The popularity of NASCAR racing has brought about widespread interest in collectible NASCARs. These diecast scale models are a great find if you are a motorsport fan or model collector.
Nascar and Diecast Models
Diecast automobiles have been around since the early 1900s, while newer brands such as Corgi, Matchbox and Hot Wheels are well known today. In addition, sports collectibles are big sellers. NASCAR, by being a race car organization, is particularly suitable for scale-model automobile replicas. In fact, one could easily say that NASCAR racing and diecast models have an ideal marriage.
Types of Collectible Nascars
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Licensed reproductions of specific drivers' race cars from the NEXTEL Cup and Busch series are available as well as diecast pick-up trucks from their Craftsman Truck competitions. Collectible NASCARs are also painted and decorated many different ways to advertise sponsors such as Goodwrench, M&Ms, Skoal, Lucas Oil and Mountain Dew, creating a great variety of cars to collect.
Racers with Diecast Models
Some people collect model cars by race teams, while others are interested in specific drivers. Many NASCAR drivers are represented by diecast models. Several who have collectible NASCARs are:
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr
- Carl Edwards
- Jeff Gordon
- Kevin Harvick
- Kenny Irwin
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kasey Kahne
- Bobby Labonte
- Ken Schrader
- Rusty Wallace
Interesting Collectibles
NASCAR scale models are often more valuable if they are signed by the race car driver associated with that particular automobile. Likewise, the car's history can be important, like any collectible or antique.
- Dale Earnhardt, Sr Before this popular race car driver died in the 2001 Daytona 500, he was on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box. One collectible NASCAR is a Wheaties diecast car from his Wheaties/General Mills sponsorship. Another of the driver's race cars was painted by the pop artist Peter Max. Its diecast model can be found too.
- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby The Talladega of the title refers to Talladega, Alabama, the home of the Talladega Superspeedway. Collectible NASCARs recently released are modeled after race cars driven by this comedy's fictional characters. There is Ricky Bobby's Laughing Clown Malt Liquor #26, as well as Jean Girard's Perrier #55 and Cal Naughton, Jr's Old Spice #47.
- Tony Stewart Race Car is a Limited Edition Home Depot Race Car with Autographed Transporter Trailer and Crew Truck. There are many kinds of collectible NASCARs available. A recent eBay auction included a transporter truck signed by this top NASCAR driver.
Collecting NASCARs
Team Caliber, Revell, and Action are a few of the companies that manufacture NASCAR diecast models, while MATCHBOX and Hotwheels have entered the race too. These diecast stock cars are often made in limited quantities, so there is definitely a thriving second-hand market.
- NASCAR Diecast and Model Cars by Bill Coulter - If you are thinking about starting a collection, Coulter's book might be useful to learn more about a variety of collectible NASCARs.
- NASCAR - Although there are many online stores that sell collectible NASCARs, the official NASCAR site is still important to visit. In addition to its coverage of NASCAR stock car racing, which is worthwhile for any hobbyist or race fan, there is an auction site and a store where you can browse products by driver and series, or by specific item types like diecast models.
- Diecast Cars Now includes a complete list of NASCAR drivers with all of the items the company currently has in their inventory. There is also a list of upcoming products with their expected delivery date, a profile of each driver and a section that includes news that is relevent to the diecast collectors.
A Fun Hobby
Collecting NASCAR collectibles is a fun hobby that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you decide to have a general collection of NASCAR items or limit your collection to a favorite driver, type of car or model size, when you find a perfect addition to your collection you will feel like a winner.
