The Driver Suit Blog-The Vest Project Part 7-Make it Mike’s!

32-mikeshardlemonadeBy David G. Firestone

When it comes to these vests, I’m not going in any particular order. I’m just picking the vests I’m going to feature. It should be noted that this is a 13 part series. For today’s installment, I am going to focus on a part-time Truck Series vest sponsored by a tasty adult beverage.

It’s no secret that racing fans love to drink. Beer is heavily sold at race tracks, and liquor companies will sponsor racing events and cars. Founded in 1999, Mikes Hard Lemonade is a lemonade flavored malt beverage with 5% ABV. It is much sweeter than beer, and on a hot day, I have to admit, it’s very refreshing.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade is a subsidiary of Mark Anthony Group Inc. of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and when they first joined NASCAR in 2011 as a sponsor, they stayed with Canadian driver Steve Aprin who had raced with Bill Venturini Racing where in 2010 in the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards, he had three wins, two of which came with Mike’s as a sponsor.

Although he raced in JR. Motorsports in 2010, his NASCAR sponsorship with Mike’s came when he went to the Camping World Truck Series in 2011 for Turner Motorsports. He raced 5 races for Turner Motorsports with Mike’s as a sponsor. Although he won the pole at the Fast Five 225 at Chicagoland, he really didn’t do anything substantial. One of his crew members names Griffin wore this size XL Impact vest.32-mikeshardlemonade

The vest shows light wear, not surprising for a vest worn for 5 races.

The collar is unadorned and there is no cowl tag present.32-mikeshardlemonade-collar32-mikeshardlemonade-tag1The right chest features a CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES logo and a GOODYEAR logo embroidered into it.32-mikeshardlemonade-rchestThe left chest features a TURNER MOTORSPORTS and a CHEVY logo embroidered into it.32-mikeshardlemonade-lchestThe front torso has a large MIKE’S HARD LEMONADE logo embroidered into it.32-mikeshardlemonade-flogoThe Impact warranty label, and what I’m going to call the “identity label” are present inside the zipper. The identity label states that this vest was issued to “Griffin” and was made on 05-17-11, a month before Arpin’s first race.32-mikeshardlemonade-tag232-mikeshardlemonade-tag3There is a small black stain on the front-right, just below the big Mike’s logo.32-mikeshardlemonade-wearThe standard Impact hem straps are present on this suit.32-mikeshardlemonade-rhem32-mikeshardlemonade-lhemThe shoulder epaulets have MAKE IT MIKE’S embroidered into them, an Impact logo is below that, and the standard vest sleeve holes are present as well.32-mikeshardlemonade-rshoulder32-mikeshardlemonade-rsleeve32-mikeshardlemonade-lshoulder32-mikeshardlemonade-lsleeveThe back of the vest doesn’t show much wear.32-mikeshardlemonadebThe back of the neck is unadorned, but just below that is MIKESHARD.COM embroidered just above the larger MIKES HARD LEMONAD logo on the back torso. The back logo is slightly higher than the front logo.32-mikeshardlemonade-neck32-mikeshardlemonade-blogoOne thing I’ve noticed about Turner and Turner-Scott vests is that the drivers will wear whatever suit manufacturer they choose, but for the most part, the crew wear Impact or Simpson vests. We will examine antother Simpson suit worn by Miguel Paludo’s crew next Friday Feature.

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Rusty Wallace-1990

By David G. Firestone

In his last season for Raymond Beadle, Rusty Wallace poses with his Miller Genuine Draft Pontiac Grand Prix in 1990.

