Month: September 2016

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-September 17, 2016

By David G. Firestone

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Emerald Chevy SS– The color scheme is decent, and the side design is a bit overdone. B-

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion-I like this new look. The curve looks good, and the color scheme is great. I give it an A

Kasey Kahne #5 Levi’s/Great Clips Chevy SS-The denim motif is a bold choice, and it works well. It’s not overdone, and it looks really good. A

Regan Smith #7 Nikko/Raphael Chevy SS-The comic book motif is overdone, and the color scheme doesn’t work. F

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-Same basic scheme as FedEx Ground but with silver numbers, same A grade.

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-Same basic scheme as M&M’s but with silver numbers, same A grade.

Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-Same basic scheme as Arris Surfboard but with silver numbers, same A grade.

Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-Same basic scheme as Dollar General but with silver numbers, same A grade.

David Ragan #23 Jewel Osco/Leonardo Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, white and black with sublimated designs and Leonardo on sides. and hood. D-

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 JT Concrete/Carolina Cooker/Rocksteady Ford Fusion-The comic book motif is overdone, and the color scheme doesn’t work. F

Landon Cassill #38 Bebop Ford Fusion-The comic book motif is overdone, and the color scheme doesn’t work. F

Kyle Larson #42 Coca Cola Chevy SS-Coca Cola has a great shade of red, but the whole design is pointlessly overdone. It’s not great, but the great color scheme and the bad design scheme average out to a B-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Mass Markets Toyota Camry-Too many colors, and too many designs here. It’s a jumbled mess, and worth of an F grade.

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta/Service King Chevy SS-Same scheme as Axalta, same A grade.

Matt DiBenedetto #93 Union Bank Toyota Camry-Too overdone with a terrible color scheme will always earn an F.

Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial/Donatello Chevy SS-The comic book motif is overdone, and the color scheme doesn’t work. F

Cole Whitt #98 Moen Chevy SS-Great color scheme, great design scheme, a great look. A

 

The Driver Suit Blog-Coin Down Chicago Bears!

bearscoin-9By David G. Firestone

As the Chicago Bears hold their home opener this week, I felt it would be prudent to go off-topic this week. This will be the last off-topic Friday Feature for 2016. I will have some stuff for next year, but it will be more spread out…more on that later.

2004 was not a great year for Chicago sports. The Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, Fire, and White Sox all missed the playoffs, while having mediocre to awful seasons. The Cubs and White Sox were dead by September, and while the Bulls and Blackhawks were getting started, it became clear rather quickly that they had nothing, and their seasons weren’t going to go anywhere. The Fire have always been the odd group out in Chicago sports. When they won the MLS Cup in October 1998, nobody in Chicago noticed or cared. But like the rest of the sports in Chicago, the season they had was not great in 2004.

The bright spot was supposed to be football. The Bears had a decent roster, a new set of alternate uniforms, and a brand new coach in Lovie Smith. The NFC North wasn’t as strong as other conferences. So it is into this season the Bears started on September 12, 2004. The Bears began their season at home against the Lions. Before the game, they lost the coin toss, and went on to lose the game. The coin toss was conducted with this Chicago Bears coin.bearscoin-9 bearscoin-10The Highland Mint Bears coin isn’t of the Opening Day variety commonly used, but comes with a box, and full PSA/DNA authenticationbearscoin-1 bearscoin-2The HEADS side of the coin features a Chicago Bears “Wishbone C” logo, and CHICAGO BEARS EST 1920 stamped into it.bearscoin-3 bearscoin-4The back of the coin features the pre-2007 NFL shield, and has OFFICIAL GAME COIN 2004 stamped into it.bearscoin-5 bearscoin-6The coin is stamped #531. There were a total of 5000 made, and while other examples of game-used toss coins are numbered 0001, this isn’t surprising as any one of the 5000 coins made could find their way onto the field.bearscoin-7 bearscoin-8Game used coins are an interesting aspect of the memorabilia market, because there is a discussion about if they are “game used” or “pregame used.” I’m wondering if there should be a separate category for “pregame used” memorabilia. MLB and the NHL both have special warm up jerseys worn prior to games. Should they be called “game worn” when they never saw action during an actual game?

