Christmas gifts - racing style

NORTH POLE - Thanks to some extra persuasion from Rudolph, our secret meeting with Santa and his friends concerning what's hot in 2006 gift-giving for auto and racing lovers took place recently.

Since Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" already has his Red Ryder air rifle, his dad went the video-game route this year. The choice is Electronic Arts new NASCAR 2007 racing simulation, available in game console and PC formats for $39.99.

The Elves like car-care products from Eagle One, like the new Quick Detail Kit that makes washing and waxing easier than ever. Included are bottles of Bucket-Free Car Wash and Wax- As-U-Dry, microfiber towel and sponge ($12.99). Dasher opts for the Mr. Clean Auto Dry Car Wash - a complete kit that is easy to use with no need to hand dry for $24.99.

Tiny Tim loves to read while his leg mends, and this year, he'll learn the history of motorsports thanks to Chris Economaki's biography "Let 'Em All Go" by Dave Argabright. Known as the dean of motorsports reporters, Economaki takes you from humble beginnings as a young child in 1930s New Jersey to the "big-time" in every form of the autosport media. Available for $35 postpaid from Argabright at www.daveargabright. com, or call (317) 631-0437.

North Pole gift recommendations for auto and racing buffs.

Bob Cratchet suggests "John Force: The Straight Story of Drag Racing's 300-mph Superstar" by Erik Arneson. It's an excellent biography of the greatest Funny Car racer of alltime and loaded with 175 photos. Available from MBI Publishing Company at www.motorbooks. com for just $24.95. If you have John Force fan on your list, this is the gift.

Prancer recommends "Walt Hansgen: His Life and the History of Post War American Road Racing" by Michael Argetsinger (David Bull Publishing, $49.95). This lavish 400-page book chronicles Hansgen's spectacular career in all types of cars, the personalities involved, and his many accomplishments leading to his untimely death practicing for LeMans in 1966. It's available from the publisher at (602) 852-9500, or visit the Web site at www.bullpublishing.com.

During the year, lots of model cars and trucks from AMT/ERTL are delivered to the North Pole. Priced from $7.99 up, they offer hours of fun for everyone. For die-cast lovers, AMT/ERTL and Maisto and have a lots to choose from, like Maisto's 1/18 scale Porsche Spyder from $14.99 and up.

Kris Kringle points to movies on DVD and VHS, like "Tucker: The Man and His Dream," starring Jeff Bridges; "Winning" with Paul Newman; and Steve McQueen in "LeMans" as his top picks. Priced from $4.99 to $12.99, they make great stocking stuffers.

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