The metallic gold, red, and black scheme works quite well. The metallic gold numbers look good, but the black outline is bad, and it makes the car look odd. The bottom stripes look good, and it’s a very smooth look. The rear logo is good, and isn’t cut off from by the wheel well. I also like the decals of the headlights. I like this look.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-June 16, 2016

By David G. Firestone

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, blue top, reverse wave formation across sides, white bottom, with silver accents. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, red and yellow front with a spike transition to rear. A+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevy SSNew 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 FusionSame basic scheme as 2015, but Miller has been removed from hood, similar 2014. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford FusionNew sponsor for 2016, same as #22 Auto Trader. D-

Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford FusionNew 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+

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with blue and red patriotic designs that extend from front to door number on top, and on the bottom to end of car. C-

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite 1972 Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on the Miller Lite can design from 1972. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SSSame basic scheme, but the hood logo is slightly larger. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SSNo change. A+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SSNo change. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Intellifresh Chevy SSNew sponsor for 2016, same as Dow Energy and Water. B-

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/StemAmbasadors Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Dow, but with StemAmbasadors on quarter panels. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Patriotic Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, same silver background, but the car resembles Clint Bowyer’s current design. C+

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 SSNo change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, mountain design starts near brake duct, instead of at front of car. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SSNo 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 SSNew 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+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Bloomin’ Monday Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as outback, but hood and roof are white instead of cream. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5

Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SSNo Change. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SSNo Change. D+

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, all teal with hammerhead sharks swiming around the scheme. A+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, white with blue line and checkered flag on bottom. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, based on the paint scheme Mark Martin ran in 1996 and 1997. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, patriotic hood, blue metallic front, red in front of the door numbers, grey behind door numbers. F

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 SSNew scheme for 2016, based on the “Underbird” design used by Kulwicki in 1992. C+

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, camo replaces blue on the front, black replaces blue on the back. F

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Fox Sports Go Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nature’s Bakery, but with Fox Sports Go on quarter panels. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota CamryNo 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, much more subdued version of the 2015 scheme. A+

Casey Mears #13 Geico Millitary Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, black with camo motif across car. F

Casey Mears #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on Smokey Yunick’s 1967 Chevy. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SSNew 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 SSSlight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SSSlight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SSNo Change. C+

Brian Vickers #14 Janssen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew sponsor for 2016, all red with fire designs on quarter panel, and KFC stripes on roof. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Products Ford FusionNo Change. B+

Greg Biffle #16 Roush Performance Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, black with red and white check pattern design on side. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Cheez-Its Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow is replaced with patriotic elements. B+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford FusionNo Change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Eco-Boost Ford FusionNew 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 FusionNew scheme for 2016, much simper design, with soap motif. C+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Throwback Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, based on Darrell Waltrip’s 1975 scheme. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as 2015, but with red outlining the star, and stripes on sides have been trimmed. A-

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2015, stripes are wider, black stripe on bottom gone. F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota CamryNew 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 CamryNew 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 CamryNo 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 CamryNew 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+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same basic M&M’s design, but in red, white, and blue with a patriotic motif. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota CamryNo Change. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, logos are bigger, outlines are bolder. A

Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota CamryNew scheme for 2016, green replaces black, box motif replaces stripe motif. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota CamryNo Change. D-

Carl Edwards #19 Xfinity Toyota CamryNo 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 CamrySlight redesign for 2016, black stripe across bottom now gone. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Ford FusionNo Change. A+

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford FusionNo change D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford FusionNo Change. D

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford FusionNo Change. D-

Joey Logano #22 AAA of Southern California Ford FusionNo Change. D

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford FusionNew 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

Joey Logano #22 Shell Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on Bobby Labonte’s #44 Shell scheme which was the first Shell shceme to win a race in NASCAR’s national series. B-

BK RACING #23

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota CamryNew 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

David Ragan #23 Weaver Media Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with white paper motif on sides. B+

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 SSNew scheme for 2015, black and white replaces silver, extra geometrical designs on sides. B+

Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, black front, extending into Menard’s template, yellow rear. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme with new Menard’s template. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, New Menard’s template with FVP colors. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman Chevy SSNew 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 SSNo Change. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, Menard’s Template with light blue color scheme. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, new Menard’s template with purple front. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SSNew 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 SSSlight redesign for 2016, yellow stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly larger. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SSNo change. B +

