The NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) endorses and manages auto-racing sports events. It is the major authority for stock car racing in the United States. It endorses the three largest racing series – the Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series. Besides these, it also manages the NASCAR Local Racing, the Whelen Modified Tour and the Whelen All-American Series. In total, NASCAR sanctions over 1500 races in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The major awards given for NASCAR are in the major car racing events. The highest level of awards given for NASCAR professional competition is the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is by far the most popular and profitable NASCAR event. The total prize money paid out is more than $4 million. The award includes the Sprint Cup, a silver trophy with a pair of checkered flags designed by Tiffany & Co. Within the NASCAR Sprint Cup series there are four races in the schedule, out of which the Daytona 500 is the richest and most prestigious race with the highest prize money. The awards given for NASCAR Daytona 500 champion include the Harley J. Earl trophy plus a cash payout of more than $1 million. The winner maintains permanent possession of the trophy.

The second highest level is the NASCAR Nationwide series. The awards given for NASCAR Nationwide series include the Nationwide Series Champions and the Busch Series Champions. The prize money is significantly lower; however this racing series is a platform for those who wish to move up into the big league, that is, the Sprint Cup series. The third level of NASCAR professional racing is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which is for modified pickup trucks. The NASCAR Rookie of the Year Award honors the first year driver with the best season. Each of NASCAR national and regional touring series has a Rookie award winner. The Budweiser Pole Award is presented to the NASCAR fastest qualifier in each points paying race. This award paves the way for entry into the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.

Other awards given for NASCAR races are those that are run across the US and Canada, under the Whelen All-American Series. Each division winner receives prize money, with more for the National champion. Two other NASCAR regional racing series are the Whelen Modified Tour races and the Camping World Series, in which the contenders race for the championship titles.

The awards given for NASCAR also include the manufacturers of the automobiles. The NASCAR Manufacturer award is presented to the most successful automobile manufacturer in the Sprint Cup Series. NASCAR also recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of organizations and individuals in the NASCAR sports industry. These are the NASCAR Diversity Awards, which include Drive for Diversity presented to a driver or crew member with outstanding performance at the track, as well as significant contribution to NASCAR in motor sports and NASCAR. Besides these, there are the Young Racer Award, Diversity Internship Program, Diversity Sponsor and the Educational Institutional Award.

The National Motor Sports Press Association (NMPA) also presents an award for NASCAR Most Popular Driver. This honor has been in existence since 1956, and today it is conferred upon the favorite NASCAR driver by fans across the United States.