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NASCAR

gameactive20 mentionsFirst seen Feb 11, 2007Last seen Mar 9, 2026

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NASCAR is a 2005 Stern pinball machine designed by Greg Dunlap that sold approximately 3,500 units plus 600 Dale Jr. LE variants and 500 Grand Prix variants. The game features a massive circular track spectacle, two flippers, fan layout, and numerous diverters, with a notably difficult Time Expander mechanic. Despite ranking #225 on Pinside, it has developed a cult following with some considering it one of the best overall games from Stern's 2000s era, though it has been plagued by recurring technical issues including flipper blade contact problems from defective switch blade tempering.

Aliases

NASCAR®

Relationships

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Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (6)

  • factualhigh

    NASCAR sold approximately 3,500 units in standard theme, 600 Dale Jr. Limited Edition units, and 500 Grand Prix variant units

    Source: Wedgehead Podcast hosts (Alan/Alex)Episode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCAR
  • factualhigh

    NASCAR ranks #225 on Pinside Top 100 list

    Source: Wedgehead Podcast hostsEpisode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCAR
  • opinionhigh

    NASCAR is one of the greatest pinball machines of all time

    Source: Wedgehead Podcast host Alex (stated as personal belief)Episode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCAR
  • opinionhigh

    NASCAR's circular track serves primarily spectacle function in arcade context but minimal gameplay purpose

Recent Mentions (20)

  • Pinball game previously declared 'best game ever' by Alex the Waterboy in earlier Wedgehead episode

    Episode 113 - Best Game Ever: WHITEWATERMar 9, 2026
  • Pat Lawlor design; featured in finals group play; test car intentionally disabled; happy hour multiball; popular qualifying choice

    California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament FinalsJul 25, 2016
  • 2005 Stern pinball machine designed by Pat Lawler; featured Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, Kevin Harvick; Dale Jr. is the limited edition variant

    #62 Dale Jr. NASCAR - The Classic Pinball PodcastSep 28, 2021
  • Pinball machine in qualifying; disabled car feature; popular during tournament with 14-person queue at one point

    California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament QualifyingJul 22, 2016
  • Pinball machine; same as Dale Earnhardt Jr. with different theme/branding

    Day 1 of THE GETAWAY Battle Week!Nov 20, 2014
  • Stern pinball game purchased by Newhart as his first new in-box game; damaged unit led to replacement cabinet gesture from Jack Guarneri

    Joe Newhart - Pinball Expo 2023 - Pinball News

Contradictions

  • Existing: 3,500 units soldvsConflicting: 3,500 units + 500 Grand Prix variants + 600 Dale Jr. LE units = 4,600 total units
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: Wedgehead Podcast hosts (analytical observation)Episode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCAR
  • factualhigh

    NASCAR is the fastest two-flipper fan layout game Pat Lawlor designed

    Source: Wedgehead Podcast hostsEpisode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCAR
  • opinionhigh

    NASCAR theme is weak/unpopular but the Pat Lawlor-designed game remains excellent value at $2,700 due to toy count and flow

    Source: SDTM HostTop 10 Best Bang For Your Buck Pinball Machines Of All Time (SDTM, 2025)
  • Oct 20, 2023
  • Pinball title placed at Holy Moly Brewing; features five magnets and test car shot

    Vintage Flipper WorldMay 25, 2024
  • Stern pinball racing game; referenced as prior racing pinball attempt

    COSMIC CART RACINGMar 22, 2018
  • League event #4 in August at Lighthouse Miniature Golf

    CHICAGO AREA PINBALL LEAGUE: SUMMER 2016Nov 2, 2016
  • Stern pinball machine with Dale Jr. themed retheme produced in approximately 600 units in 2007

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. Talks About Father's Obsession with Comet PinballJun 28, 2023
  • Pinball machine owned by Dale (not Jeff Parsons); Parsons plays it at least once weekly

    The Super Awesome Pinball Show Holiday Special 2022Dec 10, 2022
  • Pinball game with difficult-to-service moving car scoop mechanism

    Around the Playfield: The Kyle Spiteri InterviewJun 26, 2025
  • Stern Pinball game by Pat Lawlor; #2 on list; $2,700; features moving pit crew toy; theme considered weakness

    Top 10 Best Bang For Your Buck Pinball Machines Of All Time (SDTM, 2025)Feb 3, 2025
  • 2005 Stern game (Dale Jr. variant) used as example of specific game difficult to find; Alan has been waiting for one to appear.

    Episode 16 - So You Wanna Buy a Pinball Machine?Feb 5, 2024
  • Licensed pinball game by Pat Lawler Designs; Greg considers it the most successful of four games in rules-playfield integration; featured at college arcade in Sioux Falls where Alex played it.

    Episode 11 - Life of a Former Pinball ProgrammerJan 1, 2024
  • Greg Dunlap design (2005); estimated 3,500 units; Greg considers it the best overall game he worked on

    Episode 91 - Stern's Dark Age: Pinball in the 2000sJul 14, 2025
  • 2005 Stern Pinball machine; 3,500 units sold + 500 Grand Prix variants + 600 Dale Jr. LE units; ranks #225 on Pinside despite hosts' argument it deserves much higher regard; features massive circular track spectacle, two flippers, fan layout, numerous diverters

    Episode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCARSep 22, 2025
  • Stern pinball game available through Pinballsales.com

    TOPCast 3: Jack from PinballsalesFeb 11, 2007
  • Stern game with flipper blade contact problems from defective switch blade tempering

    TOPCast 19: Tech showMar 25, 2007
  • Game with difficult Time Expander mechanic. Kyle mentions attempting repairs 'ten million times.'

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep13 - Kyle Spiteri - Motorcycles, Cats, and Stern Support GuruJul 23, 2025