Month: October 2017

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughs on Shopping Malls…Revisited

By David G. Firestone

[Editor’s note:Been a little busy this week, so I decided to go into the archives and pull out one from quite a few years ago…enjoy!]

Admittedly, I do not go to shopping malls all that often. The mall houses the biggest collection of douchebags on the planet, and I try to avoid it at all costs. I’ve gone to the mall 3 times in the last year, and I get annoyed by things every time. This last weekend, I spend the bulk of my weekend at the mall trying to finish my shopping. After spending more time than a human being ever should in a shopping mall, I have a number of observations from my last 3 times…

*To the girl being questioned by security, I hope you have an explanation for the fact that there is a dress clearly visible wadded up under your shirt.

*Jet black pantyhose do not qualify as pants.

*If the pockets on your shorts stick out underneath the end of your shorts, that is proof you did them yourself. I have a hard time believing that stores would sell that

*To the Windows 8 phone display…some free advice:Your display is to sell phones, but you have a guitar leaning on a chair in front of a laser beam background, but you have no phones to be seen…am I missing something here?

*To any store who’s business model is some variation of “Selling things that smell nice,” some free advice:If I can smell you three stores away, or one floor above, tone it down!

*If you pay more that $35 for a t-shirt, or buy a shirt from a store that only sells merchandise with its own name and/or logo on it, please shoot yourself.

*To the dead sea minerals stand, If I walk by you 3 times, and all 3 times, I ignore you entirely, what the hell makes you think anything will change the 4th time? If it was the hot girl with the sexy accent I met last time, I would listen, but a 34 year old man with frosted tips, and an Abercrombe shirt won’t work.

*To the toy kiosk, You know how I can tell you sell knockoffs? The characters names are misspelled on the package. It’s Lightning McQueen, not Lighetning McKween.

*I don’t know where “Hilfiger University” is, but I’m willing to bet it is on the same campus as Douchebag Tech.

*If you are going to go to a mall in a 3-piece suit to get something to eat, aim a little higher than McDonald’s…Go A&W or higher.

*You can get cell phone service on top of Mount Everest, but I can’t get a bar when I am standing next to the Disney Store…

*This one is more of a legit question…To the car dealer(s) who have models on display in a shopping mall…do you do anything to the car after parking it in the mall to keep people from stealing it? I would guess you take the battery out, but anything else?

*To the woman I met outside of Macy’s…if you are that drunk and the sun is out you need help…seriously.

*If you walk into a Chicago Cubs store wearing White Sox, Brewers or Cardinals gear, please punch yourself in the face as hard as you can.

*To the woman who offered me this new “makeup for men” I really hope you have a backup plan for when this business venture fails.

*”I’m going to the Swatch Store!” said no one in the last 20 years.

*Sears has something called the Kardashian Kollection, because having the Kim Kardashian Kollection doesn’t exactly look good on a sign…

*The Kardashian Kollection…for women who want to dress like skanks but shop at a reputable establishment.

*Cologne sold in a cigar tube…makes as much sense as selling shaving cream in a pink rubber duck.

*Why the fuck does McDonalds have a meeting room?

*Exactly how many soft pretzel stands does one mall need exactly? I’m pretty sure 3 is too many.

*Would someone please set fire to the Crocs store?

*Mini golf, with black lights, and spinning flashing strobes…Do they charge extra for getting sick? It must happen a lot.

*To the bimbo who is standing behind me, allow me to answer your question…it is cold outside because it is winter in Chicago. You are the one who chose to wear a mini-skirt so shut up!

*I love how the M&Ms reps handing out samples while wearing NASCAR shirts looked at me funny because I’m wearing a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup NASCAR jacket.

*This mall has 3 pretzel stands, 3 places to get tea, 4 coffee shops, 9 places that specialize in desert, and 35 places in total to buy food, but not one store has a decent big and tall selection.

*3 Sunglasses Huts? 3?

*A used clothing store in an indoor mall? Why?

*To Frederick’s of Hollywood, if you don’t like guys staring in the windows, don’t put pictures of women in erotic lingerie near the windows.

*If I could walk from one part of the mall to another without being asked to upgrade my smartphone, that’d be great.

*J. Crew is still in business? I haven’t heard of that brand in years.

*I love how in the description of Lush there is an asterisk after “organic”

*It’s funny how the laundromat down the street from my house has a bill acceptor that can accept $5 bills, yet the newest, most advanced vending machines this mall has to offer can only accept singles…especially for a $2.25 soda.

*Males should never shop in a women’s clothing store for a wife or a girlfriend. One of two things will occur. Either they will buy something in the wrong size, or something that the owner of the store never dreamed they would sell to someone who has working vision.

*To the youth of America, underwear belongs INSIDE your clothes…that is why they call it underwear. I should never have to see anyone’s underwear in a public situation. Learn how to dress.

*There is nothing illegal about not wearing shorts when it is cold outside. Saturday was 16 degrees outside, why are you wearing shorts?