Ryan Newman #31 Wix Filters Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Ryan Newman #31 Whelen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red front, right angle near wheel well, extends to stripe up the back, white covers sides and quarter panels. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Kalahari Resorts Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue with light blue and red diagonal stripes across sides. C-

Ryan Newman #31 Grainger Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white replaces green as primary color. 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNo 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew 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+

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can Am Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow front and back, with black and red curve going up sides. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, Front Row Template has been reversed, red replaces back as secondary color. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Dockside Logistics Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, all white with Dockside Logistics logos on sides and hood. A+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play it Safe Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 A&W Ford FusionNo 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+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play It Safe Hire Our Veterans Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, purple camouflage with red CSX track up sides. F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35

David Gilliland #35 Ford Fusion-White with black and red letters. A+

David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford FusionExcept for car number, no change. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Landon Cassill #38 Florida Lottery Ford FusionNo Change. C+

Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 Snap Fitnaess Ford FusionNew scheme for 2015, all red with Snap Fitness logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Front Row template, blue stars on front of car, red back. A+

HILLMAN RACING #40

Reed Sorenson #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, vertical fade from red to white replaces side fade from 2015. A+

Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, yellow and blue Clorox front, red and white Target rear with Glad logo on quarter panel. F

Kyle Larson #42 Target Scott Dixon Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, running a scheme similar to Scott Dixon’s IndyCar Scheme. A+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford FusionSlight redesign for 2016, roof numbers turn from yellow to red. B+

Aric Almiroa #43 U.S. Air Force Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but with more lightning. A+

Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford FusionNew scheme for 2014, STP colors with stripes that correspond to the door logos. B-

Aric Almirola #43 Waffle House Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, yellow replaces patriotic motif. D-

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford FusionNo Change. F

Aric Almirola #43 STP Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, throwback scheme based on Richard Petty’s 1979 STP scheme. A+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44

Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Ford FusionAside 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew scheme for 2016, same as 2015 scheme, but with side stripe removed, and Petty door design on sides. C+

Brian Scott #44 Medallion Bank Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, taxi yellow with checkered flag across bottom. A+

Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Devour Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Devour debuts on sides, other than that, same as Albertson’s. A+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SSNo Change. A+

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all red with white front. A+

Michael 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 SSNo Change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stoffer’s/Lean Cuisine Chevy SSNew 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 SSNo 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 SSNo Change. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on the scheme Bruce Hill raced in his rookie year in 1975 A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SSNew 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+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SSNo Change. A

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Crisco/Hungry Jack Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger but with Crisco and Hungry Jack on hood and sides. A+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro ServicesSlight 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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+

Cole Whitt #55 Vydrox Plus Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as #98. A

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #59

Michael McDowell #59 Thrivent Financial Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, same as #95, with door numbers reversed. B+

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

Marin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Toyota CamryOther 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

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

BK RACING #83

Michael Waltrip #83 Maxwell House Toyota CamryNo 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 CamryNew 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 CamryNo 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-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Hope For Warriors Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, white and blue, with a plethora of patriotic designs on sides. F

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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 CamryNo Change. B-

Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota CamryNo Change. D+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Ty Dillon #95 Cheerios Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSAside from new team, no change. A-

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Ford FusionNo 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-

Ty Dillon #95 BVT/Blake’s Snow Shack Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Cheerios, but with black extending up to roof on door numbers, as well as part of quarter panel. B+

Ty Dillon #95 Nexteer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red front, red, white, and black stripe across sides, black rear. A+

Michael McDowel #95 Thrivent Financial Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black hood with American flag motif across sides and roof. A+

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 SSNo Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Chevy SSNo Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Rinnai Ford FusionNew 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 SSNo Change. A

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On Reality Television

By David G. Firestone

People wonder why I don’t watch a lot of television. Truth told, I really don’t. I watch documentaries, and the news, and auto racing, but other than that, I really don’t turn the television on all that much. After what I experienced this last week, it should be easy to understand why I wouldn’t watch that much TV.

