Christmas Gifts for Motor Racing Fans
Gift Ideas for Sports Car and Formula 1 Enthusiasts
Dec 1, 2008
Buying a gift for a racing fan can be a daunting proposition, with the huge selection of merchandise available. Here are three great ideas, which will satisfy supporters of Formula 1 and sports car racing.
Jochen Rindt Shell LM Jacket
As part of their Heritage range Shell have re-issued this jacket, which Jochen Rindt was pictured wearing after winning the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours race. Rindt, from Austria, emerged victorious in the classic event driving an unfancied Ferrari 250LM with American driver Masten Gregory. After his Le Mans success Rindt went on to become one of the fastest drivers of his era, racing for Lotus in Formula 1 and winning the 1970 World Championship. Sadly, he became champion posthumously after being killed in practice for the Italian Grand Prix.
The jacket is made of 100% cotton with evocative red stripes along the sleeves. It features the Shell logo on the sleeves, along with an advertisement for their X-100 oil brand on the front. The company’s name is also written in large red letters on the back. The jacket is waist-length and has a padded lining. It is available for £160 from www.magicofmotoring.com.
Porsche Espresso Cup Set
This stylish collection of four espresso cups with matching saucers comes in a special presentation box. Each cup is individually styled to show details of four classic Porsche racing cars from 1968 to 1971. Among the cars featured are the Porsche 908 and the fabulous 917 long-tail. The set retails for £47 and can be purchased from www.porsche-design.com.
Tommy Byrne Autobiography – Lost Talent of Formula 1
For those in the know this book, appropriately called Crashed and Byrned, has been one of the most anticipated titles of recent years. Many more will never have heard of Tommy Byrne, but his is a truly remarkable story. The Irishman struggled around at the back of the Formula 1 grid in a Theodore before having a test with McLaren, in which he proved himself to be devastatingly quick.
Despite his speed Byrne never got to race a McLaren. His personality was never likely to fit in with team boss Ron Dennis’s super professional operation. Byrne struggled throughout his career with depression, alcoholism and drug taking. Indeed, on one occasion, he turned up at a Formula 3 awards ceremony while high on cocaine. This is not a typical racing driver’s story, with colourful stories and colourful language in abundance. Published by Icon Books, it has an RRP of £12.99 and is available from all good booksellers.
