Our season finale will be this Shea Holbrook driver suit.
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Month: May 2016
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-May 28,2016
By David G. Firestone
Jamie McMurray #1 Bass Pro Shops/National Wild Turkey Federation Chevy SS-Camo is an automatic one letter grade deduction, but the scheme is so bad, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. I don’t like the use of the turkey, I think it looks awful, and the color scheme is not great. F
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/McDonald’s Patriotic Chevy SS-The switching from white to red is an improvement, and actually takes this scheme from a B+ to an A-.
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion-The pointless addition of “patriotic” element take one of the best schemes, and an A+ scheme down to a C-.
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite 1972 Throwback Ford Fusion-Great throwback, love the ambitiousness of the design, and the color scheme is great. A+
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios/Lee’s East Rowan Cafe Chevy SS-Same as Cheerios, but with Lee’s East Rowan Cafe on quarter panels, same A+ grade.
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Patriotic Ford Fusion-When your regular colors are red, white, and blue, YOU DON’T NEED A SPECIAL PATRIOTIC SCHEME THAT ADDS EXTRA COLORS! As if that wasn’t bad enough, the design scheme looks terrible. F
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Patriotic Chevy SS-Camo is not a good look on race cars, and normally, I would deduct one letter grade from the grade, but this scheme is so bad, I’m just going to give it an F.
Greg Biffle #16 Cheez-Its Patriotic Ford Fusion-The patriotic elements at the bottom of the car just look forced, and the car as a whole is taken from an A+ down to a B+
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-A good scheme that works well as a patriotic scheme. The design works well with red, white, and blue, and works well. A+
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford Fusion-The trimming of the stripes on the sides look good, and the addition of the red around the star look really good. Fastenal took a B+ scheme up to an A-.
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Mosiac Ford Fusion-The Shell/Pennzoil scheme is bad to begin with, but the mosaic motif just makes it look worse. F
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Patriotic Chevy SS-If you do a patriotic scheme, could you commit to it, and not just take your normal scheme, and add some patriotic elements to it? It just looks lazy. It’s like writing a term paper the night before it’s due. D+
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Throwback Chevy SS-While I like the idea of the vintage NAPA logo, could you commit to it, and add them to the quarter panel? It’s not a bad scheme, but not adding it to the quarter panel is not a great move. I’ll give it a B- since the color and design schemes do work here.
Ryan Newman #31 Whelen Chevy SS-Not a bad looking scheme at all, the red works well, the white sides work well, and the car as a whole is a good looking car. A+
Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play It Safe Hire Our Veterans Ford Fusion-Two words: Purple Camo. F
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Patriotic Ford Fusion-It’s a patriotic scheme that works well with the sponsor, and the design scheme for Front Row. A+
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Patriotic Ford Fusion-It’s a patriotic scheme that works well with the sponsor, and the design scheme for Front Row. A+
Kyle Larson #42 Target Scott Dixon Chevy SS-Scott Dixon’s throwback scheme is really good on his IndyCar, and that good look transfers to the Target Chevy of Kyle Larson. I can’t say anything bad about this scheme. A+
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Bass Pro Shops, but more the camo is more prominent. F
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Patriotic Chevy SS-When I said I wanted a total commitment to a patriotic scheme, this is EXACTLY what I meant! This is a great looking scheme, and the waving flag motif works very well. I can’t say anything bad about this scheme. A+
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Hope For Warriors Toyota Camry-Let’s just put as many patriotic designs we can on the side of a car and see how it looks…well it looks awful! F
Michael McDowel #95 Thrivent Financial Patriotic Chevy SS-See Dale Earnhardt Jr. above. A+
The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Davey Allison-1990
By David G. Firestone
Davey Allison’s first all-black Texaco Havoline Ford Thunderbird waits to get going in 1990.
