- Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota are the current NASCAR manufacturers, each fielding specific models across the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series.
- NASCAR vehicle design has evolved through seven generations, shifting from true stock cars to highly engineered, safety-focused race machines.
- Historic brands like Dodge, Pontiac, and Hudson once shaped NASCAR, but the sport now centres around three dominant manufacturers with modern, spec-based designs.
NASCAR features three primary automotive manufacturers competing across its series today. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota currently supply the race cars that compete in NASCAR’s Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series, with each manufacturer offering specific models designed for stock car racing competition. These brands represent decades of racing heritage and technological development in American motorsport.
The landscape of NASCAR manufacturers has changed significantly since the sport’s founding in 1948. While Chevrolet and Ford have maintained long-standing presences in the sport, Toyota joined NASCAR competition in 2007 and quickly established itself as a championship-contending manufacturer. Dodge previously competed in NASCAR but withdrew from active participation in 2012.
Each manufacturer brings distinct engineering approaches and racing philosophies to NASCAR competition. The evolution from early stock cars to today’s Next Gen vehicles reflects major changes in technology, safety standards, and competitive balance across different racing series and track types.
Current NASCAR Manufacturers and Models
Three manufacturers compete across NASCAR’s national series, with Chevrolet commanding 40-50% of entries, Ford holding 35-40%, and Toyota filling the remainder. Each brand fields specific models across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series.
Chevrolet: Camaro and Silverado
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 serves as the brand’s Cup Series representative and returns unchanged for 2025 after dominating previous seasons.
General Motors ended Camaro production in late 2023, making 2024 the final model year. NASCAR rules allow Chevrolet to continue racing the Camaro through 2025 and beyond since the car was in production when originally designed for competition.
The Chevrolet Silverado competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. These trucks produce approximately 450 horsepower and feature rear-wheel drive with four-speed manual transmissions.
Chevrolet’s success stems from extensive team partnerships and a proven track record. The manufacturer has built substantial performance data with the Next Gen platform since its 2022 introduction.
Ford: Mustang and F-150
Ford introduced the Mustang Dark Horse for the 2024 Cup Series season, replacing the previous Mustang body style. The design features aggressive front fender contours and styling cues aimed at improving performance across different track types.
Ryan Blaney’s 2023 Cup Series championship gave Ford back-to-back titles after Joey Logano’s 2022 victory. The manufacturer overcame a slow start to 2023, winning just one of the first 13 races before finding momentum late in the season.
Ford Performance developed the Dark Horse specifically to address weaknesses on intermediate tracks. The previous Mustang excelled on superspeedways, and engineers worked to maintain that strength while gaining downforce for mile-and-a-half circuits.
RFK Racing’s playoff surge and Michael McDowell’s dominant Indianapolis victory helped fuel Ford’s championship run. Team Penske’s strong playoff performance with Blaney capped the successful season turnaround.
The Ford F-150 represents the Blue Oval in truck competition alongside Chevrolet and Toyota entries. Ford teams continue building on their recent Cup Series success heading into the new season.
Toyota: Camry and Tundra
Toyota unveiled the 2025 Camry XSE for Cup Series competition, marking the first major update since the manufacturer’s 2007 NASCAR debut. The Camry remains Toyota’s sole Cup Series model throughout its 17-year NASCAR history.
The new Camry features restyled bumpers and quarter panels designed to improve superspeedway performance. Toyota has been shut out on superspeedway tracks for 12 consecutive races spanning two seasons at Atlanta, Daytona, and Talladega.
Denny Hamlin’s victory in the Los Angeles Coliseum Clash gave Toyota an early 2024 exhibition win. The manufacturer finished second in 2023 manufacturers’ points behind Chevrolet but ahead of Ford.
TRD (Toyota Racing Development) leads the manufacturer’s NASCAR efforts with multiple team partnerships. 23XI Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Legacy Motor Club field Camrys in Cup Series competition.
The Toyota Tundra competes in the Truck Series with the same 450-horsepower specifications as its Chevrolet and Ford counterparts. All truck entries share similar mechanical packages while maintaining manufacturer-specific body styling.
NASCAR Vehicle Evolution by Generation
NASCAR vehicles have transformed from showroom-identical cars to specialized racing machines through seven distinct generations. Each generation brought significant changes to aerodynamics, chassis design, and manufacturer involvement, culminating in the current Next Gen car with independent rear suspension and 670 horsepower.
Generation 1 to Generation 3
Generation 1 (1948-1966) featured true stock cars that remained nearly identical to dealership models. These vehicles retained actual doors and required strictly stock bodies and frames. No modifications were permitted except for heavy-duty rear axles to prevent rollovers.
Generation 2 (1967-1980) marked NASCAR’s transition away from pure stock cars. Teams could modify the chassis while keeping stock bodies. Three companies built specialized racing chassis: Holman-Moody, Banjo Matthews, and Hutchensen-Pagan.
The cars lost their doors but still resembled street counterparts closely.
