Van's Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1

It's that time of the year again; time to start thinking about the perfect gift for all of the NASCAR fans on your holiday list.

The NASCAR.com Superstore stocks thousands of items featuring every top driver in the sport. We thought we'd offer a few tips on some of the great products we found while scanning the store's catalog. So we'll be spotlighting a few of those items in the coming weeks. Check these out:

Replica helmets from Checkered Flag Sports

If you've been a NASCAR fan for any length of time, you've noticed that the helmets worn by the sport's superstars are more than just protective headgear. They are works of art. Each showcases all original illustrations that often convey some aspect of the driver's personality. In fact, many competitors are actively involved in designing their helmets.

Superstore

• Shop for Checkered Flag Sports replica helmets

• Shop for Thomas Kinkade NASCAR prints

Of course, authentic NASCAR helmets become prized collectibles once they are retired. But let's face it, most of us can't shell out the thousands of dollars it takes to purchase a race-used helmet worn by one of the sport's top drivers. So Checkered Flag Sports offers fans the next best thing: scale replicas of many of the most popular helmet designs on the track today.

These magnificently detailed Champion Series helmets are exact 1:3 scale reproductions of the real McCoy, each showcasing the original design of the actual helmet. Features include high-resolution graphics with a glossy finish on the exterior. Each helmet is equipped with a working flip-up tinted visor, an air intake, chin strap and plush foam and fabric inner lining.

The driver-specific helmets currently available include: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, (DuPont), Carl Edwards (AFLAC), Kevin Harvick (Shell-Pennzoil), Mark Martin (Army), Kasey Kahne (Budweiser), Martin Truex Jr. (Bass Pro Shops), and Robbie Gordon (Monster). A specially-designed helmet commemorating the NASCAR Hall of Fame is also offered.

Thomas Kinkade Collection

America's most-collected living artist, Thomas Kinkade has brought his vast talents to NASCAR through original artwork commemorating last February's 50th Running of the Daytona 500.

Over 9,000 fans voted for their favorite sketch made trackside during the 50th running of the Daytona 500, and Kincade's History in the Making was the winner. Now available through the NASCAR.com Superstore as a print, this beautiful illustration is suitable for framing and includes a Thomas Kinkade Certificate of Authenticity.

Kinkade's full color painting of the event -- NASCAR Thunder: The 50th Running of Daytona 500 -- is also available as a print. This classic composition honoring the Great American Race is offered in three sizes: 16" x 20" (framed, open edition), 18" x 27" (limited edition signed and numbered on archival quality paper), and 11" x 8.5" (open edition).

And while you are browsing through the Superstore, be sure to check out other great NASCAR art by renowned artists like Garry Hill and Sam Bass. You'll find dozens of prints and posters to choose from.