In 1972, domestic U.S. auto racing trading cards were sparse but marked by a few pioneering efforts beyond the well-known STP NASCAR set, which remained the primary release for stock car racing with its 11-card promotional giveaway featuring drivers like Richard Petty and Bobby Allison. In drag racing, Fleer produced the AHRA Drag Nationals set (also referred to in some contexts as AHRA Race USA), a 70-card collection distributed in wax packs containing five cards and a stick of gum. This set captured the excitement of the American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) season, showcasing Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Sportsman categories with stars such as Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme, and Ronnie Sox. The cards often featured action photos from events at various tracks. Printed in Canada, the cards emphasized vehicle details, owners, and performance specs on the backs, building on Fleer’s 1971 entry and highlighting the growing popularity of drag racing collectibles amid the sport’s boom in the early 1970s.
Internationally, the trading card landscape for auto racing in 1972 was even more limited, with the Cox International Auto Flash set standing out as a rare Formula 1-focused release, likely produced in small quantities and distributed regionally. This set featured F1 drivers from the 1972 season, including notables like Jackie Stewart, Ronnie Peterson, Jackie Ickx, and Chris Amon, with cards emphasizing rookie appearances and action shots. Manufactured by Cox International, the cards have a flashcard-style design with basic driver info, reflecting the era’s nascent interest in F1 collectibles outside Europe.
1972 STP
