The 1972 STP NASCAR set is widely recognized as the first modern trading card set dedicated to NASCAR drivers, consisting of just 11 unnumbered cards (standard 2.5″ x 3.5″ size) produced as a promotional giveaway by the STP Corporation. Distributed primarily at the STP tent during the 1972 Daytona 500 (and possibly at other tracks later that year), the cards featured full-bleed color photos on the front with no text or borders, giving them a clean, classic look, while the backs included basic driver info like name, car number, and stats. The set showcased 10 different drivers, with Fred Lorenzen appearing on two cards (each with a different photo, one famously showing him with his car, making it one of the rarest and most valuable pieces in racing card history). Key drivers included Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and the Fred Lorenzen cards. Since this is considered the first NASCAR trading card set, all of the cards can be considered Rookie Cards.
This limited promotional issue holds significant historical value as the inaugural baseball-card-style NASCAR set, predating larger commercial releases, and remains highly sought after by collectors today due to its scarcity—many cards are tough to find in high grade, with some like the Lorenzen car variant commanding premium prices in auctions. The set captured a snapshot of the early 1970s Grand National (now Cup) era, featuring stars sponsored or associated with STP products, and its rarity stems from the free giveaway nature rather than widespread retail distribution.
