Fleetwood rolls out the ultimate collectible

NASCAR-themed RVs are now available for die-hard fans

OK, it may be too big for your racing room, and it will never fit in a display case, but Fleetwood RV may have come up with the ultimate NASCAR collectible .

The program involves an option package available on six Fleetwood brands and models, including two Class A motor homes -- Expedition diesel and Bounder gas -- and four travel trailers -- GearBox, Prowler, Terry and Wilderness.

Fleetwood is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the world, boasting 27 different brands ranging from folding travel trailers to high-end diesel coaches. The company has enjoyed a strong presence in NASCAR throughout the years, including relationships with Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett and the Robert Yates Racing organization.

Fleetwood RV unveiled the new NASCAR-licensed series during the October race weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the California RV Show in Pomona three weeks ago.

"Initial response from the industry and consumers has been very positive," said Bob Rogers, Manager of Channel Marketing for Fleetwood Enterprises. "Fleetwood and NASCAR are a natural fit. We've has been involved in NASCAR for the past 10 or 15 years, starting with a lot of the drivers owning our RVs for their personal use.

"We're quite visible in the driver's compound at any racetrack. In recent years, more and more NASCAR fans have purchased Fleetwood RVs to travel to and from the races to camp in the infield or surrounding campgrounds. They personify the RV lifestyle, which parallels the NASCAR tailgating experience."

The Fleetwood NASCAR line is most recognizable for its brand-specific graphics package, replete with a prominent display of the official NASCAR logo.

"Our unique exterior graphics are highlighted by the silhouette of a race car at speed," Rogers explained. "The Expedition is what we call a 'full paint' model, which means it is painted all over. The NASCAR edition has a special paint scheme with tones of charcoal, silver and black. It's really racy looking. In addition, each RV has a checkered flag awning instead of the traditional solid color."

The options don't stop there, however. Each trailer and motor home is decked out in a full complement of NASCAR-inspired amenities.

"We took a look at the fans that tailgate at NASCAR races and took notice of the things they were doing to their RVs, the accessories they were adding and how they were decorating them," Rogers noted. "That's where we got most of the ideas for the things that make up the NASCAR package."

Among the many items that make up the NASCAR option platform are NASCAR-branded flags and flagpoles, license plate frames, welcome mats, folding camp chairs, and fleeced throws.

"Our GearBox trailer-which is actually a trailer that is used to haul things like motorcycles, four-wheelers, and ATVs-also comes with a set of two rechargeable two-way radios," said Rogers.

In terms of market appeal and perhaps even collectibility, Rogers believes the uniqueness of the new Fleetwood series will strike a chord with the NASCAR RVer, and may make the units more valuable on the secondary market in years to come.

"NASCAR fans are tremendously loyal to brands," he acknowledged. "Not only the NASCAR brand but also the companies like ours that are involved in the sport. I think that, coupled with the uniqueness of the product will make the NASCAR RVs more and more popular with NASCAR fans, not just now, but in the future as well."

If you're a NASCAR fan who wants to hit the road in style, this is the hottest ticket around. And not many folks can say they drove to the racetrack in a NASCAR collectible.