Lionel taking over mass-distribution rights to NASCAR Diecasts: NASCAR licensee Lionel Racing has assumed mass-distribution rights for NASCAR's diecast collection, expanding its prior role that saw it previously sell to collectors. The 115-year-old toy maker, which became a licensee of the sanctioning body in 2010 and takes over from Spin Master, will now sell its NASCAR Authentics diecast collection at retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Toys "R" Us. Lionel President Howard Hitchcock ... expects that the company will "easily" grow at a double-digit clip thanks to the new rights it has picked up. Hitchcock reported that even amid a time when people are increasingly spending discretionary income on digital possessions, demand for diecasts remains strong and the business "has been very stable." The company, which outside of NASCAR also has an exclusive deal with NHRA's John Force Racing and does some work in the sprint car space, is eyeing digital tie-ins that can be a part of diecasts in the future.(Sports Business Daily)(1-19-2016)
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