Ten Performance Car Enthusiast Father's Day Gift Ideas

As one who is married to a performance car enthusiast I understand how challenging it can be to find a Father's Day gift that fuels the racer soul. Although there are plenty of automotive widgets and gizmos that enhance car performance and appearance, automotive aficionados find many of these gadgets quite boring or too trendy.

Performance car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for their next adrenaline rush and it rarely comes packaged in a box. After years of failed attempts to find the perfect racer gift, I asked my husband to compile a list of his favorite and fantasy racer gifts. His wish list has been invaluable and eliminated the need for me to bang my head against the steering wheel trying to find the perfect gift.

If you are looking for an extraordinary gift for your performance car enthusiast, you'll want to know about my tried and true gift list. From practical to extreme, you're certain to find a Father's Day gift that will make your racing fanatic go into overdrive!

#1 Skip Barber Racing School: This is the epitome of over-the-top gifts and gives the racing enthusiast a taste of authentic competitive driving. Skip Barber's High Performance Driving School teaches students about vehicle dynamics, how to slide and recover on the race track, accident avoidance, along with lead-and-follow protocol.

Skip Barber Racing School packages include: Formula Car Racing, MazdaSpeed, High Performance Driving, and Mazda Driving Schools. Students receive one-on-one instruction during one or two day events which are hosted in Monterey, California or Lime Rock, Connecticut.

Skip Barber's one-day High Performance Racing School sessions start at $1609 and two-day driving sessions start at $2879. These prices do not include airfare, hotel accommodations or meals. Racing school package details can be found at www.SkipBarber.com.

#2 CCW Complete Custom Wheels: Does your racer man drool over tire bling? If so, consider purchasing a set of custom wheels from industry-leader, CCW. These sparkling beauties aren't the conventional tire store variety. Instead, each set is custom forged to ensure proper fit and improve performance.

CCW custom wheels have been featured at SEMA; the premier automotive specialty products trade show hosted annually in Las Vegas, and is the preferred choice of racers and show car owners. Custom wheels can take four to six weeks to ship. Prices vary depending on size and style. Order a set of CCW wheels at www.CCWheel.com.

#3 SCT Livewire Pre-Programmed Flash Tuning Device: SCT tuners are perfect for contemporary American muscle car owners. If they own a Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge vehicle chances are SCT has a tuner for them.

SCT products reprogram vehicle computers to improve performance and fuel-economy. Livewire tuners offer a variety of advanced options allowing modification of engine and transmission settings. Performance car enthusiasts can unlock hidden horsepower inside their Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, or any other type of popular American car.

Car, truck and SUV owners looking for more power and better transmission function will be excited about this product. Fuel economy improvements, horsepower or towing capacity can be improved by as much as 10-percent on most gas-powered cars and trucks. Current price of SCT Livewire preprogrammed flash tuning device is $679. Details are provided at www.SCTflash.com.

#4 Garmin GPS System - A Global Positioning System (GPS) from Garmin is sure to please your performance car enthusiast. With over twenty GPS models to choose from these high-tech gadgets do a lot more than keep you from getting lost.

Many Garmin GPS systems incorporate Bluetooth® technology for hands-free mobile phone calls, along with pre-loaded maps and voice directions that speak street names. Other features include an MP3 player, JPEG picture viewer, currency converter and more. Prices range from $119.99 to $599.99. Learn more about Garmin GPS Systems at www.Garmin.com.

#5 Escort Radar Detector - Tickets can be given anywhere at anytime, so give your performance car enthusiast some protection! The Escort Passport 8500 X50 has been hailed as the "best detector ever made" by Forbes and Motor Trend magazine. The SOLO S2 is a cordless model that uses two "AA" batteries. Just stick it on your windshield, turn it on and you're ready to go! Escort Radar Detectors range from $299.95 to $499.95. Learn more about the Escort product line at www.EscortRadar.com.

#6 K&N Filters and Induction Systems - K&N has manufactured high performance air filters for over 35 years. Designed to increase horsepower and acceleration, K&N filters are guaranteed to last up to 1,000,000 miles.

Induction Systems allow performance cars to breathe easier, thus creating more horsepower and greater gas mileage. What performance car enthusiast doesn't want more horsepower, increased acceleration and greater gas mileage? Discover the "world's best air filter" and induction systems at www.KNFilters.com.

#7 Magnaflow Exhaust Systems - There's nothing purer than the sound of MagnaFlow exhaust systems. They are certain to make your performance car aficionado smile from ear to ear when they hear their vehicle purr like a kitten and perform like a lion.

MagnaFlow exhaust systems are crafted from polished stainless steel and offer an efficient high flow design. Each exhaust system is precision tuned to work in perfect harmony with MagnaFlow's optional exhaust header or catalyst system which provides greater performance and gas-saving capabilities. Locate a MagnaFlow dealer at www.MagnaFlow.com.

#8 StonGard® Paint Protection - Anyone who has spent time on the road has experienced the pain of damage caused by airborne bugs, stones and other debris. Many car enthusiasts turn to car bras to protect hoods and fenders; however, this product can radically alter vehicle appearance. StonGard paint protection is nearly invisible; allowing the vehicle's natural beauty and paint scheme to shine through.

StonGard Paint Protection is a super-tough urethane film developed solely for the purpose of protecting painted and metal surfaces of cars, trucks and SUVs. This vehicle protection product should be professionally installed to ensure protection of vulnerable areas and remain seam-free.

StonGard is available for most makes and models of American and import cars. Product details are provided at www.stongard.com.

#9 Meguiar's Car Care Products - Featured on the popular TV series, Car Crazy, Meguiar's car care products offer vehicle interior and exterior protection. Originally a furniture polish provider, Meguiar's has evolved into an industry leader in the automotive sector.

Meguiar's detail kits include: car shampoo and conditioner, auto detailing clay, car polishes and waxes, car interior protectants, wheel and tire care, glass care, car trim and molding care, chrome and aluminum care, cloth, carpet and leather cleaners, and odor elimination products.

A unique feature offered by Meguiar's is the option to obtain personalized detailing recommendations based on vehicle condition and auto detailing goals. By answering a few questions in Meguiar's Rx Plus Interactive Experience, auto buffs can find out exactly which products are needed to restore or retain car shine, protect vehicle interior, and provide shining radiance to wheels and tires. Obtain your personalized car care prescription at www.Meguiars.com.

#10 Covercraft Car Cover - Covercraft offers a wide selection of moisture-resistant covers for cars, trucks, motorcycles and watercraft. Providing automobile covers since 1969, Covercraft offers more than 67,000 fabric designs; many of which are available as ready-fit.

In addition to providing exterior vehicle protection, Covercraft offers a variety of interior products including their unique SeatGloves™; a washable seat cover that keeps drivers cool in summer months and SeatSavers® which offers protection from daily wear and tear.

Additional car protection products include window sun shields, high performance tailgate nets, PocketPods storage devices, seat protector and cargo area pet pads, front end masks or car bras, tire savers and spare tire covers. Obtain the ultimate vehicle protection covers at www.Covercraft.com.