Collecting memorabilia has long been a cornerstone of NASCAR fandom. While many fans stick to shirts, hats, and diecasts, others seek authentic, race-used pieces straight from the track. But as demand grows, so do the prices.
During Darlington race weekend, one fan on X noticed that Hendrick Motorsports was selling a crushed ball of wrap from Chase Elliott’s 2024 HMS 40th anniversary scheme. Though it looked like trash, teams have sold other oddities. However, HMS priced this at an outlandish $199.99.
This sparked a conversation amongst fans about the rising prices collectors are facing when looking for race-used memorabilia. Fans listed items such as sheet metal, car parts, and tires that have shot through the roof in recent years as the team realized their post-use value to diehard fans.
So, we are going to look at a few examples, their prices, and their potential value to a race fan. To assess their non-financial value, we will ask three questions: Does the item have Historical Significance, does it have a wow factor, and is it functional/practical?
So, here are four potentially overpriced items from Hendrick Motorsports.
We aren’t judging anybody for buying this, but a used piston head has to be one of the oddest items on the HMS website. At $69.99, this item (which would typically be scrapped or maybe used for welding practice) is at the low end of the HMS Race Used price spectrum.
So, how does this stack up in our three-prong test?
Well, as far as historical significance goes, unless HMS sends a docket of information, this is a wild hair; it could be off an engine used by Chase Elliott during his streak-snapping win or off an engine leased to Spire Motorsports and driven by Corey LaJoie at some point.
As a piston head, depending on how you display it, there could be some wow factor or conversation around it. However, it’s hard to see how it would grab attention. Is this functional or practical? Technically, yes, it may not be in an engine, but you could get it signed and shadow-boxed.
So, is a piston head worth it? Only if you really are a diehard fan. It’s small but packs a mighty price.
In the original post about the ball of wrap, several items were mentioned for the rising resale price, none more so than race-used tires. However, tires are all over the HMS site, so we picked a fun one. On each race-used item listed on the site, there is a disclaimer that says, “Item is no longer in mint condition.” This item takes that to the next level.
This completely shredded tire came off the No. 24 that William Byron piloted to victory lane at Watkins Glen in 2023. Now, this item has already sold since we began this project, but it was priced at $399.99 prior to its sale, slightly less than other used tires on the HMS sight, but still expensive.
So, is there significance? Yes, this right rear tire had to stay together for Byron to win the fifth race of 2023 and the first No. 24 Watkins Glen win since 2001.
Does it have that wow factor? Yes. An exploded tire in your living room would, in fact, shock people, so maybe put it in your garage? Maybe where you watch the race?
Is it functional? This is where the tire meets true opposition; while it is a cool race artifact, it is likely a hassle to own a tire that large portions of are probably in a New York landfill. For the same price, HMS has a front tire from that same set, which is still intact and has race wear.
Okay, so here we are, a big-name item. This is a name rail from 2018, the last season Jimmie Johnson drove a Lowe’s Chevrolet, the end of a 17-year partnership, and the final season that Johnson and Chad Knaus worked together.
So, historical significance, if you are an HMS fan or Jimmie Johnson fan, absolutely. Now, there are no details online as to what race this is from. We know for sure that it’s not from one of his three throwbacks that season, but once again, this item lies in a gray area.
Was it from the car he drove while attempting to dump Martin Truex Jr for the win at the Roval? Probably not. But at $2,048.99, it might as well be.
Does it have some wow factor? Absolutely, but it’s not a particularly big piece. It would be a conversation piece for any two-race fan, but would it stand out to the non-race fan? Probably not. This does mean that it is functional as a decoration.
So, is the name rail worth buying? Yes. At $2,048.99? There is probably a reason this is still for sale.
Okay, here’s a really big deal. The actual rear bumper from Kyle Larson’s 2024 Darlington throwback to Terry Labonte’s Corn Flakes paint scheme. Not only is damage included, but it is dual signed by Texas Terry and Larson, bringing the total to $4,555.99.
We are going to say right off the bat that this is a grail piece for any HMS fan and should perhaps be hanging in the HMS Museum rather than for sale online.
Nonetheless, let’s dig into it. Does it have historical significance? Not only was it a fan-favorite scheme, but you know the race and can go back and watch Larson lose the car online. Furthermore, it features two (well, more than likely two) NASCAR Hall of Famers signatures.
The historical significance is, in itself, the wow factor. Is it functional? Yes, if you have the room to fit the bumper. That being said, you can buy a real vehicle that you can drive for under $4,555.99. It may not be the best car, but if you need a car and want this bumper, you should hold onto your cash.
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