Helping Find the Perfect Present for the Sports Car-Loving Dad in Your Life
By John Oreovicz
Sports cars and dads make a perfect fit, like a hand in a supple leather driving glove. So why not give Father’s Day a sports car theme this year?
As America’s premier form of sports car competition, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is here to offer plenty of Father’s Day gift ideas that will satisfy the inner racer that lurks within every dad who has a hint of VP Racing Fuel running through his veins.
WeatherTech Golf Cart Mat
But first, a word from our sponsor. By now, you’re familiar with WeatherTech and the product that put the company on the map – FloorLiner, a laser-measured, made-in-America, custom floor protection system for almost any car, truck or SUV. WeatherTech now produces a full line of automotive accessories, including the popular CupFone console cell phone holder, as well as an array of products that make driving with pets safer and more convenient.
For Father’s Day, WeatherTech is running a promotion on its new Golf Cart Mat, a protective floor liner made from the same durable, slip-resistant material as FloorLiner mats. Golf Cart Mat is available for EZ-Go and Club Car models, all featuring a patented cleat cleaner. Click here for more info.
Tracks and Experiences Put Dad in Driver’s Seat
When Dad is ready to get behind the wheel of something a little faster than a golf cart, IMSA has him covered. Many of the circuits that host WeatherTech Championship races offer the opportunity to get on track, whether behind the wheel of your own car for a casual cruise, or maybe in something a bit faster, with professional instruction.
At Road America in Wisconsin, options range from family-oriented activities like Morning Drive! and Sunset Cruising to a Track Day, Pace Car Hot Lap or even walking, running or biking the 4.048-mile circuit. Click here for info.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Road America and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta host the Lexus Performance Driving School. Start with the Performance Class, then graduate to the Master Class (available only at WeatherTech Raceway), featuring personal instruction from Lexus brand ambassadors Scott Pruett and Townsend Bell. Click here for info.
Watkins Glen International, site of the next WeatherTech Championship race weekend June 23-26, is available most days for you to drive your own vehicle behind a pace car on the historic track at a surprisingly quick clip. Learn more here.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course offers single- and multiple-day performance driving schools. Get more info here.
BMW’s Ultimate Driving Experience brings the German marque’s latest and greatest to cities around the U.S. Generally based at malls and stadiums, the UDE features an autocross track as well as real world road test drive conditions. Click here for more info.
Porsche has created its own closed-course environment for performance driving and training at multiple Porsche Experience Center venues around the world. In the U.S., PEC is located near Los Angeles International Airport (click here for info) and at Porsche’s North American headquarters in Atlanta adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (click here for info).
Send Dad Back to School … Racing School
The Skip Barber Racing School is the premier racing and driving school in North America, conducting racing schools, defensive and high-performance driving schools and corporate team-building events at road racing tracks across the country.
With a gift certificate to the Skip Barber Racing School, your dad will experience the world’s most exhilarating racetracks from the best seat available, a Skip Barber race car. With expert guidance from Skip Barber instructors, Dad will be one step closer taking the checkered flag at the Rolex 24 At Daytona (OK, maybe more like the Longest Day of Nelson Ledges). Certificates are available for all driving and racing schools, or for a dollar amount.
Click here for more info.
Rent Dad a Rad Ride from DriveShare
Socks, a tie – or the keys to a sweet ride? Nobody’s playing favorites but renting a cool car from DriveShare could earn you a “best kid” award.
Hagerty DriveShareTM is a specialized car-sharing platform where renters can connect with enthusiast car owners to find rare cars. Whatever Dad’s dream ride is, chances are you can find it here. Choose from three ways to rent — you can drive, you can be chauffeured, or the car can be displayed for events — and give your dad the experience that’s right for him.
Save $75 with code IMSADADS22 (apply during checkout), good for future bookings made by July 31, 2022. Explore cool cars for rent here.
(Code valid for one-time use and cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires July 31, 2022. May be applied to base Daily Rental Charges only. It may not be applied to sales tax or other fees. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or gift card. Other restrictions may apply. Hagerty DriveShare is a common law trademark of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2022 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.)
Seats Fit for a King from RECARO
In sports cars. In racing cars. And everything that Dad wants! We are bringing an original RECARO car seat directly from the road into your home. With all the ergonomic and comfort features that a modern lifestyle chair needs – RECARO Automotive is bringing the style into Dad’s life. Featuring swivel chairs for your desk or living room and RECARO Automotive merchandise, Dad can gear up in his favorite brand!
Click here to learn more.
Help Make Dad’s Garage Look Like the Pros
IMSA teams are meticulous in setting up their workplaces to look professional, contemporary and clean. CTech Accessories has a complete line of aluminum carts, cabinets, drawers and accessories available to give Dad’s workplace the same look and feel.
Check out the CTech line here.
Buy Dad a Race Car … to Scale, of Course
The dad who’s an avid WeatherTech Championship fan would certainly enjoy a scale model of his favorite car. Top Speed Models has you covered with a full line of 2022 IMSA versions.
Check out the array of models available here.
Keep Dad’s Classic Car Running Smooth
Motul is a leader in providing motor oil for race cars around the world, including many that compete in IMSA-sanctioned series. Motul also has a line of specially developed lubricants for that special car from the past that Dad may have in the garage.
Check out the line of Motul Classic Oil here.
Have Dad Look Like a Racer
Help Dad look the part of a racer by getting him some stylish racing gear. It’ll help him look more sleek and aerodynamic, whether he’s in the car or not.
Here’s a couple places to seek out that just-right look. Racing Spirit (click here) has shirts, jackets, vests, pants and more. VP Racing Fuel’s “VP Gear” section (click here) is filled with shirts, jackets, hats, fleece bottoms and even sunglasses.
Ya gotta look fast to go fast!
Brush up on GTP History with ‘IMSA 1969-1989’ Book
With anticipation high for the return in 2023 of the name “GTP” for the WeatherTech Championship’s top class, and the introduction of rakish new hybrid-powered prototypes, why not help Dad study what makes the GTP nomenclature so revered among IMSA fans? The authors of “IMSA 1969-1989” could not be more credible: Mark Raffauf, now Senior Director of Race Operations, has worked for IMSA since 1974, and Mitch Bishop is the son of IMSA founder John Bishop. Essential reading about an incredible era of American sports car racing.
Order the book here.
Help Dad Relax with a Whistle Pig Rye
When Dad’s big day is done, he may want to unwind with a cocktail. Whistle Pig Whiskey is offering a 10-percent discount on its HomeStead Bundle, which includes bottles of FarmStock Rye and PiggyBack Rye.
Click here and use the code FATHERSDAY22 to receive the discount. (Must be age 21; not available for delivery to all states; see website for details.)