For the most part, the scheme is good. The metallic gold works well on the door numbers, but the stripe, and side logos look a little odd. I do not like that white outline. It’s not needed, and makes the car look cluttered. Black is a really good background color for a race car. The color scheme is good, though I would make the metallic gold a tad lighter, so the white outline can be eliminated. All things considered, it is a really good scheme.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-May 25, 2016
By David G. Firestone
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, blue top, reverse wave formation across sides, white bottom, with silver accents. B+
Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, main design has been moved slightly to the rear. 150’th anniversary logo added to hood.B+
Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and yellow front with a spike transition to rear. A+
Jamie McMurray #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and blue amalgamation of McDonald’s and Cessna. B-
Jamie McMurray #1 Credit One Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue, purple and white, with a series of designs across whole car. F
Jamie McMurray #1 Bad Boy/Beechcraft Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Beechcraft, but with Bad Boy on the hood. B+
Jamie McMurray #1 Bass Pro Shops/National Wild Turkey Federation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black, camouflage motif on front, wild turkey motif on back. F
TEAM PENSKE #2
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–Same basic scheme as 2015, but Miller has been removed from hood, similar 2014. A+
Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, same as #22 Auto Trader. D-
Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2015 scheme, but fits to Penske Template. A+
Brad Keselowski #2 Thomas Build Buses Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, Penske Template, red front, black back. A+
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, but the hood logo is slightly larger. B+
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS–No change. A+
Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–No change. A-
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Intellifresh Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, same as Dow Energy and Water. B-
Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, similar to Robert Hight’s funny car, but with colors rearranged. D+
Austin Dillon #3 Dow FlexoLyt Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Intellifresh B-
Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Ranger Boats Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with camo and orange diagonal triangle on side. B+
Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Ricky Rudd’s Piedmont scheme from 1982-1983. A+
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios/Lee’s East Rowan Cafe Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Cheerios, but with Lee’s East Rowan Cafe on quarter panels. A+
STEWART-HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch throwback can. A+
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch Light can. A+
Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy John’s Chevy SS–No change. A+
Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, mountain design starts near brake duct, instead of at front of car. B+
Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SS–No change. A+
Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Cale Yarborough’s 1979 Daytona 500 Scheme. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Fishing Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white side, huge bass motif across sides. A+
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5
Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS–No Change. C+
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS–No Change. D+
Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, geometrical designs on side changed. C
Kasey Kahne #5 Panasonic Toughbook Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue fade to black, with a couple of wave stripes, and some fade designs on side. A+
Kasey Kahne #5 Quicken Loans Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red with hockey stick designs on sides, as well as geometrical designs on front and back. C+
Kasey Kahne #5 Mountain Dew Pitch Black Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-
Kasey Kahne #5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, dark red with light red stripes and white letters on sides. A+
Kasey Kahne #5 Drive Home A Winner Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white stripe across side, red bottom. A+
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Strong Against Cancer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue and black striped side, with a snake motif on hood and roof. D-
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips/Shark Week Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, all teal with hammerhead sharks swiming around the scheme. A+
ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #6
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, white with blue line and checkered flag on bottom. A+
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on the paint scheme Mark Martin ran in 1996 and 1997. A+
TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7
Alex Bowman #7 Road Rippers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2015, shark motif on front, fades to fire motif and logo on back. F
Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral/Niko Toy State Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, amalgamation of Golden Corral and Niko Toy State. F
Regan Smith #7 Nikko Street Bratz Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue and white with a series of designs across sides. F
Regan Smith #7 Chevy SS-Black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom. A+
Regan Smith #7 APC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, APC logo on hood. A+
Regan Smith #7 AIPAC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, AIPAC logo on hood. A+
Regan Smith #7 Fire Alarm Services Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow hood, and orange city motif on sides. A+
Regan Smith #7 Nikko/Road Rippers Alan Kulwicki Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the “Underbird” design used by Kulwicki in 1992. C+
Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, all black with white lettering. A+
STEWART-HAAS RACING #10
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white lettering on sides, white and black stripe across hood and roof. A+
Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white front, red TaxAct X logo, gray back. A+
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Pride Pumpkin Spice Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same basic scheme as Nature’s Pride, but with orange and red color scheme, and some slight redesigns on the side. A+
Danica Patrick #10 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Bass Pro Shops has left, so the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+
Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, similar to Clint Bowyer’s template, but with a Post-It esque design. F
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Brownies Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue, white and brown scheme, stripes start on hood, and extend to the rear of the side. B-
Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Tooth Fairy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue and silver, similar to Clint Bowyer’s schemes. A+
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/April O’Neil Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, comic book motif across whole car with April O’Neil on hood and Turtles on sides. F