Last week, I decided to watch the Isle Of Man TT races. I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating, that I’m not big on motorcycle racing. I promised myself this year, I would make a more concerted effort to try and watch more racing. So I wanted to watch the race. I couldn’t figure out what channel the Isle of Man TT was on. After a few minutes on Google, I discovered that the races were being televised on a television channel called “Velocity.”

Velocity bills itself as a car guy network. Almost all programming is devoted to either restoring or customizing cars. The bulk of their prime-time programming is car customizing reality shows. I tried to watch some of these shows, and was quickly reminded why I hate reality television shows. Reality TV is the worst genre of television EVER! Every one of these shows are fake. These shows have fake drama surrounding them, and the endings are predictable.

While these reality shows are bad by themselves, Velocity has found a way to make it worse. Every commercial for upcoming episode I saw, the ending was spoiled in the commercial! Not that it really matters, every ending is the exact same. The car they are either customizing or restoring is finished in time, regardless of the drama, and the customer loves it. But if you insist on watching these shows, you will know the ending of the show before it airs.

Why would you spoiler alert the show in the previews? What sense does that make? I understand you want to show the cool car, but in doing this, you have really taken any and all incentive to watch the show away. Don’t show the end, just show the basic plot, and you’ll be able to draw more viewers.

The other thing I noticed about these reality shows on Velocity is that they are all the same show, but with different people and different locations. The plot-lines and production values are exactly the same, and I’m willing to bet that if you took the title cards out of the shows, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. Again, this isn’t the middle of the day, this is prime-time! Why wouldn’t you have more unique programming during prime-time, instead of the same show with different titles?

I really wonder how Velocity stays a television channel with a total lack of creative programming, no original ideas, and spoiling their shows during previews. I haven’t seen their viewership numbers, but I can’t believe they are that high. It shouldn’t come as a shock that Velocity is owned by Discovery Media, which also owns TLC. So the company that brought us Cake Boss, Jon and Kate Plus 8, 19 Kids and Counting, Toddlers and Tiaras, and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo bring us Velocity as a television channel, and Velocity is no less intellectually barren than the above-mentioned shows.

People wonder why I don’t watch much television, and the above should show why. I do watch TV, but I don’t watch reality TV. I really hate that television has been reduced to this. I wish reality TV as it is now would go away, and never return.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-June 11, 2016

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Patriotic Chevy SS-I like the curve up the side, a-la Clint Bowyer, but the filling of stars does not look good. If it were a bit more subdued I could get more into it. Other that that, its a decent design, though I would prefer white as opposed to silver as the background color. C+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Bloomin’ Monday Chevy SS-This wasn’t a great scheme to begin with, The white hood and roof design clashes with the rest of the car. The car looks like it was designed by two different people, and thoses designs are never good. I can’t give this scheme anything but an F.

Aric Almirola #43 STP Throwback Ford Fusion-I am a sucker for a great throwback, and since this is a throwback to the 1919 Daytona 500, this is a great throwback. It doesn’t deserve anything less than an A+

Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Devour Ford Fusion-Same basic scheme as Albertson’s, same A+ grade.

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ty Dillon #95 Nexteer Chevy SS-Curves up the sides of cars are hit or miss, this one is a hit. The design scheme is great, and the color scheme works well. I give it an A+.

The Driver Suit Blog-The Vest Project Part 6-Basic is Better…Sometimes

32-turnerscottBy David G. Firestone

As The Vest Project continues, we take a look at another aspect of why three-piece crew suits were utilized. The three piece firesuit is a great way for teams to give shout-outs to sponsors, without incurring needless cost. Other times, it gives pit crews the ability to move from one driver to another without having to add a new sponsor-specific vest to the team. A perfect example is this Turner-Scott motorsports example circa 2013-2014, which was used in the Nationwide Series.32-turnerscottIf this vest was only used for the #30 team, it would have been used by crews for Nelson Piquet, Jr. for all of the 2013, and for Danica Patrick for the Daytona race in 2014. However, since Turner-Scott Motorsports ran 8 different drivers in 2013, and 4 different drivers in 2014, it isn’t out of the question that the vest was used on more than one team. It’s also possible that the vest was used by more than one crew member. If one crew member leaves, and a new crew member was brought on, and the new crew member can wear the vest, the new crew member would be issued the vest.

