MotorVational posters join collectibles market

Images and motivation are key elements of the NASCAR experience. Both are showcased simultaneously in MotorVational posters, The Time Factory's latest addition to the NASCAR collectibles market.

If you haven't noticed, the poster market is perhaps the fastest growing segment of the collectibles arena. The Time Factory, best known for NASCAR-themed calendars, has hit one over the fence with the debut of this creatively innovative series.

Each 22" x 28" high-gloss poster offers an original image of the featured NASCAR superstar, or his car, punctuated by a theme specific to that driver. For instance, "Teamwork" is the focal point of the Mark Martin piece, while one Dale Earnhardt Jr. poster highlights "Passion." A poignant quote from the driver himself adds a personal touch to every poster.

"The whole idea behind the MotorVational series was to offer fans an upscale NASCAR poster," said The Time Factory's president, Jim Purcell.

"We've done some posters in the past in the $4.99 price point. People came to us and said, 'Boy, these are really nice. You guys have such a nice product, you should think about doing something more along the art line.' So, we sort of backed away from the 'roll' poster concept and shifted to a little higher-end product. We love the idea of taking the images of NASCAR, combining them with a theme based on a motivational adjective, and then adding a personal quote."

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MotorVational posters aren't just the kind of posters that fans pin up on their bedroom walls. They look great framed, and can be readily adapted to an office or business setting.

"That's what we were aiming for," Purcell confirmed. "When you think about it, most businesses have a lot of wall space to fill. MotorVational posters combine some really riveting images with a common theme. Not only do MotorVational posters look good in those settings, but they also convey a motivational message that adds a positive atmosphere to the office or workplace. They create a great frame of mind."

The quotes are perhaps the most compelling aspect of these artworks. The Dale Earnhardt Champion poster, for instance, quotes the seven-time NASCAR titlist as saying, "I've just really been fortunate to have help, the friends, the people that have been involved with me, helping me get into racing, to work hard and accomplish what we have."

On his Vision-themed poster, Jeff Gordon notes, "It takes only one individual to provide vision, but it takes a team effort to achieve it." Tony Stewart says, "Do I think we're capable of winning the championship? Absolutely." These aren't "fluff" quotes, they are straight-forward observations right from the source.

"The quotes give fans a glimpse inside their favorite drivers," Purcell explained. "We went for their candid views on, 'What does Teamwork mean to you? What does Excellence mean to you?'

"In the beginning, only the Dale Jr. poster had a quote. We showed it to ( NASCAR.com VP for eCommerce) Joe Mattes, and he liked it so well that he encouraged us to include driver quotes on each poster. It really fit the motivational concept, and the fans seem to love it. It's something they've been looking for. It's the voice of the driver."

Seven of The Time Factory's inaugural MotorVational posters are now on sale at the NASCAR.com SuperStore:

"The first launch consisted of eight posters-there were two posters for a couple of drivers," Purcell said. "The second launch will bring in another five drivers, so we should have 13 posters available by the end of the year. "Our goal is to come out with new posters at least three times a year-and, ultimately, perhaps quarterly -- to keep the line fresh."