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Autism Delaware Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nature’s Bakery but with Autism Delaware on quarter panels. A+
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+
Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–No Change. C-
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 1 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue with white hood, and right angle curves up sides. B+
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 2 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue with white and silver Petty style door curve and star motif. D-
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 3 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue, white, and silver with wave motif across car. F
GERMAIN RACING #13
Casey Mears #13 Geico Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, much more subdued version of the 2015 scheme. A+
Casey Mears #13 Geico Millitary Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with camo motif across car. F
Casey Mears #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Smokey Yunick’s 1967 Chevy. A+
STEWART-HAAS RACING #14
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+
Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+
Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+
Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–No Change. C+
Brian Vickers #14 Janssen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simple curve replaces the wave pattern from 2015. A+
Brian Vickers #14 TaxAct Millitary Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, similar to TaxAct but with camouflage motif. C+
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Advanced Fuel Economy on sides. A+
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #15
Clint Bowyer #15 Five-Hour Energy Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, the front stripe has been moved up to the top of the side, and the roof matches with the design. A+
Clint Bowyer #15 Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, Blue with white geometrical designs on side. A+
Clint Bowyer #15 Visine Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as 5-Hour Energy, but with black, white, and blue color scheme. B+
Clint Bowyer #15 Aaron’s Chevy SS–No Change. A+
Clint Bowyer #15 AccuDoc Solutions Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all black with yellow and white lettering and a series of yellow stripes across sides. B-
ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #16
Greg Bffle #16 Cheez-its Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, stripe has been extended down tot he bottom of the car, some slight rearangment of the crackers on the side of the car. A+
Greg Biffle #16 KFC Nashville Hot Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, all red with fire designs on quarter panel, and KFC stripes on roof. A+
Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Products Ford Fusion–No Change. B+
Greg Biffle #16 Roush Performance Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, black with red and white check pattern design on side. A+
ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #17
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion–No Change. A
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simpler design, with red added on top. B+
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Sunny D Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, orange front, rainbow sunburst pattern across sides, blue hood, roof, and decklid. F
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Zest Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simper design, with soap motif. C+
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on Darrell Waltrip’s 1975 scheme. A+
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
JOE GIBBS RACING #18
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2015, stripes are wider, black stripe on bottom gone. F
Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota Camry–No Change. A+
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2014 scheme, but with vintage characters to celebrate M&M’s 75th anniversary. A+
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, vintage look with vintage characters, yellow, with brown letters. A+
Kyle Busch #18 Banfield Pet Hospital Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with diagonal logo on hood, EKG motif on sides, injured cute pet pictures on quarter panel. A+
Kyle Busch #18 Pedigree Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green is brighter, side and hood logos are larger, and blue stripe on bottom has been removed. A+
Kyle Busch #18 Skittles/Marvel Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red Skittles front and green Marvel and Skittles rear. B-
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota Camry–No Change. A+
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same basic design, but with red, white, and blue motif. A+
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Dale Jarrett Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, throwback based on Dale Jarrett’s 1993 Interstate Batteries scheme. A+
Kyle Busch #75 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, door number changes to #75 for All-Star Race, yellow with all vintage look. A+
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–No Change. B+
Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, logos are bigger, outlines are bolder. A
Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green replaces black, box motif replaces stripe motif. B+
Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry–No Change. D-
Carl Edwards #19 Xfinity Toyota Camry–No Change. B-
Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, orange front, grey diagonal stripe near wheel well, fades to white back. A+
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toytota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, black stripe across bottom now gone. A+
Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota Camry–No Change. A+
Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No Change. A+
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change D
Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion–No Change. D
Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–No Change. D-
Joey Logano #22 AAA of Southern California Ford Fusion–No Change. D
Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all yellow, with some lighter yellow geometrical designs across car. A+
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Mosiac Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but made out of a mosaic of pictures to help celebrate Team Penske celebrating 50 years. F
BK RACING #23
David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, white hood, different designs on sides. B+
David Ragan #23 Sweet Frog Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, green and pink stripes across sides, white hood with Sweet Frog logo. F
David Ragan #23 Schuler Systems Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #83. D-
David Raga #23 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, camo motif with salute to veterans on hood. F
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, blue with white stripes across side which start at brake duct. A+
Chase Elliott #24 3M Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, black and white replaces silver, extra geometrical designs on sides. B+
Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme but gold has been removed. Scheme has been redesigned into a more haphazardly designed stripe pattern. C+
Chase Elliot #24 Sun Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black background with solar flare inspired design fades to blue towards wheel well, and finishes with red gradient on back. F
