In 1979, dedicated trading card sets were still very limited in the United States. The main release featuring American auto racing stars was part of the ongoing Sportscaster multi-sport series (1977-79). These large-format cards (roughly 4¾” x 6¼”) included several auto racing subjects, such as Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough, Indianapolis 500 winners like A.J, Foyt and Mario Andretti, and other prominent U.S. drivers. They were issued in numbered series and sold primarily via subscription or as part of the broader multi-sport collection rather than traditional wax packs.
The standout international auto racing cards in 1979 came from Panini, which released Super Stickers featuring Formula 1 drivers. Highlights included Mario Andretti (the 1978 World Champion driving for Lotus) and other top F1 stars like Niki Lauda and James Hunt. These colorful, sticker-style cards were widely distributed across Europe and beyond, often sold in packets or as part of sticker albums, and captured the glamour of the Grand Prix circuit during a competitive era.
Overall, 1979 marked a transitional time for racing cards — collecting auto racing cards was still in its infancy in the U.S., while European F1 stickers from Panini provided the most accessible and popular auto racing cards globally.
1979 Golden Wonder (UK) “All Stars”
1979 Golden Wonder (UK) “All Stars”