3. Junior pontificates, Brad radiates, and where The King rates
OVERVIEW: The best selection by pure-talent so far, with a nice mix of current stars with some legends thrown in for good measure. Speaking of which, obviously Richard Petty is a legend—but he’s included in the same “legends” category in this set as Derrike freakin’ Cope. I think you’ll find this example in the dictionary as an example for the phrase “watered-down”.
BACK OF THE CARD BONUS: Aric Almirola is still listed as driver of the 43 RPM car here, showing the issue with coming out with a card set in time for the 2018 season. When you factor in design, marketing, and bonus insert selection on top of the already-lengthy production/printing process, its easy to see how these problems are difficult to avoid. Maybe they could have included a small marker or pen to allow collectors to alter the cards as necessary? “NOTE: Aric left RPM prior to the start of the 2018, making Petty fans everywhere suddenly hate him”.
PICK OF THE PACK: You’d think it would be impossible for someone to look morose when wearing a brightly-colored M&M’s outfit, but here we are. Nice touch by the photographer getting the start-finish line reflection in his shades—makes up for the use of the “printing error” letter style for his name.
FINAL RATING: 7 tire sets out of 10.
4. Spencer don’t care, DW’s hair, and sorry ‘bout the glare
OVERVIEW: A pretty eclectic selection here with drivers from both the Cup & Xfinity Series, as well as a few legends thrown in. Although, again, I don’t know how Kenny Wallace, a guy who never won a single Cup race, qualifies as a “legend”, unless you include his ability to kill time during a rain delay. Oh, and you can tell I didn’t take photography in high school.
BACK OF THE CARD BONUS: Apparently Kyle Petty “could very well call himself the king of Rockingham”. Wow, I sure some someone communicates this info to Kyle—it could very-well change his life!
PICK OF THE PACK: Spencer Gallagher is the first “RATED ROOKIE” to appear in this set, and they strangely chose a shot of him looking as nonplussed as possible. I’d like to think he’s thinking at that moment “I’ve survived dozens of Allegiant Air flights in my life, I can afford to party a bit”.
BONUS: Darrell Waltrip with 1970’s news anchor hair! Nice use of the card number “C4”, which could apply to the explosive nature of DW’s racing talent and brash personality, or the fact that listening to his broadcast these days makes fans want to blow themselves up.
FINAL RATING: 6 windshield tear-offs out of 10