NASCAR showcases high-speed competition with purpose-built cars from select manufacturers. For fans and newcomers alike, a common question arises: what brand dominates the NASCAR grid? The answer hinges on participation and historical presence across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series—the three national tiers of the sport. Currently, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota supply cars, but their usage varies by series and team preference.
Here’s a breakdown of which brand leads and why…
Chevrolet: The Numbers Leader
Chevrolet stands as the most used brand in NASCAR, driven by its deep roster of teams and extensive history. In the Cup Series, the top tier, Chevrolet fields cars for major outfits like Hendrick Motorsports (four full-time entries), Richard Childress Racing (two), and Trackhouse Racing (two), among others. As of 2025, 16 of the 36 chartered Cup Series entries run the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1—nearly 44% of the field. This edge comes from Chevrolet’s long-standing commitment, dating back to 1955 when it claimed its first win at Columbia Speedway.
The Xfinity Series mirrors this trend, with teams like JR Motorsports and Kaulig Racing opting for the Camaro, totaling over 40% of entries most seasons. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Chevrolet’s Silverado often outnumbers rivals, with outfits like GMS Racing pushing its count past 50% in recent years. Across all three series, Chevrolet’s participation consistently tops Ford and Toyota, bolstered by 32 driver championships and 40 manufacturer titles in the Cup Series alone.
Ford: A Strong Contender
Ford ranks second in usage, holding a firm grip with its Mustang in the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, plus the F-150 in Trucks. Teams like Team Penske (three Cup entries), Stewart-Haas Racing (four), and RFK Racing (two) keep Ford competitive, averaging 14 Cup Series entries—about 39% of the field. Ford’s presence dates to 1950, with its first Cup win at Dayton Speedway, and it has racked up 725 victories, trailing Chevrolet’s 850+.
In Xfinity, Ford’s Mustang claims roughly 35% of entries, while the F-150 in Trucks often hits 40%, driven by teams like Front Row Motorsports. Ford’s strength lies in its parity with Chevrolet—both brands vie for manufacturer titles yearly, with Ford securing 10 Cup championships since 2000. Its widespread adoption reflects reliability and team loyalty, keeping it a close second.
Toyota: The Rising Third
Toyota, the newest player, entered NASCAR in 2007 with the Camry in the Cup Series and has since expanded to the Supra (Xfinity) and Tundra (Trucks). Joe Gibbs Racing (four Cup entries) and 23XI Racing (two) anchor Toyota’s presence, totaling eight Cup Series cars—22% of the field. In Xfinity, the Supra holds about 20% of entries, while the Tundra in Trucks nears 25%, often led by ThorSport Racing.
Despite fewer teams, Toyota’s impact is outsized, with 200+ Cup wins and three manufacturer titles. Its smaller footprint stems from a later start and fewer partnerships, but its cars consistently challenge for wins, making it a potent minority in the garage.
Why Chevrolet Leads
Chevrolet’s edge isn’t just numbers—it’s strategy and legacy. More teams choose Chevrolet for its engineering support, parts availability, and proven performance across NASCAR’s oval-heavy calendar. The Camaro ZL1, introduced in 2018, aligns with the Next Gen car specs—5.86-litre V8, 670 bhp on most tracks—shared by all brands, but Chevrolet’s broader adoption amplifies its presence. Ford and Toyota match this power, yet Chevrolet’s higher entry count tips the scales.
Historically, Chevrolet’s 800th Cup win came in 2021 at Circuit of The Americas, a milestone neither rival has neared. Its dominance spans eras—from the Monte Carlo’s 396 wins to the Impala’s 152—cementing its status as NASCAR’s most used brand.
The Key Takeaway
Across NASCAR’s national series, Chevrolet emerges as the most used brand, commanding 40-50% of entries thanks to its team partnerships and track record. Ford follows closely with 35-40%, while Toyota, at 20-25%, punches above its weight. These percentages shift slightly year to year, but the trio’s grip—Chevrolet ahead, Ford chasing, Toyota rising—defines NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
