NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), established in 1948, is a prominent organization in the world of auto racing, overseeing a wide range of endurance racing events across the globe. Its stock car races, especially in the U.S., have become a major part of the country's sports culture. NASCAR is known for its high-speed races on oval tracks, often featuring cars running at near-maximum speeds, such as the record-setting 388.537 km/h lap speed at California Speedway.

The NASCAR logo has undergone several evolutions since its creation to reflect the organization’s growth and modernize its visual identity.

1948–1955

The original NASCAR logo, introduced in 1948, featured two black car silhouettes facing inward, set against a black background. The design included two crossed checkered flags in red and white, symbolizing racing. A white ribbon with the bold black "NASCAR" inscription connected the two cars, with the full name appearing in a four-level layout above the ribbon. This badge was simple yet elegant, focusing on the racing theme.

1955–1963

In 1955, the logo was redesigned with a more dynamic feel. The cars were changed to red, and the checkered flags were black and white, now positioned on either side of a wide yellow oval track-like framing. The “NASCAR International” text wrapped around the perimeter of the logo in a bold, modern typeface, signifying the organization's growing international presence.

1964–1975

The 1964 version introduced a new color scheme of gray and blue, with black accents. The cars were outlined in black, placed against a striped background resembling a car grille. The checkered flags were restored to their original placement, while the word "NASCAR" appeared in white against a blue ribbon. This version emphasized sophistication, with the text "International" added beneath the main logo.

1976–2016

In 1976, the logo saw a major change, with a bright color palette of yellow, red, purple, and blue filling the background. The "NASCAR" wordmark appeared in white, creating a vibrant and energetic look that became iconic over the next 40 years. This logo, though updated in 2017, remains in use for certain NASCAR series.

2017–Present

The most recent NASCAR logo debuted in 2017 and retained elements from the previous version while giving it a more modern and streamlined look. The angled bars moved to the left, with the "NASCAR" wordmark centered on a clean white background. The purple bar was removed, and the color scheme now includes yellow, red, blue, and black. The simple, italicized sans-serif font evokes speed and movement, reinforcing NASCAR's connection to high-speed racing.

The modern NASCAR logo reflects the organization's ongoing evolution and its emphasis on speed, energy, and competition. The clean, dynamic design aligns with the fast-paced nature of the sport, while the color palette continues to evoke excitement and power.