Lionel Racing has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the top ten best-selling NASCAR diecast cars for the 2025 season, revealing a compelling blend of international talent, established fan favorites, and the potent emotional resonance of the Earnhardt legacy. The annual countdown, released throughout Wednesday, highlights the vehicles that captured the imaginations and wallets of collectors and fans alike.
The 2025 results mark a significant shift in the landscape of popular diecast models, though familiar names and themes continue to resonate. In a testament to enduring popularity, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Budweiser-sponsored Late Model, paying homage to a poignant paint scheme from 2001, secured the number two spot, underscoring his continued massive appeal despite his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition. This iconic livery, originally run at Daytona in the first Cup event following his father’s passing, was revived for a CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway, where Earnhardt Jr. finished tenth, and its diecast representation proved to be a collector’s dream.
However, the top of the list was dominated by the burgeoning presence of JR Motorsports (JRM) in the NASCAR Cup Series. The No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by 2024 Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier, claimed both the top two positions on the list. The No. 1 spot belongs to the base diecast of the No. 40 JRM / Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet, representing the team’s highly anticipated Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500. Allgaier’s emotional run to qualify for the Great American Race, a significant milestone for the organization co-owned by Dale Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, resonated deeply with fans. The diecast captures the essence of this historic entry, even without the race-worn details.
Claiming the third spot is the "raced version" of the same No. 40 JRM Chevrolet. This highly detailed replica includes the battle scars and even a recreation of the bearbond tape on the fender, commemorating Allgaier’s tenacious drive to a top-ten finish in the Daytona 500, overcoming significant left-front damage during the race. This dual appearance for the JRM entry solidifies the team’s successful transition to the Cup Series and the strong connection fans have to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s racing ventures.
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The continued influence of international drivers on the NASCAR scene is further evidenced by the inclusion of two Red Bull-backed Trackhouse Racing entries in the top ten. Shane van Gisbergen, the Australian Supercars champion, landed at number ten with his No. 88 Trackhouse / Red Bull Chevrolet. Red Bull’s return as a sponsor in the Cup Series in 2025 coincided with Van Gisbergen’s victory at Sonoma Raceway, marking the brand’s first Cup Series win in over 13 years. He led an impressive 97 of 110 laps in that dominant performance, and also sported the Red Bull colors for his first Cup Series top-ten finish on an oval at Kansas Speedway.
Following closely at number eight is the No. 87 Trackhouse / Red Bull Chevrolet, driven by teen phenom Connor Zilisch. Zilisch made his Cup Series debut at COTA in this same striking Red Bull livery, participating in three Cup races throughout the season. While his debut ended in a DNF, his subsequent performances, including a 23rd place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 and a career-best 11th at Atlanta, showcased his immense potential and garnered significant fan interest, reflected in the diecast sales.
The perennial contenders from Hendrick Motorsports also feature prominently. Kyle Larson, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, secured two spots in the top ten. His No. 5 Hendrick / Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet, in its "Phoenix raced version," claimed the seventh position. This diecast replicates the car Larson piloted to his second Cup Series championship in November, clinching the title over Denny Hamlin with a third-place finish in the season finale.
Larson’s championship-winning car, a special edition of his No. 5 Chevrolet, earned the sixth spot. This variant is distinguished by a yellow windshield banner and yellow rear spoiler, signifying his playoff run, and most notably, the "NASCAR Cup Series champion" icon replacing the traditional No. 5 on the roof. The distinct visual cues of a championship car continue to be a major draw for collectors.
William Byron’s historic back-to-back Daytona 500 victory in 2025 landed his No. 24 Hendrick / Axalta Daytona 500 win Chevrolet (raced version) at number five. Byron’s unlikely triumph, capitalizing on a late-race pileup, secured his place in NASCAR lore and made his race-winning car a highly sought-after collectible. The raced version meticulously details the marks from the thrilling crown jewel event and includes confetti from Victory Lane.
Chase Elliott, consistently a fan favorite and the sport’s "Most Popular Driver" for multiple years, claimed the fourth position with his No. 9 Hendrick / NAPA Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta win Chevrolet (raced version). Elliott’s victory at his home track, achieved by out-dueling Brad Keselowski amidst a race-halting crash, was a significant moment for the popular driver. The special paint scheme, designed by 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills, added an extra layer of appeal to this highly popular diecast.
The prevalence of "raced version" diecasts throughout the top ten highlights a growing trend in the collector market, where authenticity and the commemoration of specific race-winning moments hold significant value. Fans are increasingly drawn to models that not only represent a popular driver or team but also capture the tangible history of a particular victory.
Looking back at previous years, the list of best-selling diecasts has consistently featured drivers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. In 2024, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Budweiser Late Model took the top spot, proving his enduring marketability. The year prior, Kevin Harvick’s nostalgic return to the No. 29 scheme for the All-Star Race resonated strongly. Ross Chastain’s iconic "Hail Melon" wall-ride car from Martinsville in 2022, and Kevin Harvick’s Grave Digger scheme in 2021, further illustrate the appeal of memorable on-track moments and unique liveries. Chase Elliott’s championship-winning car from 2020 and his consistent dominance in diecast sales from 2016-2019, alongside various Dale Earnhardt Jr. cars topping the charts from 2012-2015, all underscore a long-standing connection between fan engagement and diecast popularity. The 2025 list continues this tradition, with a fresh narrative of emerging stars and established legends captivating the market.
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