Bogus racing souvenirs, from decals commemorating Dale Earnhardt’s death to drink holders with numbers of popular drivers, just won’t go away. Coordinated efforts have reduced the supply of counterfeit goods in recent years. But Lowe’s Motor Speedway officials say a handful of hawkers selling knock-off T-shirts have been stopped outside the track in the week leading up to Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 race. Lowe’s is fighting back by offering its own less expensive T-shirts to crowds leaving the track — the prime targets of counterfeiters. The $10 shirt matches the price of most knock-offs. Official shirts sold inside the track cost about $20. Tips for telling real racing memorabilia from fake: Search for official licenses on logos and tags. Examine the number. If it doesn’t look exactly like it does on the car, it’s a knock-off. Look at the quality of items. If you think it looks or feels cheap, it’s probably a fake. Decals not mounted on cards, and those without bar codes are bogus.( Charlotte Observer )(5-24-2003)
