Stewart featured on Hallmark ornament

Hallmark, a world-renowned leader in the greeting card and gift industry, has released its annual NASCAR Keepsake Ornament. This year's collectible features former NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart.

Hallmark NASCAR Keepsake Ornaments have been helping race fans decorate their homes for the holidays since 1997. The company releases one NASCAR collectible per year as part of the sports category within its Keepsake Ornament line. Past issues have showcased Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt,

Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, and Dale Jarrett. Jimmie Johnson was the featured driver in 2003.

The Tony Stewart ornament features a small scale replica of his Chevrolet Monte Carlo with the driver's photograph as the background.

Hallmark's ornaments have built an ever increasing collector base over the years.

"We have a very strong consumer following that consistently keep coming back and looking for the next ornament in the line," said Brenda Gfeller, licensing and marketing manager for Hallmark. "They are very devoted and want to make sure that they round out their collection with each new offering."

Usually when people think of ornaments, they think of Christmas. But-as Gfeller notes-the Hallmark NASCAR Keepsake Ornament is suitable for display year round.

"Actually, I know quite a few people who display their ornaments year round-especially the sports editions," she confirmed. "We have a lot of people who buy the ornaments for their own collections, and a like number who buy the as a gift for the NASCAR fan they know. They make wonderful gifts for any occasion."

The 2004 Tony Stewart NASCAR Keepsake Ornament is available on line at www.hallmark.com and at Hallmark Gold Crown stores.