Every NASCAR fan holds a small collection of diecasts, be it Kevin Harvick’s #29 Busch Light Ford or Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #8 Budweiser. Fans go crazy for these collectables. But what happens when the prices are increased to such an extent that even a die-hard fan cannot buy it? Well, it all boils down to the company’s manufacturing cost and tariffs controlled by the government after all.

In the high-stakes race of international trade, the Trump administration’s tariffs have sent many companies skidding into uncertainty. The impact wasn’t just felt by car makers and dealership networks, but also NASCAR’s premier diecast making company, Lionel Racing.

Lionel Racing had to increase the prices on its diecasts after the tariffs were imposed on imports from China. As a result, the prices of the race-win diecasts went up by 18%, while the elite version saw a price jump by 29%. They even had to halt the pre-orders, citing the uncertain market situation.

“This is a temporary measure until the current tariff situation settles down. We are still working with race teams to get sales sheets put together, we are still obtaining reference photos and artwork for race-wins and standard cards, and we are still sampling and producing diecasts.” The company released a statement. But it looks like things are going to be normal the way they were before the tariffs, and once again, President Trump played a huge role in this reversal process.

On Monday, both the US and China announced that they would slash the tariff rates. The Trump administration, which had imposed a 145% tariff on imports from China, will now settle at 30%, and in response, China will also drop its rate from 125% to 10%. This new development had a ripple effect within the NASCAR sector, with Lionel Racing adjusting its prices and starting to take pre-orders on new models.

“.@Lionel_Racing has authorized re-starting shipments of its @NASCAR diecast from China following the recent trade deal with the U.S., a move that will come as a relief to teams across the garage. ➡️ Lionel has also resumed offering new diecast for pre-orders at adjusted pricing.” Adam Stern from Sports Business Journal reported on X.

This news also comes as a great relief for the teams and the OEM partners in the NASCAR Cup Series garage. There were rumors about increasing costs on the parts that the teams procure from third-party suppliers. A 25% tariff was imposed on the cars manufactured outside the US, and this sent shockwaves within the NASCAR garage. But, as far as carmakers are concerned, they have already taken steps to counter this tariff scare.

Ford will hike prices on Mexico-produced models

Ford became the first manufacturer to spring into action and adjust their prices following Donald Trump’s tariffs. Prices on the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, Maverick pickup, and Bronco Sport will increase by as much as $2,000. A Ford spokesperson said the price hike will be levied on the models built after May 2, and these would arrive at the dealership in late June.

“Combined with some tariff, we are facing. We have not passed on the full cost of the tariffs to our customers.” Roger Penske is in deep with the Ford Company, and his company, Penske Automotive Group, purchased the Bill Brown Ford dealership, which is the largest in the country by sales volume. So, his business has been directly hit by the trade war between the two powerful economies. Not to forget, Rick Hendrick also owns Hendrick Automotive Group, which is the largest privately owned dealership network in the country.

It is worth noting that the 25% tariff on the 8 million vehicles that the US imports will remain unchanged. So, NASCAR teams and the OEM aren’t completely in the clear despite the latest announcement.