This vest is from Turner-Scott Motorsports, which would mean it was used from 2013 to 2014, as Harry Scott Jr. increased his stake in the team before the 2013 season. It was issued to a crew member named S. WILSON as indicated by the tag in the cowl. Also, by this point, Simpson had joined the three-piece revolution, and had joined Turner-Scott, hence the cowl tag.32-turnerscott-tag1The logo placement is also meant to be as vague as possible.

The collar has no logos to speak of.32-turnerscott-tag1The front has NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES and GOODYEAR LOGOS on the right chest, and CHEVY and a rather pointless TURNER-SCOTT MOTORSPORTS logo on the left chest.32-turnerscott-rchest 32-turnerscott-lchestThe large TURNER-SCOTT MOTORSPORTS logo on the front of the suit makes the smaller suit on the chest pointless.32-turnerscott-flogoThe new Simpson warranty label is present underneath the zipper.32-turnerscott-tag2 32-turnerscott-tag3 32-turnerscott-tag4Unlike the Impact examples, Simpson didn’t utilize the comfort straps on the hem. The bottom hem is just a standard hem.32-turnerscott-rhem 32-turnerscott-lhemThe shoulders have no design on the epaulets, as well as the standard vest sleeves.32-turnerscott-rshoulder 32-turnerscott-lshoulderThe back has some really light wear.32-turnerscottbUnlike Impact examples, Simpson vests have the SFI certification tag in the cowl.32-turnerscott-neckThe same Turner-Scott Motorsports logo that is on the front, is also present on the rear.32-turnerscott-blogoWhen it comes to three-piece firesuits, NASCAR’s biggest customer for these vests were Braun Racing, which was absorbed into Turner Motorsports, which then became Turner-Scott Motorsports. We’ll look at an earlier example from Turner Motorsports, which was sponsored by a tasty beverage next week.

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Rob Moroso-1990

By David G. Firestone

1990 Rookie of the Year Rob Moroso poses with his Crown Oil Oldsmobile Cutlass.

I like the color scheme, that is a great shade of blue. The red is good too. I like the stripe up the side, that turns diagonal at the wheel well. I don’t like the fact that the Crown logo is cut off by the wheel well. It isn’t a good look at all. I do like the minuscule outline on the door numbers and the side lettering. I like the OLDS on the B post, and CUTLASS SUPREME on the windshield banner. It’s a good looking car.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-June 8, 2016

By David G. Firestone

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, blue top, reverse wave formation across sides, white bottom, with silver accents. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, red and yellow front with a spike transition to rear. A+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevy SSNew 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 FusionSame basic scheme as 2015, but Miller has been removed from hood, similar 2014. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford FusionNew sponsor for 2016, same as #22 Auto Trader. D-

Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford FusionNew 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+

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with blue and red patriotic designs that extend from front to door number on top, and on the bottom to end of car. C-

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite 1972 Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on the Miller Lite can design from 1972. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SSSame basic scheme, but the hood logo is slightly larger. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SSNo change. A+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SSNo change. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Intellifresh Chevy SSNew sponsor for 2016, same as Dow Energy and Water. B-

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/StemAmbasadors Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Dow, but with StemAmbasadors on quarter panels. B+

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 SSNo change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, mountain design starts near brake duct, instead of at front of car. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SSNo 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 SSNew 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 SSNo Change. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SSNo Change. D+

