Collection: NASCAR Trading Cards

Home | NASCAR

NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, has grown from humble beginnings on Southern dirt tracks to become one of America’s most popular motorsports, celebrated for its high-speed drama, legendary drivers, and passionate fan base. Founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr. in Daytona Beach, Florida, NASCAR was born out of the culture of Prohibition-era moonshine runners who modified their cars for speed and durability, skills that translated into organized racing. The first Strictly Stock race, held in 1949, marked the start of what would become the NASCAR Cup Series, and drivers like Red Byron and Lee Petty laid the foundation for future stars. The sport boomed in the 1950s and 1960s with legends like Fireball Roberts, Junior Johnson, and Richard Petty, whose record 200 career wins and seven Cup championships earned him the nickname “The King.” The 1970s and 1980s saw NASCAR expand nationally with stars like Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, and Dale Earnhardt Sr., the “Intimidator,” whose aggressive driving style and seven championships cemented him as an icon before his tragic death at the 2001 Daytona 500. That moment also marked a turning point for safety, with NASCAR introducing the HANS device, SAFER barriers, and Car of Tomorrow innovations. The 2000s and 2010s brought new rivalries and household names, including Jeff Gordon, a four-time champion who helped broaden the sport’s appeal, Jimmie Johnson, whose seven titles tied Petty and Earnhardt, and Tony Stewart, known for his fiery competitiveness. Modern stars like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano continue to drive the sport into a new era, while the Daytona 500 remains its crown jewel. From its grassroots origins to superspeedway spectacles, NASCAR’s history is one of speed, innovation, and legendary drivers who embody the spirit of American racing.