*To Bath and Body Works, The Body Shop, L’Occitane, or any other store that sells scented things, is there a clause in your lease that forces you to pay to have the space cleaned after you leave? If I can smell your store from the floor above, or 3 stores away, I’m willing to bet the scent doesn’t leave quietly.

*A meeting room at McDonald’s? Why would you ever need a meeting room at McDonald’s?

*Who’s bright idea was it to have the 10th largest mall in the United States to only have 4 public bathrooms, one of which can only hold 3 people at a time?

*Free stuff rules no matter how old you are!

*So you brought your elderly mother to a shopping mall on a Saturday during the Christmas rush, and you are shocked she was overwhelmed?

*A group of young teenage girls ran up to a man in his 40’s and asked to take a picture with him because they like his shirt, and they couldn’t understand why he was uncomfortable.

*$300 for a pair of sneakers, $150 for a shirt, a pair of earrings for $200, this is why I don’t shop at Nordstrom.

*Could someone explain to me why Abercrombe and Fitch does not have windows in their stores? Do they want someone to see their clothes from outside and come in and buy them?

*Why does Auntie Anne’s have a Twitter feed?

*Guys, your shirts come with a top button for a reason, no one wants to see your chest. Please start using them.

*Since when did remote control helicopters become a hot item?

*Windows has a retail store? All we need is an Android store and the trifecta will be complete!

*I can upgrade to an iPhone 4 for $35 or buy a cracked one for $65…what will I chose?

*and finally…The Nestle Toll House Cafe has awesome cookies, why aren’t there any more of these in Chicago?

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-October 28, 2017

By David G. Firestone

First, we have some 2018 schemes…

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion-Red and white works well with the Penske template, and this car has a great look as a result. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro-It’s a much simpler, yet bolder design from the 2017 version, and it looks great! There is nothing wrong with that car at all! A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Ford Fusion-Same scheme as 2017, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion-Same scheme as 2017, same A grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry-Same scheme as 2017, same B- grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry-Same scheme as 2017, same B- grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry-Same scheme as 2017, same B- grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota CamrySame scheme as 2017, same B- grade.

Ty Dillon #13 Twisted Tea Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as 2017, same A grade.

Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion-Same scheme as 2017, same D grade.

Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as 2017, same B- grade.

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry-I get what they were trying to do here, but is just isn’t working. The orange is a bit too light, and the design is mediocre. It’s not awful, but not great. All things considered, I give it a C-.

Martin Truex Jr. #78 5-Hour Energy/Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-See above. C-

Now we focus on 2017…

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Halloween Toyota Camry-It’s a really good scheme, that is more subtle than last year. This scheme works well, and looks good. A

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops/Speedco Ford Fusion-Same scheme as Love’s, same A grade.

Chris Buescher #37 Scott Towels Chevy SS-Too many stripes. It has a great color scheme, but it has too many stripes. It’s not horrible, but it’s not great. It’s worth a C-

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillon’s Chevy SS-Same scheme as Kroger, same A grade.

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Marshaltown Chevy SS-Same scheme as Lowe’s, same F grade.

Cole Whitt #72 Chevy SS-Good smooth look, and the door numbers work with this color scheme. It’s worth an A.

Brett Moffitt #83 Earthwater Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #23, same D- grade.

Michael McDowell #95 Jolt Eye Drops Chevy SS-The blue mountain motif works well, the color scheme works very well, and it’s just a great look all around. A

The Driver Suit Blog-Draft Day Afternoon

By David G. Firestone

[Editor’s Note: This was supposed to run last week, but was delayed due to the interviews with Alexis DeJoria and Del Worsham.]

Going off-topic this week. Later today, The NHL Draft took place at The United Center in Chicago. I didn’t attend the event like I did the NFL Draft, but I am a hockey fan. Living in Chicago, I’ve gone to Blackhawk games, and I’ve followed other teams. When I was in college, the Blackhawks had a deal where you could get a ticket for $8. That was also during a time when the Blackhawks were a disaster, and nobody really cared about them.

I’ve also collected some hockey memorabilia. Joining the Blackhawks in 2005, Adrian Aucoin quickly rose up and became the Blackhawks captain. In two seasons, he scored 4 goals, and had 17 assists. During his time with the Blackhawks, he used this stick.