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, all teal with hammerhead sharks swiming around the scheme. A+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, white with blue line and checkered flag on bottom. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, based on the paint scheme Mark Martin ran in 1996 and 1997. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, patriotic hood, blue metallic front, red in front of the door numbers, grey behind door numbers. F

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 SSNew scheme for 2016, based on the “Underbird” design used by Kulwicki in 1992. C+

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, camo replaces blue on the front, black replaces blue on the back. F

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Fox Sports Go Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nature’s Bakery, but with Fox Sports Go on quarter panels. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota CamryNo 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, much more subdued version of the 2015 scheme. A+

Casey Mears #13 Geico Millitary Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, black with camo motif across car. F

Casey Mears #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on Smokey Yunick’s 1967 Chevy. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SSNew 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 SSSlight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SSSlight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SSNo Change. C+

Brian Vickers #14 Janssen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew sponsor for 2016, all red with fire designs on quarter panel, and KFC stripes on roof. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Products Ford FusionNo Change. B+

Greg Biffle #16 Roush Performance Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, black with red and white check pattern design on side. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Cheez-Its Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow is replaced with patriotic elements. B+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford FusionNo Change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Eco-Boost Ford FusionNew 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 FusionNew scheme for 2016, much simper design, with soap motif. C+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Throwback Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, based on Darrell Waltrip’s 1975 scheme. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as 2015, but with red outlining the star, and stripes on sides have been trimmed. A-

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2015, stripes are wider, black stripe on bottom gone. F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota CamryNew 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 CamryNew 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 CamryNo 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 CamryNew 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+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same basic M&M’s design, but in red, white, and blue with a patriotic motif. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota CamryNo Change. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota CamrySlight redesign for 2016, logos are bigger, outlines are bolder. A

Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota CamryNew scheme for 2016, green replaces black, box motif replaces stripe motif. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota CamryNo Change. D-

Carl Edwards #19 Xfinity Toyota CamryNo 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 CamrySlight redesign for 2016, black stripe across bottom now gone. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota CamryNo Change. A+

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Ford FusionNo Change. A+

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford FusionNo change D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford FusionNo Change. D

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford FusionNo Change. D-

Joey Logano #22 AAA of Southern California Ford FusionNo Change. D

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford FusionNew 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

Joey Logano #22 Shell Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on Bobby Labonte’s #44 Shell scheme which was the first Shell shceme to win a race in NASCAR’s national series. B-

BK RACING #23

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota CamryNew 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

David Ragan #23 Weaver Media Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with white paper motif on sides. B+

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 SSNew scheme for 2015, black and white replaces silver, extra geometrical designs on sides. B+

Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, black front, extending into Menard’s template, yellow rear. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme with new Menard’s template. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, New Menard’s template with FVP colors. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman Chevy SSNew 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 SSNo Change. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, Menard’s Template with light blue color scheme. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, new Menard’s template with purple front. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SSNew 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 SSSlight redesign for 2016, yellow stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly larger. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SSNo change. B +

Ryan Newman #31 Wix Filters Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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+

Ryan Newman #31 Whelen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red front, right angle near wheel well, extends to stripe up the back, white covers sides and quarter panels. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Kalahari Resorts Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue with light blue and red diagonal stripes across sides. C-

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 FusionNew 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 FusionNo 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew 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+

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can Am Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow front and back, with black and red curve going up sides. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, Front Row Template has been reversed, red replaces back as secondary color. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Dockside Logistics Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, all white with Dockside Logistics logos on sides and hood. A+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play it Safe Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 A&W Ford FusionNo 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+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play It Safe Hire Our Veterans Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, purple camouflage with red CSX track up sides. F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35

David Gilliland #35 Ford Fusion-White with black and red letters. A+

David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford FusionExcept for car number, no change. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Landon Cassill #38 Florida Lottery Ford FusionNo Change. C+

Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford FusionNo Change. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 Snap Fitnaess Ford FusionNew scheme for 2015, all red with Snap Fitness logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Front Row template, blue stars on front of car, red back. A+

