Race car drivers often capitalize on their popularity and brand to sell various types of merchandise to fans. Not only is this their way to wet the beak a bit, but they also turn fans into walking, talking billboards promoting them. These items range from cheap apparel to valuable collectibles, allowing fans to show support and feel connected to their favorite drivers. A win-win for everyone involved. Here are some of the popular merchandise sold by race car drivers today.
T-Shirts and Clothing
Driver-branded t-shirts, hats, jackets, and other clothing items are incredibly popular among fans. Even accessories like cufflinks, lapel pins, or belt buckles are popular among fans. These items often feature the driver's name, number, team logo, and sometimes even unique designs related to the driver's racing career. While fans can purchase items online, merchandise tents at races often offer unique one-of-a-kind designs that promote the specific race.
Die-Cast Model Cars
Collectible die-cast model cars, often in the scale of the actual race car, are a favorite among racing enthusiasts. These miniaturized replicas of the driver's race car are meticulously designed and highly detailed. They require hours of work to build and produce a finished product that can be displayed in homes and offices. Depending on the model's rarity, some of these can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
Posters and Prints
Posters and prints featuring action shots of the driver, their race car, or memorable moments from their career are great for fans who want to decorate their walls with racing-themed artwork. For those attending the event, a racing program can be a collectible you can store for safekeeping or frame for everyone to see.
Autographed Memorabilia
Autographed items such as trading cards, race programs, or even signed race-used items (like helmets, gloves, patches, or small parts from the car) are prized possessions for collectors and fans. But be careful with 3rd party sellers; many fakes are out there. For fans who don’t care about resell value, your best option is to attend a meet and greet with the driver and have them sign the memorabilia in person. You won’t get that certificate of authenticity, but you’ll get a real first-hand experience that will provide a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Stickers and Decals
It makes sense that you’d want to support your favorite race car driver with something you can put on your own car (even that 20-year-old clunker in the garage). Decals and bumper stickers remain popular amongst fans and have the added benefit of being one of the cheaper memorabilia options. And if you’re not keen about adding a sticker to your bumper, they work great on phones, laptops, and other items you may own.
Auto Accessories
Custom air fresheners, keychains, and other small automotive accessories with the driver's branding are popular, especially among younger fans. And drivers aren’t shy about putting their name and number on anything they can. Everything from floor mats, license plate frames, and even hitch covers are commonly sold online and at races.
Calendars and Planners
A bit of a blast from the past, but calendars are still popular among segments of fans. These often feature photos of the driver, the race car, and important race dates. They're great for fans who want to keep track of the racing season and add a little decor to the basement or garage.
Books and Biographies
Some race car drivers publish books or biographies about their careers, which can be intriguing for fans who want to learn more about their favorite driver's journey. These offer a unique glimpse behind-the-scenes of the racing world and see what a driver had to go through to accomplish what they did. A great way to learn what went into that heated rivalry or the unknown strategy their team used to win a big race.
Kids' Games and Toys
Let's face it, kids love racing. And if your child has taken a liking to a particular driver, grabbing them a Hot Wheels figurine or piece of apparel will bring a smile to their face. Drivers have put their names and likeness on many items that kids love, including in video games. Games are a great way for kids to experience a little racing at home by emulating their racing hero on their phone, tablet, or console.
Personalized Experiences
While physical merchandise will always have mass appeal, many drivers have started incorporating personal experiences into their personal branding. Meet and greets before race weekends have become popular, as well as camps where you can meet and learn from professional drivers. For lazier folks, sites like Cameo give the opportunity to receive a personal message directly from a driver at a specified cost.
Something For Everyone
Race car drivers often get creative with their merchandise offerings, taking advantage of their unique branding opportunities to provide fans with an array of exciting products that help them express their love for the sport and their favorite drivers. As the sport's popularity continues to rise, we’ll see more and more ways to support drivers. It’s safe to say that when it comes to showing your racing fandom, there is something for everyone.