The coin itself could realistically be called “game used” because it directly affects the outcome of the game. It decides which team gets the ball first. It it is used in an overtime situation, it decides who gets the ball first in overtime. So my solution is that to have a separate sub-category in game-used sports memorabilia called “pregame used” memorabilia. This sub-category would consist of items used in pregame warmups, batting practice, or practice, but never actually used in games.

Truth be told, I have no idea why I like game-used coins. I used to collect coins, but I haven’t really done so for many years. I don’t always understand why I find things interesting, but I’m probably like a lot of people in this respect. We all have things that interest us, but we can’t really explain why they interest us.

OK, enough football stuff, next week, we go back to drag racing parachutes.

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-John Andretti-1995

By David G. Firestone

1995’s first entry, this John Andretti Little Ceasers/K-Mart Ford Thunderbird is our subject.

The white background looks good. The red stripe works. The red drop shadow on the roof isn’t needed. The hood looks crowded, given the number of logos present. I can’t complain on the sides, they aren’t cut off by the wheel well. I really like this car, it’s a really good look.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-September 14, 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

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Mac Tonight Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Bill Elliott’s McDonald’s Mac Tonight scheme. F

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Emerald Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, emerald with two curves up the sides, and a wave form under the numbers. B-

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

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

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite/Careers for Veterans Ford Fusion–No change. 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

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 SS–New scheme for 2016, same silver background, but the car resembles Clint Bowyer’s current design. C+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Utility Chevy SS–No Change. A

Austin Dillon #3 NRA Museum Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with a patriotic motif across whole car. F

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Olympics Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, reverse of Dow with Olympic Rings on hood. B-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Mycogen Seeds Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, silver with red, white and black rolling fields motif. 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 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

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as #14. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Beer Hunting Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same basic design as Busch, but with a hunting camo motif. C

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

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue with red stripes across sides. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, black, with white lettering, and red stripes across rear of car. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Terry Labonte’s JD Stacey scheme from 1982. B+

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

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

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Spark Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, blue front, cube to white design on sides and roof. B-

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

Regan Smith #7 Advance Auto Parts/Quaker State Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white top, stripe fade to black across sides. A

Regan Smith #7 Mario Fiore Teddy Bear Pools Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Mario Fiore’s Teddy Bears modified. A

Regan Smith #7 APC Donald “Dutch” Hoag Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the scheme used by Donald “Dutch” Hoag for his racing career. 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

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 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.

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.

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

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, designed by Hamlin, all black with a cutting edge design across sides. D-

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, based on one of Darrell Waltrip’s old Budweiser schemes. A

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

Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Ducks Unlimited Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with camo wave design on front, duck design on rear. B-

Tony Stewart #14 Haas Automation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, silver with vertical fade to black, with white number. A-

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Chevy Summer Selldown Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Chevy Summer Selldown logos on quarter panels. A

Tony Stewart #14 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Bobby Allison’s #14 Coca Cola scheme from 1970-1973. 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-

Clint Bowyer #15 5 Hour Energy/Knoxville Nationals Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as 5 Hour Energy, but with Knoxville Energy on hood and quarter panels. A

Clint Bowyer #15 Five Hour Energy Benny Parsons Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Based on Benny Parsons’ 1970’s Chevy. A

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

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

Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Plus Motor Oil Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow, silver, and white cutting edge designs up the side. B-

Greg Biffle #16 KFC Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to KFC Nashville Hot Chicken, but with fewer stripes, and names on the car. A-

Greg Biffe #16 NESN Fuel Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, blue, dark blue, white, and silver, with cutting edge designs up the side. B-

Greg Biffle #16 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as #17 Eco-Boost. B+

Greg Biffle #16 Hooters Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 Championship Ford “Underbird.” 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

