5. The maiden fair, Chase is there, and facial hair
OVERVIEW: This is a beard-a-riffic pack, with half the cards featuring some kind of stubble. We also get a random appearance by Ward Burton, double the Chase Elliott, and a helpful reminder that you can call Jimmie Johnson “JJ”—maybe Mr. Yeley should consider legal action.
BACK OF THE CARD BONUS: Nice use of the “backhanded compliment” by Donruss Panini on Chase’s “Race Kings” card, pointing out his three consecutive runner-up finishes at Michigan. Why don’t they just put a picture of Cal Naughton Jr. on the front and be done with it?
PICK OF THE PACK: Danica Patrick makes her first appearance in this pack, touting her, um, “success” at Dover. Maybe they could’ve cut out the “first top-10 finish in two seasons…” part?
FINAL RATING: 5 post-race fist fights out of 10
6. Chase is merry, Bill looks cherry, and for some reason, Kerry
OVERVIEW: Bit of an odd combination in this set—an unusually happy-looking Chase Elliot is “TOP TIER”, which I guess means he’s the best kind of gasoline to put in your engine. Perhaps someone could explain to me why Kerry Earnhardt, a journeyman who hasn’t raced in years, was included in this set?
BACK OF THE CARD BONUS: Bill Elliott explains that he still went back to work on his car after winning the Winston Million. I understand how its supposed to make him look like someone who never rested on his laurels, but it kinda comes off as depressing. “Well, I won the championship in 1988—guess that means there were about 30 years when I didn’t win it though”. (note: not an actual quote from Bill Elliott)
PICK OF THE PACK: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. gets a pun explained on the back of his card. Really, “Fast and all” sounds like it should be followed by something negative, like, “He’s Fast and all, but his race team peaked about a decade ago”.
FINAL RATING: 3 victory lane hats out of 10