help
No matter what, the project should be fun! There are many different links online that can help you with in-depth details for creating your own model. You just have to search, but each model is different. So, make sure to specify what sort of model you are looking to create. Most people have the type of car in mind, just with different effects; so that can be your starting point by using those key words. Have fun, have patience, and model to your heart’s content!

Matchbox Vs. Hot Wheels

Matchbox cars were first created in England in 1952. While working for Lesney Products, owned by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation), die-caster Jack Odell created the first ever Matchbox car. It was a brass Road Roller made small enough to fit into a match box, at the request of his daughter. She wanted to take something to school for show and tell but school rules mandated that all items had to fit into a match box. The first line of Matchbox cars was sold by the Lesney company in 1953 with the #1 Road Roller, #2 Dumper and #3 Cement Mixer. New cars were added to the existing line each year until the line reached 75. (The line was increased to 100 in 2008 but let’s stick to history for now.)

                In 1967 Mattel, well known for its most popular toy, Barbie, began to develop their own line of die-cast toy cars. This line, called Hot Wheels, came out with its first series in 1968 with 16 cars. When sales were ten times more than expected, they added 24 more cars for the 1969 line. Continued sales caused the line to grow to 73 cars in 1970 and then 108 in 1971. With all of this growth, the Matchbox cars by the Lesney company struggled to keep up. In 1982 the Matchbox car line was sold to Universal Toys, who later sold it in 1991 to the well know Tyco company. Over the years Matchbox and Hot Wheels were the only two significant competitors in the die-cast toy car saga and therefore even viewed as rivals. Ironically, in 1996, Mattel bought the Matchbox product line from Tyco. Hot Wheels and Matchbox were now owed by the same company but continue to live on as two lines of toy cars.

                Having grown up with dozens of toy cars as a child, and having two young sons with cars themselves now, I have done much research (playing) with both the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands. In recent years, the Hot Wheels line has obviously become the favorite of many collectors and children, and some even consider the Matchbox cars to be of lesser quality and design. In fact, go into any store that sells the cars and compare the selection of Hot Wheels to Matchbox. In the way of individual cars, Hot Wheels displays almost always out number Matchbox ten to one easily. However, one observation that I have made in buying cars for my sons is the drastic difference in style between the two lines. The vast majority of Hot Wheels cars are not modeled after or painted like actual cars. Many of them are variations of actual cars or new creations all together. In fact, I personally have a few Hot Wheels in my collection that are shopping carts or toilets with wheels. Other cars by Hot Wheels are often painted with much graphic and text details. Matchbox on the other hand is entirely ‘normal’ cars. The majority of cars in their line are ones you are likely to see on the street. The models are one or two tone painted, rarely with added graphics or text. One of the benefits of this is that you are more likely to find police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility vehicles etc, with Matchbox than with the Hot Wheels line.

                Matchbox cars were the beginning. Hot Wheels brought in high quality and enormous sales. Now, between the two lines of cars, you can find just about any custom or actual car imaginable. Die-cast cars have been a huge part in the lives and many children and are becoming huge in the realm of collectors. (One might wonder if these two groups are the same people!) I have heard some argue that die-cast cars are now primarily for collectors and are a thing of the past as children’s toys.  I can only respond by stating that my two sons have much more fun playing with their 100+ cars than they do buying and looking at them. I also must admit that I’m glad that I have two sons so that I can still play with die-cast toy cars at age thirty!

Nascar Merchandise Keeps the Feeling

Have the thundering roars and zipping speed of stock car racing been your passion? Is there a certain driver who has the competitive qualities in a person that you admire? Do you look forward to each NASCAR race with a fervor that surpasses all of your other activities? If so, NASCAR collectibles may be the ingredient that’s been missing in your life to keep the feeling alive 24/7.

Think about it. Does your life take a dive in excitement after race day is over? You may well feel a void sensation after the stock car contest is over and have a longing to bring back the action. Deep down there’s an empty feeling that needs a proverbial shot-in-the-arm to get the juices flowing once again. This is precisely when NASCAR collectibles are needed. They kick-start memories of racing that make our lives more sharp and electric.