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

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Brian Clauson Tribute Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on Brian Clauson’s Fastenal scheme when he raced in the Nationwide Series. 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

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

Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Crispier Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, blue with sublimated square designs, and brown Snickers logo on sides and hood. B-

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as M&M’s but with silver letters. 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, gray diagonal stripe near wheel well, fades to white back. A

Carl Edwards #19 Arris Tony Stewart Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same color scheme, but based on Tony Stewart’s 1999 Home Depot Pontiac. A

Carl Edwards #19 SportClips Toyota Camry-Same as Denny Hamlin’s #11. C

Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Arris Surfboard but with silver letters. 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

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt/Flexvolt Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, DeWalt yellow front, with black lightning motif across sides and roof, with a small yellow patch on quarter panel. C-

Matt Kenseth #20 Tide Pods Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2016, based on the “Tide Ride” which was a staple of NASCAR for many years. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Dollar General but with silver letters. A

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Ryan Blaney #21 Quicklane/Trading One Uniform For Another Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Motorcraft, but with Blue Quicklane color scheme. A

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on David Pearson’s 1976 Daytona 500 winning Mercury Montego. A

Ryan Blaney #21 Virginia Tech Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue with orange and white stripe across side. B+

Ryan Blaney #21 SKF Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, white with red bordered blue Penske Template. 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

Joey Logano #22 Shell Throwback Chevy SS–New 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 Camry–New scheme for 2016, white hood, different designs on sides. A

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+

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Dr. Pepper, but with Frontline on decklid. A

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, red sides with throwback logos, white hood, roof, and decklid, with I’m A Pepper, and vintage logos on hood. B+

David Ragan #23 Flaming Leprechaun Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black, with dark red flames across sides. Flaming Leprechaun on sides and hood. A

David Ragan #23 Brandies Machinery Toyota Camry–No Change. F

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper/USA Network Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, same as Dr. Pepper, but with USA Network on hood and quarter panels. A

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-

Chase Eliott #24 NAPA Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue with white hood, and patriotic motif across sides. C+

Chase Elliott #24 Mountain Dew Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black and green, green hood and roof, black sides, black outline of brake ducts, subtle Mountain Dew logos under door number. C+

Chase Elliott #24 Red Cross Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, white with red roof and hood. A

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

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Sylvania Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same color scheme as 2015, but with new Menard’s Template. F

Paul Menard #27 Valvoline Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, throwback Valvoline scheme, based on Al Unser’s 1993 Daytona 500 scheme. F

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

Josh Wise #30 SBC Construction Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, all black with SBC Construction logos on hood, and small logos on quarter panel. A

Josh Wise #30 Vision RV Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, all black with SBC Construction logos on hood, and sides. A

Josh Wise #30 Incredible Bank Dale Earnhardt Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, orange with blue door numbers, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1976 Army car. 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, gray 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

Ryan Newman #31 Florida Lottery Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black, with teal and orange wave designs on side. D

Ryan Newman #31 Cat/Freighliner Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black hood and roof, white sides, black stripe on bottom. A

GO GREEN 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

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

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts Dale Earnhardt Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1981-1985 Wrangler Scheme. A

Bobby Labonte #32 One Orlando Ford Fuson–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015 C&J Energy Services, but with One Orlando on sides and hood. F

Eddie McDonald #32 Bentley’s Saloon Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, orange, red, silver, and black with a series of modern designs up sides. F

Jeb Burton #32 Erie Insurance Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, white, blue, and black, with a wave form up the side. B+

Joey Gase #32 Diesel Sales/Sparkz Ford Fusion-New sponsors for 2016, black with Diesel Sales on hood, and Sparkz logo on sides. A

Boris Said #32 Genesee Beer Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, all white with Keen Parts logo on hood, and Corvette Parts logo on quarter panel. 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

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

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Support The Troops Ford Fusion–No Change. F

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on the first Love’s Truck Stops design from 1980. White with vintage Love’s logo on sides, and yellow, green, and red stripes across sides. 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

