The Checkered Past is dedicated to preserving the rich history of American motorsports through original racing cards, programs, and ephemera. From dirt tracks and speedways of the early 20th century to iconic races and drivers through the 1970s, this site explores the people, moments, and memorabilia that shaped racing history. Organized by decade, year, sanctioning body and set, The Checkered Past offers collectors, historians, and fans a curated look at the sport’s legacy—one lap, one card, and one page at a time.
While the content currently presented is selective, this site will continue to grow over time. Additional card sets, programs, images, and historical details are added on an ongoing basis as materials are researched, acquired, and documented. Visitors are encouraged to check back regularly as the collection expands.
Recently Added
- Programs (USAC 1979 Texas World USAC LubriLon Grand Prix)
- Programs (NASCAR GN 1951 Motor City 250)
- Cards (1911 American Tobacco (T36) “Auto Drivers”)
Browse the collection by category to explore trading cards, race programs, and period ephemera from across all eras.
Select a decade below to explore original racing programs, memorabilia, trading cards, and historical articles from that period.
- The 1932 La Pie Qui Chante Auto Racing Cards: A Glimpse into the Golden Age of European Motorsport
In the early 1930s, as Europe was captivated by the daring exploits of Grand Prix drivers and land speed record breakers, a French biscuit and confectionery company created one of the most charming motorsport collectibles of the era. The La Pie Qui Chante (“The Singing… Read more: The 1932 La Pie Qui Chante Auto Racing Cards: A Glimpse into the Golden Age of European Motorsport - From Rainout to Sledgehammer Showdown: The Wild 1961 Virginia 500 Doubleheader
In the early days of NASCAR’s Grand National Series, weather was also an unpredictable wildcard. Short tracks like Martinsville Speedway — the tight, 0.526-mile paved oval nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills — tested drivers’ skill, car setup, and sheer grit more than raw horsepower.… Read more: From Rainout to Sledgehammer Showdown: The Wild 1961 Virginia 500 Doubleheader - Roaring Twenties Racing Royalty in the 1926 Spalding Champions Set
The 1926 Spalding Champions set (also known as the Sports Company of America issue) remains one of the most ambitious and visually captivating multi-sport card releases from the pre-war era. Produced by the San Francisco-based Sports Company of America—with connections to the A.G. Spalding &… Read more: Roaring Twenties Racing Royalty in the 1926 Spalding Champions Set - STP Red, Petty Blue, and Rare: The 1972 STP Cards That Started It All
The 1972 STP NASCAR card set is widely recognized as the first standard 2½″ × 3½″ trading card issue devoted entirely to NASCAR drivers. Distributed as a promotional giveaway by STP during the 1972 season — most notably during Daytona Speedweeks — the set represents… Read more: STP Red, Petty Blue, and Rare: The 1972 STP Cards That Started It All - From Cigarette Packs to the Race Track: The Racing Heart of the 1910 T37 Turkey Red Set
The T37 Automobile Series was issued around 1910–1911 by the American Tobacco Company with Turkey Red Turkish Cigarettes. The set stands as one of the earliest and most iconic dedicated automobile trading card sets, capturing the automobile’s rapid rise from novelty to cultural phenomenon. With… Read more: From Cigarette Packs to the Race Track: The Racing Heart of the 1910 T37 Turkey Red Set