The 5 Best Websites for NASCAR Jackets and Hats

There is a lot of good, bad, and ugly out there on NASCAR merchandise websites. If you're shopping online for NASCAR jackets and hats, you might feel overwhelmed. To save you time and heartache - and maybe some money - I've picked out the best 5 websites for buying NASCAR jackets and hats, based on price, shipping, and ease of navigating the website.

First we'll look at Speedway Jackets Plus.com. This website boasts a full line of 2009 JH Designs NASCAR jackets and JH Designs' expanded line of 2009 NASCAR Pit Crew shirts. They also host a line of JH Designs NASCAR character jackets, for the guy that likes walking around with Sponge Bob on his back, and NASCAR logo watches. Speedway Jackets Plus.com has a lot going for it. Their NASCAR jackets are quality and authentic, and they claim to never charge extra for plus sizes. However, although their prices are comparable to most other retailers, you can find better deals if you work for it (like I did). Also, their NASCAR hat selection is non-existent. Their prices for adult twill NASCAR jackets start at $98.99. Kids can get matching twill NASCAR jackets for $67.99. Leather NASCAR jackets are around $400. Finally, pit crew shirts go for $68.99.

Known as the "Ivy Wall of Kenosha," the Wisconsin-based NASCAR Jacket Store claims that their goal is "to give you the best shopping experience possible from beginning to end." The NASCAR Jacket Store displays a similar JH Designs selection and pricing as Speedway Jackets Plus. Adult twill NASCAR jackets run $98.95. Kids NASCAR versions are $64.99, and NASCAR pit crew shirts go for $68.95.

The Nascar.com Superstore offers a slightly different selection from the NASCAR Jacket Store and the Speedway Jacket Store. Although you won't find the 2009 JH Designs NASCAR Jackets here, you will find NASCAR leather jackets for as low as $250. The NASCAR.com Superstore also carries many unique products, like the reversible racing/ camouflage jacket for $135. The website also offers many high quality NASCAR hats starting at $15, including the 2009 Daytona 500 checkered flag cap at $17, and a NASCAR hard hat for $45. NASCAR.com Superstore also offers free shipping on all of the items listed here.

Racing USA.com obviously thinks very highly of itself, and its website is cluttered with little ads telling you how great it is. Like the fact that it was by the Alabama Retail Association as its 2005-6 Gold Award Retailer of the Year, or that it is consistently receives "Excellent" ratings for price, selection, quality, and customer service. Racing USA.com claims to be the most frequently shopped, independently owned NASCAR store in the world. Although it erroneously claims to have lower prices than the competition, it does offer a $10 gift card for every $100 or more purchase. This is the best place I found for 2009 NASCAR sponsor hats, which start at $20. Ladies and youth twill NASCAR jackets are also best priced here, at $79.99 and $59.99 respectively. Leather NASCAR jackets are also the least expensive here at $209.99, but add $20 for plus sizes. Men's twill NASCAR jackets, however, start at $104.99, and you can add $5 for 2XL and 3XL sizes.

Finally, Racer USA.com (not to be confused with Racing USA.com) wins my award for the easiest to navigate website. The homepage is nothing more than an alphabetized list of NASCAR drivers' merchandise. It is superbly easy to find exactly the kind of NASCAR jacket or hat that you are looking for. NASCAR hats start at $10; jackets at $40.