I am wanting to do a Hot Wheels theme cake/cupcakes. I want to cover the board to look like a checkerboard. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas (besides fondant) on how to do that. Or is there somewhere I can purchase the paper online? Please help his party is Aug 13th, Thanks!

If you can't find food safe checkerboard covering, as long as your cake is on its own board it won't have direct prolonged contact so you're good to go. Also, if you consider covering the paper with something clear to prevent grease stains, Glad Press'n Seal would do the job PLUS it's food safe.

I found this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/290585603744?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp4684.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D290585603744%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

Perhaps you could grab a picture of the pattern:
http://www.nexusoneforum.net/wallpapers/data/501/MEGA-Checkerboard.jpg
and have it printed with food-safe ink (e.g., by a bakery or supermarket bakery section) on several sheets of wafer paper.

I have used wrapping paper on the board and the covered with clear contact paper. Then the cake board will sit on top of that. HTH

I use gift wrap in the pattern I need, and then cover that with food-safe cellophane. Makes it easy to wipe off any smudges.

I live just outside Indianapolis and race car themes are huge. Party City has a whole section of those checkered flags. Maybe a vinyl tablecloth or placemat?

I do the same as gramof5, I cover in wrapping paper of choice and then cover in FDA approved cellophane from Michael's. It's on a roll near where all the basket decorating stuff is.

I know you said not fondant but I did a Cars cake and did a fondant road (solid black) and it was super easy. You don't have to cover the entire board in black. You can make a wide strip and place around the cake, trim off the edges that way you're not wasting fondant and then decorate. Just another alternative if you don't find the flag paper you're looking for

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1922025