NASCAR Race Cars & How They Have Evolved

Since June 1949, race fans have enjoyed various iterations of NASCAR races. Drivers have taken to various tracks and speedways in that time with a diverse array of wheels; from stock Lincoln coupes to the Chevrolet Camaro from NASCAR’s seventh generation. The progression to the seventh generation took place over the course of roughly 75 years. To understand the evolution of the NASCAR race car, you need to go back to the start. Here’s a look at where NASCAR’s been, where it is, and where it’s going. 

A Walk Through the Evolution of NASCAR’s Cars

Generation 1 (1948-1966)

• Overview: Stock models with doors, hence the term ‘stock cars.’ Similar to what would be seen on the road at the time. 

• Notable Cars: Nash Ambassador, Hudson Hornet, Chevrolet Bel Air

• Notable Drivers: Curtis Turner, Lee Petty, Richard Petty

Generation 2 (1967-1980)

• Overview: Roll cages were added and doors no longer opened. While teams were able to make small modifications, a majority of the car remained unchanged. 

• Notable Cars: Ford Torino Talladega, Plymouth Superbird, Dodge Daytona

• Notable Drivers: Jerry Cook, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Isaac

Generation 3 (1981-1990)

• Overview: The doors are removed from the cars completely. These models became the smallest to this point. All drivers were eventually required to compete with the new models, featuring a smaller 110-inch wheelbase. 

• Notable Cars: Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford Thunderbird, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Lumina

• Notable Drivers: Bobby Allison, Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott

Generation 4 (1991-2006)

• Overview: Heavily modified versions of their respective models. This was in stark contrast to the early days of NASCAR, in which cars used in races were stock. Fiberglass bodies and wind tunnels were implemented for performance. 

• Notable Cars: Dodge Intrepid, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix

• Notable Drivers: Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte

Generation 5 (2007-2012)

• Overview: Driver safety became the emphasis in what was coined “The Car of Tomorrow.” The bodies of these cars were completely symmetrical with a rear wing, and almost no discernable difference could be observed in the chassis aside from manufacturer branding. 

• Notable Cars: Dodge Charger, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Impala SS

• Notable Drivers: Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski

Generation 6 (2013-2021)

• Overview: New manufacturer models were rolled out during this generation, which included considerably more design elements (especially in the front bumper)—the front splitter was removed, and the rear spoiler returned to a similar design from Generation 4. Cars became slightly more durable, while also becoming faster. 

• Notable Cars: Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet SS

• Notable Drivers: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr. 

Generation 7 (2022-present)

• Overview: More creative freedom is implemented for the manufacturers of this generation. Therefore, cars feature an even more discernible fascia than before. Transitioned from a standard five-speed manual transmission to a four-speed sequential transmission, found in most common racing formats. This generation also marks the first time NASCAR has gone to a single lugnut for attaching the wheels to the car. 

• Notable Cars: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry XSE

• Notable Drivers: Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Joey Logano

Which Cars are Used by NASCAR in 2024?

NASCAR now utilizes seventh-generation, or Next Gen, cars across all of its Cup Series races. While the manufacturers make their racing vehicles look slightly different from stock models, the models used by racers today are recognizable to most consumers. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and Toyota Camry XSE are currently used. 

…They Go How Fast?

Drivers can definitely push the NextGen cars. According to Gitnux Market Data Report 2024, drivers reach an average speed of 180 miles per hour during a NASCAR race—the current generation is noted more for its grip and handling than its speed, though. The fastest recorded speed in NASCAR belongs to Bill Elliott, who eclipsed 212 miles per hour in qualifying for the 1987 Winston 500 at Talladega. 

The Popularity of Diecast Collectible Cars

While they might not hit 200 mph, diecast collectible cars are a hot commodity among collectors right now, as we have talked about previously. These tiny replicas of the cars NASCAR fans watch shred the track are sometimes signed by their respective drivers, and some are covered in confetti. While the die-cast models might not look great in a garage, many of the intricate details seen on seventh-generation models are still featured.

Die-cast cars for many drivers are available at Pristine Marketplace.