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Pit Lizard Tank from TrackCouture.com, $24.99

Race Ready Erin Crocker Shoulder Clutch ($11.97) at the NASCAR online superstore. (Photo courtesy NASCAR)

Chase Authentics NASCAR themed t-shirt. (Photo courtesy NASCAR)

PitBaby Sweet Ride Pink Onesie and Bib Onesie $15 Bib $10. (Photo courtesy TrackCouture.com)

The tread marks at Brickyard 400 might lead you to an exciting car, but probably not some exciting clothes. Not that race fans should shoulder the blame for oversized Tony Stewart tees that do nothing to flatter the figure. But folks, there are plenty of hot options out there. While we wouldn't go so far as to label NASCAR threads "couture," your race wear can be chic. We offer handmade, slightly haute proof:

For the skirt

We started with a fitted thrift-store skirt in black, then cut a yard of checkerboard fabric (go with the smaller print, which was $4.99 a yard at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts). We shaped the fabric into isosceles triangles with a four-inch base and six inches to the tip. From there, it was a simple matter of sewing the triangles onto the skirt in layers. Do as much or as little as you want until you are happy with the results.

For the shrug

We bought a yard of Jeff Gordon ($14.99 a yard) fleece at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts. We pondered what to do with such a.. beautiful ... piece of fabric. TissuePapers Blogspot (www.tissupapers.blogspot.com) has a lovely (and easy) pattern for a shrug made from a beach towel. Bingo! While this cover-up might be a little warm for humid July days at the track, it's perfect for mild post-race evening parties.

If you don't want to make it yourself . . .

Buy it local

Thunder Alley Racing, 707 Madison Ave., Greenwood, has seen an upswing in race clothes sales, pre-Brickyard. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the best seller, with locals Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon also near the top of the list, says manager Dave Hey. Chase Authentics NASCAR-themed T-shirts, hats and jackets are all peeling out of the store.

Online options

Tennessee-based Track Couture (www.TrackCouture.com) strays a little from the huge T-shirt uniform for its NASCAR wear. Check out the cheeky "Pit Lizard" tank ($24.99). The company also offers baby wear ("Sweet Ride" onesie is $15, or bib is $10). Pay homage to your favorite by getting a fitted "I (heart)" T-shirt or jersey skirt honoring his number.

NASCAR'S Online Superstore's offerings are adorable. The Race Ready Erin Crocker Shoulder Clutch ($11.97) is cute for any day. Gentlemen and dandies, lest you think you're being slighted, the higher-fashion Chase Authentics shirts ($26.99) give a heavy nod to the graphics tees of Ed Hardy et al.