Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and "The Duke" John Wayne Die Cast Unveiled

Motorsports Authentics in Houston, Texas announced today that a new die cast collectible car has been unveiled, picturing the faces of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and The Duke, John Wayne. 

Since John Wayne was one of Dale Sr.'s favorite heroes, the pairing seemed natural.   Both characters have been classified as “intimidators” in their own right.

This collectible is the second in a series that combines the memory of the beloved Dale Sr. with other icons.  The first of die cast collectibles paired Earnhardt with the “Man in Black,” Johnny Cash.

Motorsports Authentics is touting the die cast as a way for the legacies of both of these heroes to live on in the world of collectibles.  They even invited Dale and Duke descendents Taylor Earnhardt and Marisa Wayne Ditteaux to be together at the unveiling event to honor their loved ones through this unique die cast model.

So, will fans really go for this new collectible?  Motorsports Authentics is banking on just that.  The company is counting on the fans’ loving memories of both Wayne and Earnhardt to move this new brand of merchandise.

But are fans really that gullible?  Will they fork over hundreds of their hard earned dollars for a car with a paint scheme that will never be seen on a race track? 

Motorsports Authentics admitted that collectibles of these types are sometimes a stretch for the fans.  In fact, the first car in this series, featuring Earnhardt Sr. and Johnny Cash, increased only slightly in value from its original sale price.

So, is the “Dale and The Duke” die cast a bogus or a most brilliant marketing concept?  Will it entice either or both fan camps?  The fans will have the final say, as they vote with their hearts and their wallets.

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