04/16/2025

    NHRA diecast collectors we are sorry for the very late product update from us but we really had to put some thought into this latest information release moving forward so that everyone knows what the industry is looking at. As always just the facts and no fake news.

 And just a heads up that this is another long newsletter from us so read forward as you wish.

   NHRA diecast collectors here we are with the new 2025 NHRA diecast lineup from Auto World. First and foremost, thank you all for a great 2024 NHRA diecast season that was no walk in the park for anyone. From the manufacturer to the collector with all the changes that occurred from top to bottom at Round 2 with new ownership, to new management, and then throw in on top of all that all new tooling with the Toyota Supra funny car and the big one that was a major bump in the road and that was the introduction to the new deluxe chassis which was done for a reason that we tried explaining why a year ago which most wouldn't understand unless they're on the production end of the industry and trust me they are not and actually have no idea. They are AKA as the 1%ers. Ones who sell a couple of preowned a month on a good month.

    Here we go:

   You can count on one hand the few who's made the NHRA diecast production exist today. The leader of these few is Bob Jacobson who has spearheaded the NHRA diecast industry for years now. The bad news for the industry is that Bob Jacobson has announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season which is going to be a major loss. Without Bob's involvement there would be no NHRA diecast collectors' market like we have today. Bob is the one, and the only one, who pushed and pulled every production of any release we have seen over the last many years. All these programs' dealings from the NHRA, the NHRA teams, sponsors, marketing people, team owners, factory and not to mention Auto World/Round 2, well simply put Bob did it all. With Bob leaving after this season the writing is on the wall. 

   For anyone who knows the industry in which actually very few do and its history can see what's going on here with the number of cancelations of products we saw last year and the limited number of new releases going into the 2025 season from Auto World. Simply put, the future is not looking great. Last season there were numerous cancellations and if not for Auto World lowering their minimums and sponsors and dealers like us stepping up at the last minute the number of releases in 2024 would have been down to a very few. Yes, the Snake Tribute and the rookie Tony Stewart Top Fuel car and team Force cars were no brainers but the rest were all hit and miss and most would have missed. Fortunately, what was produced in 2024 collectors were willing to take a shot at and overall, the product line was accepted and approved based off of very solid sales numbers.

  Anyway, looking at the 2025 line up here is what is obvious. The lineup is very limited. Not a great sign. On a positive note, though, Auto World has decided to go back to the more detailed authentic Funny Car Chassis so let's see what the talkers have to say after claiming "I would have paid more for the better chassis," well here ya go. 

  With everything going on globally Auto World at this time has raised the price for the updated Funny Car Chassis $12.04. The Tony Stewart release from 2024 to 2025 went up $10.00, the Ron Capps Carlyle Tools replica because of the lower detailed deluxe chassis was left unchanged price wise and the 2025 Brittany Force Hendricks.Com Top Fuel release went down in price $2.00 per.

   Depending on where Auto World sets their minimum numbers for production in 2025 it's hard to say which replicas will hit that sweet spot but early on it looks good for this year's lineup with the 2025 Justin Ashley Scag Top Fuel release the one exception that may need some help from Scag.  

   Last year the initial number was set at 750 but thanks to the additional effort of Bob Jacobson, Auto World adjusted their numbers in their effort to give the industry another look and without that contribution and once again Bob Jacobson working further with sponsors and others in the end we had the 2024 NHRA diecast season.

 

    In a very confusing and complicated closing message this is where the NHRA diecast market is as of today:

We are in uncharted waters with regard to the tariff situation with China. Currently, the tariffs on Chinese made products have been raised from 6.8% to 150%. Clearly, this is not a sustainable situation. The hope is that there will be a resolution to this in the next few weeks – month. The expectation is that the tariffs on die cast – toys will come down to a reasonable number. Because of this unknown with pricing, www.groundpoundin.com is not able to confirm a final cost at this time….we can only give you an estimate. When the dust settles, we’ll be able to give you a final cost and you can confirm or cancel your order at that time.

In the meantime please place your safe no payment required pre orders now so we can at least stay on schedule with production. 

 

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