When the calendar turns to February and the talk of the Daytona 500 begins to fire up, you know that the release of Donruss Racing is just around the corner.

The 2020 version of the product released on 2/5/20, and delivers a lot of fun at a $65 price point!

The Breakdown

Since the product debuted in 2017, Panini has experimented with a few different formats for the brand.  In 2017, there were a significant number of true short prints in the set which made for a challenging build.  In 2018, the short prints were essentially eliminated and you could basically get a complete set in each hobby box.  

2019 brought a couple tweaks which took the product to the next level in my opinion.  For the most part, those improvements carried over to this 2020 version which makes me happy.  Here’s why I like this set.

First, the 200 card base set is a nice mix of rookies, legends, and racing superstars.  The use of Racing Kings, Rated Rookies and the Retro 1987 subsets create a bit of variety in the base set.

Next, the use of Optic as a one per pack insert set is fantastic.  The Optic checklist totals 100 cards, and adds a nice chase for set builders.  The fact that a significant number of the autographs come with the Optic design creates a perception of heightened quality.

While we’re on the topic of inserts, let me talk about how I love how Panini uses other brand names and designs as insert sets in this product.  Action Packed, Contenders, Elite, and Classics create a Chronicles feel.  I’m surprised how much I enjoy that in this racing product because I can’t stand the Chronicles Basketball or Baseball products.  Maybe it’s just that these are insert sets, and not trying to carry an entire product line.

The Aero Package, Dominators, Downtown, New Age, Top Tier, and Retro Series have attractive designs and deliver another opportunity for collectors to obtain cards of their favorite past and current drivers.

Twelve numbered and unnumbered base set parallels exist across both retail and hobby distribution points. A smaller number of parallels exist for the insert sets.

Box Break

I picked up two hobby boxes at my LCS and I had a ton of fun breaking these.  Here’s a break recap video I recorded!

I’m very happy with my Danica auto, but my hatred of redemptions reduces my enthusiasm of getting the Truex auto in my second box. I’ll be happy to polish off this base set, and depending on whether or not I can get some more boxes at good prices, I may even go after a master set!

We talked a bit about racing in a recent episode of the Hobby Hotline, and you can check out my review of the 2019 set here.

Also, if you haven’t heard, I started a new Podcast called the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute!  It’s available here directly on the site at the Podcast link at the top of the page, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and TuneIn!  Check it out, let me know what you think, and tell your friends!

Checklist

Here is a link to the Checklist on Trading Card DB.