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

Landon Cassill #38 Taco Bell Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic design, but white replaces black, blue numbers replace black numbers, and Live Mas is larger. B+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Transportation Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Front Row template with orange front, and white rear. A

Landon Cassill #38 Rumple Furniture Throwback Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, based on JD McDuffie’s Bailey Excavating scheme. A

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–No Change. 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

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

Kyle Larson #42 Energizer Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same front design as 2014, but with white bottom instead of black. C-

Kyle Larson #42 Huggies Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with red designs across sides. D+

Kyle Larson #42 Target Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, loosely based on the first Target IndyCar scheme from 1990. B-

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

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 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+

Brian Scott #44 Medallion Bank Ford Fusion–New 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

Brian Scott #44 Albertsons’/Blu Emu Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Alberston’s but with Blu Emu on quarter panels. A

Brian Scott #44 Shaw’s/Heinz Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Shaw’s on hood, Heinz on quarter panels. A

Brian Scott #44 Jacob Construction/Medallion Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Medallion Taxi scheme. A

Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Fan Photo Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Twisted Tea, but with a fan photo on the side. F

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

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 SS–No Change. A

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as red Pilot/Flying J, but with patriotic motif. A

Michael Annett #46 St Jude’s Hospital Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white, teal, and red with wave form up the sides. B+

Michael Annett #46 Pilot Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, skinnier door numbers, vintage pilot logos and vintage striping across bottom. 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

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS–No 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

AJ Allmendinger #47 Ralph’s/Kingsford Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Kroger’s, but with Ralph’s and Kingsford on hood. A

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Outshine/Drumstick Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Outshine and Drumstick on quarter panels and hood.

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Clorox/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Clorox on quarter panels and hood.

AJ Allmendinger #47 Scott’s Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger’s but with Scott’s on the side. 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 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

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with stars on hood and rear, white, blue, and silver diagonal design up the side. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Red Vest Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red, with blue and white designs up sides F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowes Earnhardt Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1979 Mike Curb Rookie of the Year Scheme. 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

Cody Ware #55 Carport Empire Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and red designs, on bottom and red roof. A

Reed Sorenson #55 Royal Teak Toyota Camry–No Change. A

Alex Kennedy #55 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Carport Empire minus the logos. 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+

Marin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Toyota Camry–Other than the switch from Chevy to Toyota, there are no major changes.

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

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto-Owners Insurance Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, dark blue with some light blue designs on sides, and a light blue roof. C+

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with patriotic motif across sides. C-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Tanger Outlets Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, black, and green with cutting edge designs up the sides. C-

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-

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

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Anest Iwata Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, blue front, black rear, silver stripe divides the two. A

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Orange Crush Throwback Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, orange, with blue stripes and throwback logos on sides and top. A

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Science Logic Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2016, light blue with a series of circular designs across sides. D+

Matt DiBenedetto #83 EJ Wade Construction Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and orange cutting edge designs on side. B-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Mass Markets Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and orange geometrical designs across sides. C-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Vector Security Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, white with red and blue cutting edge design across sides. A

Matt DiBenedetto #83 EJ Wade Construction Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, orange with black cutting edge designs on side. 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+

Dylan Lupton #93 Bell Brothers/Elk Grove Toyota Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white circular designs across car. C-

Matt DiBenedetto #93 Union Bank Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2015, red, green, and white with a series of cutting edge designs on side. F

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-

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

Michael McDowell #95 Malware Bites Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue front with lighter blue circuit board motif across sides. B+

Ty Dillon #95 Chevy Summer Selldown Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white, with red and green sunburst style designs on sides. B-

Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Richard Childress Throwback Chevy SS-New Scheme for 2016, same as Richard Childress’ Kansas Jack scheme from the 1970’s. A

Ty Dillon #95 Death Wish Coffee Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with sublimated design on sides. A

Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial/Donatello Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, comic book motif across whole car with Donatello, and Thrivent Financial on hood and sides. F

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

Cole Whitt #98 RTIC Coolers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as RTIC but blue replaces black. A

Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Reversed Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Speed Stick but with the colors reversed. A

Cole Whitt #98 Carolina Skiff Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white Carolina Skiff logos on sides and hood. A

Cole Whitt #98 Carolina Skiff Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on LeeRoy Yarbrough’s 1969 Southern 500 Ford Torino. A

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On Social Justice

By David G. Firestone

Could someone explain to me why kids are coddled so much? How did we get to this point? Between participation trophies, trigger warnings, and helicopter parents, we have a generation of kids in college who are grown in terms of physical bodies, but little children in terms of emotional maturity. When they don’t get what they want, they cry and scream and whine until they do.