Generation 3 (1981-1990) introduced custom-built race cars that barely resembled showroom models. These vehicles featured a reduced 110-inch wheelbase, making them smaller than previous generations.
Aerodynamics became increasingly important with streamlined designs and larger spoilers. The cars moved further from their street origins while maintaining manufacturer support from GM, Ford, and Chrysler across six different brands.
Generation 4 to Generation 6
Generation 4 (1991-2006) represented NASCAR’s most recognizable era with completely modified bodies. Steel construction gave way to fiberglass, reducing weight significantly. Teams began utilizing wind tunnels as aerodynamics gained prominence over mechanical grip.
Only bumpers, noses, and tails resembled showroom counterparts. This generation saw GM brands depart while Dodge returned in 2001 and Toyota debuted in 2007.
Generation 5 (2007-2012), known as the “Car of Tomorrow,” featured radical design changes. The car included a front splitter and rear wing similar to V8 Supercars. All bodies were identical, eliminating manufacturer identity.
This generation produced the greatest safety improvements in NASCAR history, evident through multiple high-speed crashes where drivers walked away uninjured.
Generation 6 (2013-2021) restored manufacturer identity with individual body designs reflecting showroom counterparts. The chassis beneath remained largely standardized with minimal competitive variation. These bulkier, faster cars relied heavily on aerodynamic grip across all track types.
Next Gen Car
The Next Gen car (2022-present) represents the most significant evolutionary leap in NASCAR history. This seventh generation utilizes a largely spec design where teams purchase components from official vendors rather than developing parts in-house.
The car features independent rear suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a transaxle with five-speed sequential transmission. These components modernize standards that remained unchanged since the 1960s.
Engines produce 670 horsepower for most tracks, with 550 horsepower reserved for restrictor-plate racing. The aerodynamics have been redesigned to encourage closer racing and reduce the advantage of leading cars.
Body designs represent the closest connection to stock cars since the 1980s. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota each created distinct body styles that closely mirror their showroom counterparts.
The platform accommodates additional manufacturers while reducing costs and competitive gaps between large and small teams.
Historic and Notable NASCAR Brands
NASCAR’s history spans decades of manufacturer participation, with Dodge playing a significant role before departing in 2012. Multiple manufacturers beyond today’s Big Three have competed, while certain car models became legendary through their track performance and driver achievements.
Role of Dodge
Dodge competed in NASCAR from the sport’s early days through 2012, accumulating 217 Cup Series victories across various models. The brand’s most successful period came during the muscle car era with aerodynamic models like the Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird.
Brad Keselowski drove Dodge’s final championship campaign in 2012, winning the title in a Charger R/T. This victory marked Dodge’s last major NASCAR achievement before the manufacturer withdrew from the sport.
The brand’s departure left a gap in manufacturer diversity. Dodge models like the Intrepid, Charger, Magnum, and Avenger each contributed to the brand’s win total during different eras of NASCAR competition.
Chrysler Corporation’s racing heritage included the famous Hemi engines that powered many Dodge and Plymouth race cars. These powerplants became synonymous with NASCAR performance during the 1960s and 1970s.
Other Past Manufacturers
Several manufacturers competed in NASCAR’s early decades before leaving the sport. Hudson achieved remarkable success with the Hornet, winning 79 races between 1951-1954, including 66 victories in just three seasons from 1952-1954.
Pontiac earned 155 Cup Series wins with drivers like Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte, who captured the 2000 championship. Rusty Wallace became Pontiac’s most successful driver with 31 victories and the 1989 title.
Buick Regal dominated early 1980s competition. Darrell Waltrip won back-to-back championships in 1981-1982, while Bobby Allison claimed the 1983 title driving a Regal.
Oldsmobile contributed 115 NASCAR victories, with notable success in 1951 featuring the Flock brothers, Curtis Turner, and Herb Thomas. Mercury achieved wins through various models including the aerodynamic Montego and Cyclone variants.
Other manufacturers included Cadillac, Lincoln, and Kaiser in NASCAR’s first race in 1949. AMC entered with the Matador, achieving five wins between 1973-1975 with drivers Mark Donohue and Bobby Allison.
Iconic NASCAR Models
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo stands as NASCAR’s most successful model with 396 Cup Series victories. Jeff Gordon won all four championships in Monte Carlos, while Dale Earnhardt Sr. also achieved major success in the model.
Ford Thunderbird dominated from 1978-1987, earning 184 wins and setting speed records. Bill Elliott established the fastest qualifying lap in NASCAR history at 212.809 mph at Talladega in a Thunderbird, a record that remains unbroken.
The Ford Fusion replaced the Taurus in 2006 and competed through 2018, collecting 108 victories. Matt Kenseth scored the model’s first win at Auto Club Speedway in February 2006.
Hudson Hornet revolutionized NASCAR with its low center of gravity and lightweight design. The model’s 66 wins in three seasons established a benchmark for new team success that lasted for years.
Chevrolet Impala achieved 152 victories with drivers including Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and both Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. The 1963 Z11 package allowed customers to purchase the same race-spec setup with a 427 V8 and aluminum components.
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