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 (1965 USAC Tony Bettenhausen 200)
- Programs (1979 Pocono Coca-Cola 500)
- Cards (1962 Marhoefer Meats (Indy Car 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.
- Stock Car Racing in 1941: The Wild Summer on Daytona Beach
In the summer of 1941, as the world edged closer to full-scale war, stock car racing on the sands of Daytona Beach delivered thrilling, high-stakes entertainment that resonated deeply with American fans. On July 27, promoters Bill France Sr. and Charles Reese organized a 160-mile… Read more: Stock Car Racing in 1941: The Wild Summer on Daytona Beach - 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