Chase Elliott #24 Dewcision Mountain Dew Baja Blast Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, basic NAPA scheme, but with patriotic motif on sides and hood. D+
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black and yellow with throwback NAPA logo on hood, current NAPA logos on quarter panels. B-
BK RACING #26
Robert Richardson #26 Stalk It Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with large blue and white stripe across sides, and Stalk It logos on hood and sides. A+
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black front, extending into Menard’s template, yellow rear. B-
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, redesigned to match Clint Bowyer’s Peak Chevy. A+
Paul Menard #27 Valvoline/Menard’s Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, follows new Menard’s template, white Valvoline front, yellow Menard’s rear. F
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template, with peeling blue and white paint design. F
Paul Menard #27 Richmond/Menard’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme with new Menard’s template. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, New Menard’s template with FVP colors. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s 2016 template with green Libman motif on front, Menard’s on back. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Rockstar Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template with black Rockstar front. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Tarkett Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Menard’s template with blue front for Tarkett. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracel Chevy SS–No Change. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, commits to new Menard’s Template, but with light blue and black stripes, and light blue numbers. C-
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Nebco Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s Template with light blue color scheme. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, new Menard’s template with purple front. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s template with Knauf blue on front. D
THE MOTORSPORTS GROUP #30
Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain white with blue, black, and white numbers. A+
Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain black with blue, black, and white numbers. A+
Josh Wise #30 Crawfest/City of New Braunfels Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as all black with Crawfest/City of New Braunfels logo on hood. A+
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31
Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, yellow stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly larger. A+
Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS–No change. B +
Ryan Newman #31 Wix Filters Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, one large multi-colored stripe replaces the multi-stripe on the sides, design extends to hood. F
Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Ricky Rudd’s Piedmont scheme from 1982-1983. A+
Ryan Newman #31 Granger/Caterpillar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, grey with black stripe across bottom. A+
GO FAS RACING #32
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can-Am/Kappa Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, black, green, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, black, white, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F
Bobby Labonte #32 C&J Energy Services Ford Fusion–No Change. F
Joey Gase #32 JT Concrete Inc Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and white lettering. A+
Joey Gase #32 Donate Life Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Donate Life logo on hood, and Allo-Source logo on quarter panels. A+
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Visone/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Corvette Parts. F
Bobby Labonte #32 Rimrock Devlin Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on C&J from 2015. F
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 NC Lottery Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, all black with NC Lottery on sides and hood. A+
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34
Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, Front Row Template has been reversed, red replaces back as secondary color. A+
Chris Buescher #34 Dockside Logistics Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Dockside Logistics logos on sides and hood. A+
Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play it Safe Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Chris Buescher #34 A&W Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Chris Buescher #34 Love’s/CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Love’s but with Play It Safe on sides and hood. A+
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35
David Gilliland #35 Ford Fusion-White with black and red letters. A+
David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion–Except for car number, no change. A+
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38
Landon Cassill #38 Florida Lottery Ford Fusion–No Change. C+
Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A+
Landon Cassill #38 Snap Fitnaess Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, all red with Snap Fitness logos on sides and hood. A+
HILLMAN RACING #40
Reed Sorenson #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black replaces red as primary color. D-
STEWART-HAAS RACING #41
Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow and white numbers and lettering. A+
Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+
Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+
Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Monster Energy, but with Haas on rear. A+
Kurt Busch #41 State Water Heaters Chevy SS–No Change. B+
Kurt Bush #41 Hass VF1/Monster Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Danica’s Brownie scheme, with Haas VF1 on hood, with stripes fading to black and Monster rear. B+
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42
Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, vertical fade from red to white replaces side fade from 2015. A+
Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, yellow and blue Clorox front, red and white Target rear with Glad logo on quarter panel. F
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43
Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford Fusion–Slight redesign for 2016, roof numbers turn from yellow to red. B+
Aric Almiroa #43 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but with more lightning. A+
Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2014, STP colors with stripes that correspond to the door logos. B-
Aric Almirola #43 Waffle House Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, yellow replaces patriotic motif. D-
Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No Change. F
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44
Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Ford Fusion–Aside from the number change, no significant changes for 2016. A
Brian Scott #44 Albertsons’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, all blue with white hood. A+
Brian Scott #44 Vonn’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Albertson’s, but with Vonn’s on the hood.. A+
Brian Scott #44 Goody’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, blue with a honeycomb pattern, with yellow stripes on bottom and front. B+
Brian Scott #44 Go Bowling Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, bowling ball motif returns, blue sides, and white lettering. A+
Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Tom Thumb Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Tom Thumb debuts on sides, other than that, same as Albertson’s. A+
