OG Racing's Top 10 Gifts Under $500

The holiday season is here again, which means two things: empty wallets and planning next race season. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve already started mentally justifying next season’s upgrades as “early Christmas gifts.” So instead of pretending we’re going to buy our loved ones scented candles or novelty socks, let’s get real and talk about the gear racers actually want.

I combed through the NASA Gear Store powered by OG Racing, our home base for safety equipment, data tools, and track-day essentials, and I pulled together the top gifts that matter for 2025. These aren’t gimmicks, toys, or decorations for the garage wall. These are the tools, safety systems, and gear that get used every single weekend, whether you’re wrenching, racing, or chasing that next PB.

If you want to give a gift that’ll make a driver’s season better (or want to send the perfect hint to your spouse), this list is the good stuff.

AIM Solo Lap Timer - $499.00

 

 

The AIM Solo 2 is the go-to benchmark for anyone serious about finding speed through precision. It uses an integrated GPS receiver to deliver dead-accurate lap times, split times, and predictive feedback in real time. The bright, full-color display is visible even in harsh daylight, while built-in Wi-Fi makes data transfer quick and painless. Pair it with Race Studio 3 software and you’ll see exactly where you’re losing tenths in every corner. Whether you’re running your first HPDE or chasing podiums in Time Trial, this unit is a no-brainer for measurable improvement every session.

Road-Keeper Dual HD Camera - $399.00

 

The Road-Keeper system delivers front- and rear-HD recording in one lightweight, FIA-legal package. Each lens captures crisp 1080p video with embedded GPS data, making it ideal for both driver development and race documentation. It’s one of the easiest plug-and-play systems on the market, no software degree required. After each session, pop out the SD card and instantly review your laps with speed, position, and throttle overlays. From coaching review to liability protection, this little box brings big value to any car that hits the grid.

Sparco Tour Gear Bag - $269.00

 

The Sparco Tour Bag is what happens when Italian design meets paddock reality. It’s got compartments for every piece of gear you own—helmet, HANS, gloves, shoes, and the random assortment of charging cables that follow racers everywhere. The reinforced base handles abuse, while the telescoping handle and smooth wheels make hauling through airports or paddocks effortless. It’s big enough for a full race kit but compact enough to fit in the back seat of your tow rig. This bag says, “I’ve got my life together,” even when you’re thrashing to make the next session.

HANS IV Device - $424.95

 

The HANS IV is the entry point into one of the most important safety innovations in motorsports history. It provides the same core head-and-neck protection technology used by pro racers worldwide, at a price that makes sense for grassroots drivers. Lightweight yet rugged, it anchors easily to most helmets using standard posts and integrates seamlessly with FIA or SFI harnesses. If you’re gifting someone who’s starting to move from HPDE to competition, this is the single most impactful investment you can make for their safety. It’s not flashy, but it’s lifesaving, and that’s what matters.

Alpinestars Tech-1 T V3 Shoe - $339.95

 

The Tech-1 T V3s deliver professional-grade comfort and control, combining lightweight construction with top-tier fire protection. The ultra-thin rubber sole is engineered for pedal sensitivity, giving you precise modulation under braking and throttle. The asymmetrical lace design and dual-closure strap keep your foot locked in without creating pressure points during long sessions. Inside, the fire-retardant lining keeps temperatures manageable even when the cockpit isn’t. They’re race-ready, FIA-certified, and just plain gorgeous. Give these, and your favorite driver will never go back to budget shoes again.

Chicane Speedster Shoe - $160.00

 

Designed for serious drivers who also live in their gear, the Chicane Speedster bridges the gap between comfort and competition. With a full Nomex interior, reinforced heel cup, and grippy sole pattern, they offer exceptional pedal feel without sacrificing street-level wearability. The suede finish adds a touch of classic motorsport style that looks as good in the paddock as it does behind the wheel. If you’ve got a racer who lives in their shoes from first session to podium, these are the perfect upgrade; they’ll thank you every time they heel-toe.

Sparco Arrow Glove - $239.00 - ON SALE $149.96

 

The Sparco Arrow is a fan favorite among pros and club racers alike, and for good reason. The external stitching eliminates pressure points and enhances dexterity, while the pre-curved design matches natural hand positioning on the wheel. Grip zones across the palm and fingers offer incredible feedback; you can literally feel the tires through the wheel. Add to that a lightweight Nomex construction and FIA approval, and you’ve got a glove that’s as safe as it is stylish. These are made for the driver who refuses to compromise between comfort and control.

Sparco Tool Roll - $399.00

 

There’s nothing worse than showing up to the grid unprepared, and the Sparco Trackside Tool Roll ensures that never happens. This compact roll-up organizer keeps your essential tools protected and accessible, with labeled compartments and durable materials designed to withstand track abuse. It fits perfectly under a seat or in the corner of a trailer, ready for those last-minute adjustments that always seem to happen five minutes before qualifying. Practical, affordable, and built like the rest of Sparco’s pro-grade gear, it’s the ideal stocking stuffer for the mechanically minded racer.

Sparco Competition H2 Harnesses - $389.00

 

The Sparco Competition H-2 Endurance harness is FIA-approved and engineered for serious racers who demand both safety and speed in driver changes. The lightweight aluminum hardware keeps overall mass down, while pull-down lap belts and easy-adjust shoulders make it fast to cinch tight in any seating position. Sparco’s proprietary quick-release buckle system makes egress smooth and reliable, even in high-stress situations. It’s a professional-grade piece of equipment that adds both confidence and comfort every time you strap in, a perfect “next-level” upgrade for anyone advancing through NASA classes. 

Lifeline Zero 2020 Fire Suppression System - $439.99

Lifeline’s Zero 2020 Fire Marshal System sets the standard for modern fire safety in motorsports. FIA-certified and NASA-legal, this 3-liter mechanical system provides fast-acting, evenly distributed suppression through strategically placed nozzles in both the cockpit and engine bay. The system uses an advanced AFFF suppressant and a lightweight aluminum bottle for minimal weight penalty. Simple activation and reliable performance make it a favorite in endurance and sprint builds alike. Give this to the driver who has everything, except a backup plan. Because nothing says “I care about you” like keeping someone’s car from becoming a barbecue.  

Racing is expensive, chaotic, and sometimes a little dangerous, but it’s also the thing that keeps us sane. The gear on this list isn’t just “nice to have.” Every item genuinely contributes to a safer, faster, more prepared race weekend. And if there’s one thing every NASA driver learns early, it’s that the right tools and equipment can make or break a season.

So whether you’re shopping for your favorite racer, your favorite crew chief, or just treating yourself because you survived another year of late nights in the garage and early mornings at the track. These gifts deliver real value where it counts. Everything here is vetted, track-proven, and available right now through the NASA Gear Store powered by OG Racing.

Here’s to finishing the year strong, starting next season even stronger, and giving gifts that actually mean something. See you at the track! Happy holidays.