The new phenomenon I’ve been seeing as of late are these “social justice warriors.” They are individuals who promote socially progressive ideals and political correctness. The problem is that while some of them have very valid and reasonable reasons for promoting these ideals, others have less than ideal reasons. Take what happened at the University of Missouri for example. There were a number of racial incidents on campus, and African American students were upset because they felt the university didn’t take enough steps to remedy the problem. The protests that followed were justifiable. Obviously, if racists incidents aren’t being dealt with, then those who were hurt have every right to be upset and protest.

Where these “social justice warriors” lose the point is by trying to silence everyone who doesn’t agree with their specific belief system. For example, if a university allows Milo Yiannopoulos to speak, inevitably there will be protests and sometimes these protests get out of hand. I’ve never been ashamed of DePaul University, my alma mater, but after the chaos at the visit of Milo Yiannopoulos, with security doing little, if anything to quell what was was going on, any chance of them getting donations from me is now a distant memory.

I can’t stand Milo Yiannopoulos, and I’m not going to defend what he says. He is an internet troll who likes to get under people’s skin. The problem here is that “social justice warriors” don’t seem to understand how internet trolling works, even though many of them fancy themselves as internet trolls. When you go to his speeches and raise havoc, you are doing exactly what he wants you to do, and you are proving his point.

Here’s something that these myopic, smug, self-righteous little children fail to understand about rights: Everyone has the right to free speech, free expression, and freedom of religion, not just you. You can believe whatever you want, but you can’t force me to believe it. People are going to have differing opinions from your own, and that’s the way the world works. Adults can respect disagreement, little children can’t handle it.

Again, I’m not slamming all “social justice warriors.” The ones who have real complaints and are protesting serious issues that need to be addressed are fine. The ones who act like babies because someone else disagrees with them are the ones I can’t stand. The world doesn’t revolve around you, nobody owes you anything, and you are no more important than the other 7 billion people on earth.

It should also be noted that the reason universities invite people like Milo Yiannopoulos to speak at events is because they want students to be out of their comfort zone. They want you to listen to him because his opinions differ from yours, and the university wants you to grow as a person. I don’t live in a world of affirmation, I live in a world of information, also called “The Real World” In the rea world, “safe spaces” are bullshit because in the real world, there is no such thing as a “safe space.” “trigger warnings” do not exist outside of school in the real world.

The bottom line for college students is that you are an adult, learn to act like it.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-September 10, 2016

By David G. Firestone

Ryan Blaney #21 SKF Ford Fusion-White works quite well with the Penske template, and the red bordered blue looks really good. All in all, a great scheme. A

Chase Elliott #24 Red Cross Chevy SS-White and red is always a solid color scheme, and the design here looks really good. A

Josh Wise #30 Incredible Bank Dale Earnhardt Throwback Chevy SS-It’s a good throwback, but I’m wondering why the US Army would pick orange and blue for a color scheme. Then again, it’s from 1976. Still, it looks good, and earns an A

Matt DiBenedetto #83 EJ Wade Construction Toyota Camry-Reversing the color scheme can sometimes improve the scheme, in some cases it can make the scheme worse. This scheme is the same B- scheme as the black scheme.

Ty Dillon #95 Death Wish Coffee Chevy SS-The subtle designs look good, and the color scheme is great. I give it an A.