HILLMAN RACING #40

Reed Sorenson #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, vertical fade from red to white replaces side fade from 2015. A+

Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, yellow and blue Clorox front, red and white Target rear with Glad logo on quarter panel. F

Kyle Larson #42 Target Scott Dixon Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, running a scheme similar to Scott Dixon’s IndyCar Scheme. A+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford FusionSlight redesign for 2016, roof numbers turn from yellow to red. B+

Aric Almiroa #43 U.S. Air Force Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but with more lightning. A+

Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford FusionNew scheme for 2014, STP colors with stripes that correspond to the door logos. B-

Aric Almirola #43 Waffle House Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, yellow replaces patriotic motif. D-

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford FusionNo Change. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44

Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Ford FusionAside 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 FusionNew 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 FusionNew scheme for 2016, same as 2015 scheme, but with side stripe removed, and Petty door design on sides. C+

Brian Scott #44 Medallion Bank Ford FusionNew scheme for 2016, taxi yellow with checkered flag across bottom. A+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SSNo Change. A+

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all red with white front. A+

Michael 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 SSNo Change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stoffer’s/Lean Cuisine Chevy SSNew 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 SSNo 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 SSNo Change. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SSNew scheme for 2016, based on the scheme Bruce Hill raced in his rookie year in 1975 A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SSNew 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+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SSNo Change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SSSlight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro ServicesSlight 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 SSNew 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 SSNo 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 SSNew scheme for 2016, same as #95, with door numbers reversed. B+

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

Marin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Toyota CamryOther 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

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

BK RACING #83

Michael Waltrip #83 Maxwell House Toyota CamryNo 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 CamryNew 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 CamryNo 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-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Hope For Warriors Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, white and blue, with a plethora of patriotic designs on sides. F

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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 CamryNo Change. B-

Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota CamryNo Change. D+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Ty Dillon #95 Cheerios Chevy SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSNew 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 SSAside from new team, no change. A-

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Ford FusionNo 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-

Ty Dillon #95 BVT/Blake’s Snow Shack Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Cheerios, but with black extending up to roof on door numbers, as well as part of quarter panel. 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 SSNo Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Chevy SSNo Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Rinnai Ford FusionNew 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 SSNo 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 Passing of Muhammad Ali

By David G. Firestone

It’s very rare that we lose an icon on the level of Muhammad Ali. It’s even rarer that an athlete transcends his sport and his culture like Ali did. There have been plenty of great boxers over the years, there are many more coming. Ali had somethings that those other boxers didn’t.

Though his detractors called him “brash” and “arrogant,” he said what he had to say, and stood for what he had to stand for. He refused to serve in the army in Vietnam. His quote can be considered legendary when he said that he had“no quarrel with them Vietcong…My conscience won’t let me go shoot my brother, or some darker people, or some poor hungry people in the mud for big powerful America. And shoot them for what? They never called me n—-r, they never lynched me, they didn’t put no dogs on me, they didn’t rob me of my nationality, rape or kill my mother and father…. How can I shoot them poor people? Just take me to jail.”

As a result of that inspired quote, and the inspired reasons behind it, he lost his boxing licenses, he forfeited his titles, and spent time in jail. Ali was never a man to back down from what he believed in, and appealed the decisions, and won. In the ring, he was an innovator. With a lifetime record of 56 and 5, Ali is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. His nickname “The Greatest” is proof of that.

Out of the ring he was as good a statesman as he was a boxer. His anti-war ideals were supported by large numbers of people. His pride in himself made him a respected figure. He became the most famous man in the world. His love for peace was such that as tensions between Iraq and the US were escalating in 1991, he traveled to Iraq and met with Saddam Hussein to try and release American hostages. When Parkinson’s Disease robbed him of the ability to be Ali, he could have given up hope, but he decided to be the poster child for Parkinson’s. In this sense, Ali was more legend than human…and at the same time, more human then legend.

The only thing that can and should be said in the end is that we really have tragically lost an American icon.