In celebration of the one-year anniversary of its Trackside Superstore, operated by Fanatics, Jacksonville, Fla., NASCAR has released the Top 20 drivers in merchandise sales at the store.
The top three drivers are Dale Earnhardt Jr., six-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and defending champion Kyle Busch. Rounding out the Top 10 are Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and Kasey Kahne.
With rising athletes like Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders Elliott and Ryan Blaney, there currently are five drivers in the Top 20 who are 26 years old or younger.
With six top-five finishes and two poles this season, Elliott continues to be one of the top three drivers in sales increases each race weekend and ranks fourth overall in full-time driver sales. Elliott’s sales have nearly quadrupled in his rookie year, making him the youngest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history to rank among the top-five in trackside merchandise sales. Also up from last season is Blaney, who is now a Top 20-selling full-time driver and has more demand than ever racing in the iconic No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford Fusion, according to the NASCAR.
With its flexible footprint, Fanatics has capitalized on defining moments from Busch, Stewart and Martin Truex Jr. — all with positive sales trends in 2016. Busch also experienced substantial gains of nearly 80 percent in sales since his comeback last summer and subsequent championship run.
The most popular products available at the trackside store include apparel, headwear and novelty items. — M.Q.