As a Nascar enthusiast, I'm always looking for great content. Many fans are well aware of the Dale Jr. Download produced by Dirty Mo Media. While this show is produced as a podcast, it is also filmed live, and posted on YouTube. Anyone who watches the show knows about product placement and the relationship Lionel Racing has as a sponsor of the show. So, unsurprisingly, this exact diecast along with others are always present at the production table. I took a trip to Moorseville a few weeks ago and stopped in at JRM. When I saw they still had copies of this 1/24 scale Late Model stock car, I had to pick one up. I'm actually a pretty big fan of the casting. The chassis itself is basic, and is probably retailing for a lot more than it costs to be produced. But it is interesting, and it certainly diversifies what's available in the 1/24 scale Nascar market. On to the car.   Like most other 1/24s produced in 2024, the car is held onto a black plastic base plate with two half inch screws. A clear plastic clamshell cover is fitted over the car and the base plate. The ensemble slides into a printed cardstock box that also has a window installed for a partial viewing of the model.   The more recent Late Model stock cars have come with improved printing on the windshield surface. This car clearly identifies that the car competes in the CARS Tour, and also indicate the touring leagues primary parter, ZMax. Printing on the other surfaces like the tires, car body, deck lid, hood, side windows, and B-post is really good. Like their Truck, Xfinity, and Cup series counterparts, each Late Model stock car also comes with a DIN, or diecast identification number. Mine is 181/504.   A few quick turns with a screw driver and the car is free from the base plate. The car separated easily, and the screws can be stored in the clamshell case. The race car displays nicely both on the base plate, and away from it. The casting features rolling wheels, as well as a hood that opens to reveal a simple, yet convincing power plant.    Sitting next to one of its clones, it's easy to see how Lionel has improved the quality of the printing and detailing on the mold. I believe the key to success for Lionel's Late Model casting is good printing, and good quality control. A lot of basic design can be forgiven if the quality of the product while sitting on the shelf is good. Good printing can create the illusion of texture, and added detail.   Notes: Lionel certainly must have gone out on a limb to create this mould. It's probably thanks in large part to a lot of convincing by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Many of the cars produced on the mould are from JRM. As the CARS Tour rises in popularity, the hope is that more Late Model stock cars can be made representing the many teams that compete in the series. Turning a profit in this industry must be challenging. Even though Lionel has no competitors in the range of Nascar products, they certainly do create a niche product that can be ether well received or largely ignored. While I could spend a good amount of time explaining why the asking price is nowhere near worth what you're actually getting, the debate is more about the fact that we have this casting at all. Most collectors don't understand the enormity of the cost in developing diecast moulds, so it would be beneficial for all of us to root for the success of this line. Finally, this car as an individual product is really cool. It fulfills its purpose well by showcasing some of the exciting things that are happening at the lower levels of the stock car racing world. Sammy Smith is a driver on the rise and will no doubt one day compete in the Cup series. When they look back on his career, race cars like these will be in the pictures, reminding everyone about the steps required to get to the top. Sources:
Dirtymomedia.com JRMracing.com Lionelracing.com Racing-reference.com Sundrop.com
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