Pre-Orders
Q: What is a pre-order?
A: A pre-order is a commitment to buy a diecast that hasn't been produced yet. You're reserving your spot in the production run before the car is manufactured. For a full breakdown of how pre-orders work and why they exist, see our pre-order guide.
Q: How long does a pre-order take to ship?
A: A full production cycle is typically 6-9 months from the time a car is announced. Each product page lists the current estimated ship date, and we update those dates as we get new info from Lionel Racing.
Q: Why is my pre-order delayed?
A: Delays usually come from somewhere in the production or distribution chain: overseas factory schedules, raw material availability, customs holds, licensing approvals, or shipping logistics between the factory, Lionel, and us. None of this is in our control, but as soon as we hear about a delay, we update the product page ETA so you have the latest info.
Q: When will I be charged for my pre-order?
A: You can choose to pay upfront at checkout or pay when your order ships. If you pay at shipment, you'll see a small temporary authorization hold when you place the order. That's your payment processor verifying your card, not a charge. Your card is charged for the full amount as the ship date approaches.
Q: Can I cancel my pre-order?
A: Yes, as long as it hasn't shipped yet. Email cancel@rexracingco.com with your name and order number. If you paid upfront, you'll be refunded. Heads up: customers who cancel more than three pre-orders in a calendar year may be subject to a cancellation fee. Full details on our Pre-Order Cancellations page.
Q: What happens if my pre-order is cancelled by the manufacturer?
A: If a car doesn't meet its Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), Lionel won't produce it. This is sometimes called "DNP'd" (did not produce). If that happens, we'll notify you, and you'll either be refunded (if you paid upfront) or simply never charged (if you chose to pay at shipment).
Q: Why does my card show a small charge that disappeared?
A: That's a temporary authorization hold from our payment processor when you pre-order with the pay-at-shipment option. It validates your card but never actually charges you. The hold falls off on its own.
Shipping
Q: How fast do in-stock orders ship?
A: Same or next business day. Our same-day cutoff is roughly 12:00 PM EST.
Q: What carrier do you use?
A: USPS Ground Advantage by default, which typically takes 2-5 business days depending on where you are. Shipping upgrades are available at extra cost.
Q: My tracking hasn't updated. Can you tell me where my package is?
A: Unfortunately, once a package is with the carrier, we have access to the same tracking info you do, nothing more. Carrier delays happen and they're outside our control, which is why we focus on getting orders out the door quickly on our end.
Returns
Q: What's your return window?
A: 14 days from the date your order was delivered.
Q: How do I start a return?
A: All returns require prior authorization. Email returns@rexracingco.com with your name, email, order number, shipping address, and photos if the item arrived damaged or incorrect. Full details on our Returns page.
Q: Do I have to pay for return shipping?
A: Only if you're returning a non-damaged, correctly-shipped item. If we sent the wrong item or your car arrived damaged, return shipping is on us. Otherwise, return shipping is deducted from your refund, and a 20% restocking fee applies if the product packaging shows signs of being opened.
Q: When will I get my refund?
A: Refunds are issued to your original payment method 1-2 business days after we receive and inspect your return.
Q: Can I return a pre-order?
A: Pre-orders can be cancelled before they ship, but once shipped, they follow the standard return policy (14-day window, must be unopened, etc.).
Diecast Basics
Q: What's the difference between 1:24 and 1:64 scale?
A: 1:24 is the larger, premium format (about 8 inches long), with more detail and a higher price point. 1:64 is the smaller, more affordable format (about 3 inches long, similar to a Hot Wheels car). Most collectors buy both. Our diecast types guide walks through which to pick.
Q: What does ARC mean?
A: ARC stands for Action Racing Collectables. It's Lionel Racing's standard collector tier, available in both 1:24 and 1:64 scales. ARC diecast feature accurate paint schemes, sponsor decals, and team graphics, and they're the most common tier most collectors buy.
Q: What's the difference between ARC and Elite?
A: Elite is Lionel's premium 1:24 tier. Compared to ARC at the same scale, Elite cars have more detailed engine compartments, opening trunks, more accurate body contours, removable underbodies (for next-gen era cars), and a heavier feel. They're produced in smaller quantities and cost more. ARC is right for broad collecting; Elite is right for the cars that matter most to you.
Q: What is a Race-Win diecast?
A: A special edition commemorating an actual NASCAR race win. Race-Win diecast replicate the winning car exactly as it appeared in Victory Lane. This includes confetti, damage, burnout marks, and any post-race graphics. They're produced in limited runs and available in both ARC and Elite, 1:24 and 1:64.
Q: What are special finishes (Color Chrome, Liquid Color, etc.)?
A: Special finishes are alternate variants of a paint scheme where one of the car's primary colors gets replaced with a treatment like chrome plating, a wet-look sheen, color-shift paint, or bare metal. They're produced in lower quantities than standard releases. Our diecast types guide breaks down each finish in detail.
Q: How are NASCAR Authentics different from ARC?
A: NASCAR Authentics is Lionel's mass-retail line sold at places like Walmart and Target. They're produced at lower cost with less detail than collector-tier ARC, and only a narrower range of drivers are made as Authentics.
About Us
Q: How long has Rex Racing Co. been in business?
A: Rex Racing Co. was started in 2026 but operates under HaveAir which has been in business for 13 years. In the last five years we've fulfilled over 90,000 orders across our website, Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy, and other marketplaces.
Q: How do I contact you?
A: Through the contact form, or by email. For pre-order cancellations, use cancel@rexracingco.com. For returns, use returns@rexracingco.com. Please review our pre-order cancellation and returns pages prior to reaching out.