Cole Whitt #98 Carolina Skiff Throwback Chevy SS-Another in the line of great throwbacks from the Southern 500. A great design, with a great scheme will always earn an A.

The Driver Suit Blog-One of the Best Tools At A Drag Racer’s Disposal

By David G. Firestone

Most people associate parachutes with skydiving, para sailing, or military operations, but they have been critical over the course of auto racing as well. For those who follow drag racing or land speed records, parachutes being deployed at the end of the run is a common, and reassuring sight. Dragsters and funny cars can go from zero to 320 MPH in 3.87 seconds. There is no way these cars could stop as effectively without perfect parachute design. Most people also don’t realize that there are two very distinct designs used in drag racing, the Simpson design, and the Stroud design.

The most commonly known form of drag racing parachute is the cross-form style of parachute. This was the parachute developed from a French design used to air drop supplies during war time. It came to racing in 1958 by Bill Simpson, then 18 years old, after a drag racing crash. Legendary drag racing driver and innovator Don Garlits instantly knew this was a perfect design, and was Simpson’s first customer. Thus the Simpson Race Products company was born. The proof that this is an effective design is that aside from materials and size, there have been no modifications to the design in almost 58 years of continuous operation.

This example came from TJ Zizzo’s Peal Anti-Freeze dragster. TJ was sponsored by Peak from 2008 to 2013. The blue PEAK chutes can be seen on his car during that time. The canopy is 12 feet by 12 feet square. The cross-form chute canopy has an opening in the very center, for air to go through. The pilot chute is attached here as well. Pilot chutes are universally used to deploy parachutes. When the cords are pulled, and the chute is released, the pilot chute deploys, which catches air and pulls the primary chute behind it. The chutes are strapped to a bar at the back of the car, the straps pre-covered in Nomex to prevent fire damage, then packed into a bag, before the race.

The Stroud design came from necessity. The cross-form has been proven effective in the faster cars, namely top fuel, and funny car in the professional classes, as well as top alcohol and top alcohol funny cars in the amateur classes. These are great at stopping cars over 200 MPH. However, there are a number of categories in drag racing where the cars run under 200 MPH and the cross-form deploys too roughly, and would drag the car up. This problem was confirmed by Bill Simpson himself. When he first tested the cross-form at 100 MPH the car took off, and he was hospitalized and arrested. Bob Stroud, who is an engineer who has made a number of designs to airborne parachutes worked on the problem, and came up with the current design in the 1980’s. While Stroud developed the chute, many companies have made design changes.

For a time, these designs were relegated to the amateur classes of the NHRA. It was in May of 1990, at the AC-Delco Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway that the Stroud design came to the professional leagues, stopping Warren Johnson at the end of his races. It should also be noted that at that time, many drivers simply didn’t deploy their chutes at the end of a run. While their design has evolved over time, it still remains the standard for cars that race up to 205 MPH. This example comes from Dave Connolly’s 2014 Chevy Camaro. It measures 8 feet square. Dave autographed it after he finished using it. It has the same pilot chute design as the cross-form.

These parachutes and pilot chutes are massive, but are packed into a bag which measures 9 inches square. There are two designs that are used to launch a parachute. There is the empty box design, which mounts to the back of the car, and is opened by pulling the cable. The second is a pneumatic launcher, used with smaller cross form, and most Stroud chutes. Drag racing parachutes are almost always packed by the drivers themselves. As one driver so elegantly phrased it, “If doesn’t work, I have nobody to blame but myself.” How do drivers pack their own chutes? I’ll let driver Rickie Jones explain that:

Next week, I’m gonna go a bit off-topic, but it will be interesting!

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Derrike Cope-1994

By David G. Firestone

Kodak makes its return with this 1994 Chevy Lumina, driver by Sterling Marlin.

Kodak still has the best shade of yellow in auto racing. I do like the red door numbers, though I could do without the black drop shadow. I think the side logos are too far forward. I do like the design on the sides, under the logos. I don’t like logos cut off by the wheel well. All things considered, it’s a decent scheme.