There is an expansive menu of NASCAR collectibles. This means that there is bound to be something appealing to each stock car racing fan out there. There are die-cast cars for specific drivers, furniture, authentic race memorabilia, and home décor items. There are tons of other items for the more budget conscious shoppers such as rugs, mats, pillows, clocks, throws, and blankets.

Treasured racing thoughts can be awakened also by the multitude of clothing options available as well. There are various types of shirts, jackets and other apparel for men, women and infants that can remind everyone of what you’re all about. You can advertise your enthusiasm in no uncertain terms by wearing something that speaks your mind about what turns you on. Why not take a stand for what you live for?

StockCarUSA.com believes that your life needs a little boost of enthusiasm now and then. Consider NASCAR collectibles as a way to make the week in-between races more tolerable for you to bear while waiting for the real rush. Take a victory lap every day whether there is a race going on or not!

Early History of NASCAR

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.

The Care And Feeding Of Die Cast Collections

There are die cast model cars and then, well, there are toys. Where is the dividing line and how to serious collectors of die cast vehicles judge the quality of their collections? Like most things, there’s more to this collecting passion than meets the eye.
Die cast collectors must consider a number of factors that are shared by people in the larger collecting world. How common or rare is a piece they own, what’s the condition, who made the item, is it associated with an important event or person, is it part of a complete set or one-of-a kind?
Quality Components
Since the quality of die cast vehicles has evolved over the past century, the value of a car may be related to the year it was produced. Most of the cars manufactured in the early 1900s were made with metal alloys not nearly as durable as today’s metals and polymer plastics. They were simple shells, with painted exteriors and interior details such as steering wheels, seats and dashboards. In this case, owners of early die cast model cars might expect a little rust or hairline cracks on their collectible. However, the fact that they own an intact die cast car from this era is a rarity. Of course, the better the condition, the higher the value.
As die cast vehicles became more popular, they also became more detailed. Interiors of cars and trucks were faithfully reproduced. More innovations such as working steering wheels and doors were introduced. The industry became increasingly competitive and some die cast cars were treated like jewelry – polished and presented in the finest detail and packaging possible. Limited editions were introduced specifically to interest the growing number of serious collectors who could count on rarity to enhance their investment.
Getting Serious about Die Cast
A culture developed along with the number of casual and serious collectors. There were questions about how best to preserve and display die cast collections. People were interested in the value of their pieces and completing entire themed collections. For many people, die cast collecting moved from a hobby to a serious passion.
Like all collectors, the buyer is expected to be the ultimate judge of his or her die cast investment. The value of a model is often in its adherence to exact historical detail. Buyers purchase models from manufacturers they trust have done research and cut no corners when it comes to accuracy.
It’s said that a perfect model is one that looks like the real thing, displayed on a showroom floor and ready to be driven away. That means paint jobs and upholstery must reflect historical reality – not the whimsy of the manufacturer. For cars of appropriate eras, working doors, trunks, hoods and other moving parts should be operational. In these matters, an educated collector has the edge on the casual buyer. Collectors not only know the details of the cars, they know which manufacturers adhere to precise detail and deliver what’s promised.
Maintaining and Maturing
Collections also require care from the moment of purchase. Experts advise owners to apply a thin coat of wax to new die cast models using a very soft cloth and Q-Tips to get into the corners and crevasses. Only a light application of wax will help repel dust and clean up any hairline scratches that might mar the finish. They caution to not spray wax directly on the model because wax can build up and dry in places you can’t reach – a cotton cloth instead of a chamois is recommended. Once waxed, a quick buffing makes the model ready for brilliant display.
That said, it’s often the untouched die cast replica that commands the highest prices. In the collecting niche this is known as Mint in Box (MIB). All the packaging and foam that protects the model is untouched and the accompanying paperwork is saved. Some collectors find this level of “investment” isn’t quite as enjoyable as handling and arranging their collections so cars can be appreciated from all angles. Of course, these cars require careful dusting with soft cloths and small, soft bristled brushes from time to time.
There are several group websites and auction sites to help collectors assess the value of their die cast treasures. Whether for pleasure or profit – or perhaps both – die cast model collectors share a love of nostalgia and accuracy for vehicles that never have to stop at the pump to keep on providing pleasure.

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