Brian Scott #44 Shore Lodge Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015 scheme, but with side stripe removed, and Petty door design on sides. C+
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46
Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS–No Change. A+
Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all red with white front. A+
Michal Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J/Battle of Bristol Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as white design, but with Battle of Bristol on hood. A+
Michael Annett #46 Allstate Peterbuilt Group Chevy SS–No Change. A
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stoffer’s/Lean Cuisine Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Food For Less Chevy SS–No Change. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Louisiana Hot Sauce Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark red, with flames on sides. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Coffee Mate/Butterfinger Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Coffee Mate and Butterfinger logos on sides and hood. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Baked Beans Chevy SS–No Change. B+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the scheme Bruce Hill raced in his rookie year in 1975 A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as Kroger, but blue on the hood has been removed from 2015 version. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Unwharrie Bank Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, green roof, white sides, with stripe that forms company logo under door number, red bottom. C+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Harris Teeter Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger but with Harris Teeter on hood. A+
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Superman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Superman’s suit. A+
Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Red Vest Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo replaces the Lowe’s Template. D-
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS– New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, yellow numbers replace white. B+
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevy SS–No Change. B+
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, but with yellow door numbers. A+
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #55
Reed Sorenson #55 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+
Michael Waltrip #55 Peak Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Clint Bowyer’s #15. A+
Reed Sorenson #55 World Record Striper Company Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue front, fades to lighter blue, and has a bass motif at back. A+
CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #59
Michael McDowell #59 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as #95, with door numbers reversed. B+
FURNITURE ROW RACING #78
Marin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Toyota Camry–Other than the switch from Chevy to Toyota, there are no major changes. A+
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, vertical fade from bottom to top, light blue fades up to dark blue. A+
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, orange with trace amounts of black and camo. F
BK RACING #83
Michael Waltrip #83 Maxwell House Toyota Camry–No Change. A+
Matt DiBendetto #83 Sewanee University Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white and gold logos on quarter panels, gold stripe on bottom, blue designs on side. B+
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, all black with Cosmo Motors logos on sides and hood. A+
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Schluter Systems Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, cream top, with stripes, and a waffle design on the bottom. D-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–No Change. C-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 RMC Events Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black top, white zigzag line separating black top from red bottom. B-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #93. B-
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 TaxSlayer Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top and front, white bottom and back, gold designs separate the two. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, reminiscent of old Mountain Dew/Amp Energy scheme. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top, fade to yellow bottom, across whole car. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide/Batman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Batman’s armor. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Grey Ghost Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the Grey Ghost that Buddy Baker used to win the 1980 Daytona 500. A+
Dale Earnhardt #88 Axalta/CarStar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Axalta, but CarStar is on quarter panel. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Dewcision Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black with yellow trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with butterflies across whole car, and names on hood. A+
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white top, green and white “patriotic” motif, and yellow bottom. F
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, blue front with stars and stripes motif, red and white waving stripe motif across sides. A+
BK RACING #93
Matt DiBenedetto #93 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry–No Change. B–
Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota Camry–No Change. D+
CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95
Ty Dillon #95 Cheerios Chevy SS–New sponsor and manufacturer for 2016 for Leavine Family Racing, after having merged with Circle Sport, and aligned with RCR. Aside from the new number, and a larger Kroger’s logo, no change. A+
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, looks similar in design to the 2014, with a black, red, and white color scheme. B+
Michael McDowell #95 K-Love Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simpler template. A+
Michael McDowell #95 Monte Carlo Casino Chevy SS-New Scheme for 2016, same as WRL Contractors from 2014. A+
Ty Dillon #95 Nexium 24 Chevy SS–Aside from new team, no change. A-
Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Ford Fusion–No Change. A+
Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors/MastiClean Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as WRL, but with MastiClean leaf motif on quarter panels. B-
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #98
Cole Whitt #98 Premium Motorsports RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood. A+
Cole Whitt #98 Tweaker Energy Chevy SS–No Change. A+
Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Chevy SS–No Change. A+
Cole Whitt #98 Rinnai Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all black with Rinnai logos on sides and hood. A+
Cole Whitt #98 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+
Cole Whitt #98 RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood, with a new hood design. A+
Cole Whitt #98 Vydrox Plus Chevy SS–No Change. A
Michael McDowel #95 Thrivent Financial Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black hood with American flag motif across sides and roof. A+
The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts on the Ghosbusters Trailer
By David G. Firestone
I’m going to discuss the Ghostbusters trailer controversy. I’ve got a few things I’d like to say about it. Please read the whole of my opinions before you comment, since this is a big issue with this trailer.
