Lionel Racing Unveils Top-Selling NASCAR Die-Cast Collectibles of 2025 Season

Charlotte, NC – Lionel Racing, the official die-cast manufacturer of NASCAR, has officially released its highly anticipated list of the ten best-selling die-cast cars from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The countdown, revealed throughout Wednesday, offers a fascinating glimpse into which drivers and memorable moments resonated most with fans of the sport’s scaled-down replicas.

The trend of fan favorites and iconic paint schemes dominating the sales charts continued in 2025, though with a few notable newcomers making a significant impact. This year’s list underscores the enduring appeal of established stars, the excitement surrounding emerging talent, and the powerful draw of significant race wins and historical tributes.

Looking back at recent history provides context for the 2025 results. In 2024, the enduring popularity of Dale Earnhardt Jr. was once again on full display as his Budweiser-backed Late Model car outsold all other die-casts for the year. This followed a 2023 where Kevin Harvick’s special No. 29 return, recreating his 2001 scheme with a modern Busch Light Ford Mustang, captured the top sales spot. Nostalgia played a significant role in these years, a theme that has historically driven collector interest.

The year 2022 saw a different kind of memorable moment take the lead: Ross Chastain’s iconic "Hail Melon" wall-ride car from Martinsville, complete with its distinctive right-side damage, became the best-selling die-cast. This demonstrated that on-track heroics and unique racing incidents could also translate into significant collector demand. In 2021, Kevin Harvick’s popular Grave Digger paint scheme on the No. 4 Ford Mustang topped the list, further highlighting the appeal of distinctive and themed liveries.

Related News :

The dominance of Chase Elliott, the sport’s perennial Most Popular Driver, was evident in earlier years. His championship-winning No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet from 2020 led the sales, continuing a streak that saw his cars as the best-sellers in 2019, 2018, and 2016. The 2017 list was topped by a throwback scheme driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. during his final Cup Series start, emphasizing the emotional connection fans have with significant career milestones. Furthermore, various Dale Earnhardt Sr. cars consistently held top spots on the list from 2012 to 2015, a testament to his legendary status and the lasting legacy of his iconic liveries.

This year’s top ten reflects a blend of these historical trends and new narratives:

10. Shane van Gisbergen #88 Trackhouse / Red Bull Chevrolet
The return of Red Bull as a sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 proved to be a significant draw for collectors, particularly with the success of Shane van Gisbergen. His victory at Sonoma Raceway marked Red Bull’s first win in the Cup Series in over 13 years. Van Gisbergen, who was sponsored by Red Bull for six races during the season, delivered a dominant performance at Sonoma, leading 97 of 110 laps. He also carried the Red Bull colors to his first Cup Series top-ten finish on an oval at Kansas Speedway, signaling his growing impact on the series. The die-cast captures this prominent return and a key moment in SVG’s burgeoning NASCAR career.

9. Josh Berry #21 Wood Brothers / Motorcraft Chevrolet (Vegas Raced Version)
Josh Berry’s maiden NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway early in the 2025 season secured him a spot on the sales list. Piloting the historic Wood Brothers No. 21 machine, Berry delivered the legendary team its 101st Cup Series win. His dramatic victory, achieved by holding off Daniel Suarez on a late-race restart and leading the final 15 laps, resonated with fans. The "raced win" version of this die-cast, complete with confetti from Victory Lane, appeals to collectors seeking an authentic representation of a significant career achievement.

8. Connor Zilisch #87 Trackhouse / Red Bull Chevrolet
Another entry from Trackhouse Racing featuring Red Bull sponsorship, this die-cast highlights the emergence of teenage phenom Connor Zilisch. Zilisch made his Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet. Although his debut race ended with a DNF after a collision with Daniel Suarez, the young driver showcased his potential across his three Cup starts. He ran the same striking Red Bull paint scheme in the Coca-Cola 600, finishing 23rd, and achieved a career-best 11th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The die-cast represents the excitement surrounding a new talent and the prominent Red Bull branding.

7. Kyle Larson #5 Hendrick / Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet (Phoenix Raced Version)
While Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025, it was his car from the season finale at Phoenix Raceway that captured the seventh spot. Though he didn’t win the race, Larson’s third-place finish was enough to clinch the title over Denny Hamlin. This "raced version" die-cast is an exact replica of the car he drove to his championship victory, making it a highly sought-after item for fans celebrating his latest achievement.

6. Kyle Larson #5 Hendrick / Hendrickcars.com Championship Chevrolet
Larson’s championship success is further recognized with a second entry on the list, this time for the special edition championship car. This die-cast closely mirrors his standard No. 5 Chevrolet but features distinct playoff enhancements, including a yellow windshield banner and yellow rear spoiler. The most significant distinction is the iconic "NASCAR Cup Series Champion" designation replacing the usual No. 5 on the roof, signifying his title-winning status.

5. William Byron #24 Hendrick / Axalta Daytona 500 Win Chevrolet (Raced Version)
William Byron etched his name in NASCAR history by becoming only the fifth driver to win back-to-back Daytona 500s in 2025. His victory in the season-opening crown jewel event was a dramatic one, coming as he navigated a last-lap pileup involving the leading contenders. This "raced win" die-cast commemorates that thrilling triumph, featuring authentic race damage and confetti from Victory Lane, appealing to collectors who value dramatic finishes and significant historical moments.

4. Chase Elliott #9 Hendrick / NAPA Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Win Chevrolet (Raced Version)
The sport’s Most Popular Driver, Chase Elliott, secured a significant win and a corresponding die-cast sales success with his victory at his home track. Elliott skillfully avoided a major mid-race incident that sidelined many competitors and then engaged in a close duel with Brad Keselowski to take the checkered flag. The special paint scheme for this race was designed by 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills, adding a unique and heartwarming narrative to the collectible. This "raced version" die-cast captures the excitement of that pivotal win.

3. Justin Allgaier #40 JR Motorsports / Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet (Raced Version)
The highly anticipated debut of JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, proved to be a major talking point. The team brought in 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier, who qualified for the Daytona 500 in an emotional moment for the organization. Despite sustaining front-end damage during the race, Allgaier’s resilience in achieving a top-ten finish resonated deeply with fans. This "raced version" die-cast authentically replicates the car’s battle scars, including the application of bearbond tape on the fender, offering a tangible piece of JRM’s inaugural Cup Series appearance.

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Budweiser Speedway Classic Chevrolet Late Model
Despite his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to be a powerful force in die-cast sales. This year, his tribute to Budweiser and the iconic 2001 MLB All-Star Game paint scheme he ran at Daytona, a race held shortly after his father’s passing, proved exceptionally popular. While the paint scheme was originally applied to a Late Model Stock car for the Speedway Classic MLB game at Bristol Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. himself raced this livery in a CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway, finishing tenth. This die-cast celebrates a significant tribute and a beloved figure in NASCAR history.

1. Justin Allgaier #40 JR Motorsports / Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet
In a remarkable showing, Justin Allgaier’s JR Motorsports No. 40 entry from their Daytona 500 debut claimed the top two spots on the best-selling list. After its success as a "raced version" at number three, the base model of the same car, without the race damage, also achieved the number one sales position. This dual presence signifies the immense fan support for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s burgeoning Cup Series team and the emotional significance of their maiden voyage into the premier NASCAR division. The fact that cars affiliated with Dale Earnhardt Jr. swept the top three positions underscores his enduring influence and connection with the fanbase, extending beyond his own racing career.