CONCORD, N.C. -- Chase Elliott made quite an impression with a success-filled rookie campaign on the track -- and it showed in fan interest off the track.
Thursday morning, Lionel Racing announced the top-10 die-cast cars of 2016, and Elliott's No. 24 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet SS topped the list.
“Chase Elliott’s arrival on the NASCAR scene has been big, and the overwhelming popularity of his first rookie NASCAR Sprint Cup Series die-cast is further proof that race fans relate to him and everything he represents,” said Howard Hitchcock, Lionel Racing president.
It marked the first time since 2011 that a non-Dale Earnhardt Jr. die-cast claimed the top spot. But Earnhardt was far from absent from the list -- in fact, he was still the best-selling driver overall.
Multiple No. 88 Chevrolet SS paint schemes made the cut, starting with the Nationwide Batman Chevy at No. 2, the Nationwide Chevy at No. 3 and the Axalta Chevy at No. 4. His throwback Nationwide paint scheme for the Southern 500 came in at No. 9.
“Junior Nation will be happy to know that Dale Jr. is still Lionel’s biggest driver,” Hitchcock said.
Jimmie Johnson also made the list with two separate entries. His No. 48 Lowe's Superman Chevrolet SS was the No. 6 best-seller, and his No. 48 Lowe's Seven-Time Champion Chevrolet SS was No. 8.
Overall, Hendrick Motorsports claimed seven of the 10 top-selling die-cast of 2016.