I watched Ghostbusters growing up. I remember the movie, but I was never a super fan of it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t my favorite. I’m 34 now, and one thing I don’t do is get nostalgic over reboots and remakes of classic franchises from when I was a kid. So when I heard about this new Ghostbusters remake, I thought it sounded interesting. Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig are two great actresses, though I’m admittedly not as familiar with Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
I watched the trailer wondering what new direction the franchise would take, and if it was really as bad as everyone says it is. I got my answer, and yes it is. You can’t fault the on-screen talent with this one. The problem lies with whoever it was who made the trailer. The dialogue was difficult to listen to. The jokes were not funny. The CGI looked decent, if a little over the top. As open minded as I was about this trailer, it did not impress me.
This is not a minor issue. Trailers are how many people judge if they want to see movies or not. When you have a bad trailer, people automatically assume that the movie is bad. This movie had a budget of $154 million, and if the movie is a quarter as bad as the trailer makes it look, the movie probably won’t break even.
Again, this has nothing to do with the female leads, if it ever did at all. The on-screen talent did a decent job, but the trailer as a whole looks bad. A question that is being brought up is will I go see the movie. I’m going to wait for some reviews to come out, so I’m not saying yes, and I’m not saying no. But I sure hope the movie is better than the trailer makes it look.
The Driver Suit Blog-Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Hero Cards
Racing fans, myself included, love to collect hero cards, especially at racing events. This is my collection of hero cards.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-May 21, 2016
By David G. Firestone
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Strong Against Cancer Chevy SS-I’m looking at this scheme, and asking myself “Why does this scheme have a snake/leopard motif?” Seriously, the hood and roof designs have nothing to do with the rest of the deisgn. It just looks awful, and I’ll give it a D-
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips/Shark Week Chevy SS-This is a great scheme. The teal water with shark motif works quite well, and the overall design is great too. I can’t give it anything less than an A+
The following three grades are going to fall into a new protocol change effective immediately. When there are multiple schemes that fans can vote for, I will grade all of them individually, and the scheme that wins will be the one used in the final grade of the season.
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 1 Toyota Camry-I like the overall design, except for the white on the hood. If the white were replaced by blue, it would be a much better scheme. But it’s not horrible, so I give it a B+.
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 2 Toyota Camry-While the color scheme is good, the door design needs work, since it looks too much like a Petty car design, and the star motif is awful. The only thing giving this scheme a passing grade is the good color scheme. D-
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 3 Toyota Camry-With this scheme, not even a great color scheme can save it from an F. The wave design is giving me motion sickness.
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Dale Jarrett Throwback Toyota Camry-Nothing will earn an A+ grade quicker than a great throwback, and this is a great throwback!
Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Toyota Camry-Much simpler design for Arris, and the color scheme is great too. I give it an A+.
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SS-The new template is an improvement on the design, but in a D- to D sense. If you have to have black lines separating colors, that may be a hint that you are using too many light colors. The blue is awful, and doesn’t work well with the yellow at all.
Ryan Newman #31 Granger/Caterpillar Chevy SS-Good look, with a great color scheme, nothing wrong here. A+
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 NC Lottery Ford Fusion-Black is always a good look for race cars, and this is no example. Great look. A+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Unwharrie Bank Chevy SS-Green and red are acceptable at Christmas time, but not on the side of a race car. The design itself isn’t bad, but it could be better. The scheme is mediocre at best, so I’ll give it a C+.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Harris Teeter Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as Kroger’s, same A+ grade.
Reed Sorenson #55 World Record Striper Company Chevy SS-It’s a bold look, but the river water-esque fade and the giant bass works quite well, and it has a unique look. It earns an A+.
Kyle Busch #75 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-The vintage look is a great idea, and the anniversary number is good too. It earns an A+.
Cole Whitt #98 Vydrox Plus Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