This Reebok 3K stick shows great use, has custom taping, and is autographed, and personalized to me. Playing with the Blackhawks from 1981 to 1989, Steve Ludzik was a mainstay on the roster. During his career, he also played for the Buffalo Sabres. At some point in his career, he used this Sher-Wood stick, which he autographed on the blade. Goalie Alain Chevrier had a lengthy career, playing for the Devils, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Red Wings. He had a decent career, nothing really memorable. During his time with the Blackhawks, he used the VIC stick. It shows a lot of use. Guy Hebert played in the NHL from 1991 to 2001. He played 491 games, wining 191, and losing 222. During his playing career, he used this Bauer stick, which he autographed on the blade, and it shows nice use. While Warren Skorodenski 35 game, 12 win and 11 loss record isn’t exactly memorable, he is known for having the highest save percentage in 1986-1987 while with the Chicago Blackhawks with a .903. During his time with the Blackhawks, he used this Sher-Wood stick, which shows nice use. Rob Kenny was a minor league hockey player in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Though he never made the team, he did go to the New York Rangers training camp, and during that camp, he used these nameplates, which were removed from the jersey. The Fredericton Canadiens were an AHL team that played in Fredericton, New Brunswick from 1990 to 1999. Three of their players were Alexei Lojkin, Nathan Morin, and Gennady Razin. They played at various times, and their nameplates on their home whites were removed. The don’t show any real use. Shaone Morrisonn had a decent career in the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres. He was drafted in the 2001 NHL Draft in the first round, 19th overall. This is the actual draft board from the 2001 Draft, and the first Boston Bruins jersey he signed after being drafted. I also have a New York Rangers jersey signed by John MacLean and Pierre Pilote. I used to wear this Jocelyn Thibault jersey to games, and I eventually got it autographed and personalized by Thibault!I also have two Blackhawk jerseys, one signed by Bobby Hull, Pierre Pilote, and Steve Larmer. The other one is autographed by Alex Zhamnov, Pierre Pilote, and Steve Larmer. I also have autographed pucks, and flats as well. The NHL Draft doesn’t have the reputation that the NFL or NBA drafts have, but for seven rounds in two days, the hockey world will be focused on the United Center, wondering who will join what team. As with all drafts, time will determine if it will be a great draft, or an awful one. We will have to wait and see.

Next week, I’m going to start Minor League Month with a pair of gloves.

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Tom McEwen-1982

Tom McEwen’s 1982 Coors Light Corvette races down the track

Prior to the Silver Bullet motif, Coors Light had a really good shade of red that they used. This scheme is a great example of that color scheme in action. The color scheme is good, and the white and red designs work very well. I also like the snake logo on the hood of the car. It’s a solid A scheme

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-October 25, 2017

By David G. Firestone

STARCOM RACING #00

Derrike Cope #00 Starcom Fiber Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, yellow front, fade to white center, fade to black rear. C

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1

Jamie McMurray #1 GearWrench Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black, with yellow, and red stripes across bottom. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna Chevy SS–No change. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/McDonald’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, blue front, red rear, stripes between. A

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–No change. A

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Grand Mac Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black, with green front and cutting edge design. A

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s/Cessna Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Cessna/McDonald’s, but with colors reversed. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Credit One/Cessna Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as McDonald’s/Cessna but white replaces red. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams/3M Pro Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as Sherwin Williams but with diamond pattern on the rear. C-

Jamie McMurray #1 Bass Pro Shops/National Wild Turkey Federation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, slight redesign, rounded camo has been replaced with orange stripes. F

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s $1 Any Size Soft Drink Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as McDonald’s, but with $1 Any Size Soft Drink on hood. A

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Signature Crafted Recipes Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as McDonald’s, but with Signature Crafted Recipes on hood. A

Jamie McMurray #1 General Hydroponics/Cessna Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Cessna, but with General Hydroponics on hood. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on the #1 Hawaiian Tropic scheme raced back in the day. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Nicholas Air/Cessna Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Cessna, but with Nicholas Air on the hood. B+

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–No Change 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–No Change D-

Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Genuine Draft Ford Fusion–Throwback scheme that ran from 1990-1996. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Detroit Genuine Parts Ford Fusion–No change. C-

Brad Keselowski #2 Fitzgerald Glider Kits Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, Yellowish-green with black Penske template. D

Brad Keselowski #2 Elite Support/Freightliner Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, Penske template with silver front, blue rear. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, white with American flag motif on middle of car. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Freightliner Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, Penske template with silver front and blue rear. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Navy Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Keselowski’s Navy scheme from 2007 to 2008. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, black front, with red designs near wheel well, white fade across quarter panels. A-

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, but with a few minor stripe changes. D+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, same basic scheme as 2016, but many of the stripes have been removed. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Quikrete Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Dow but with Quikrete on quarter panels. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Lucas Oil Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, similar to 2016 Dow, but with Lucas Oil on quarter panels, and the black stripe is curved. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/World Water Day Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black front, water motif with a curve in front of the door number. D-

Austin Dillon #3 Okuma Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as AAA, but with a black, white, and blue color scheme. D+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Energy and Water Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, black with curve motive, blue water motif inside curve. C

Austin Dillon #3 New Era Cap Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with white hood and roof, large New Era Cap logos on sides. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Intellifresh Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as Dow Energy and Water. C

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, American Flag and wood motif across whole car. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, silver with blue star motif across hood, stars and stripes patterns on sides. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Kilz Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as Dow but with Kilz on sides. A-

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, faded glory American flag motif across whole car. A

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale Earnhardt’s Wranger scheme. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Molykote Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same color scheme, wave design with gear motif. C

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Automotive Magma Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black and red carbon fiber motif. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Therm Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, blue hood and roof, red and white sides. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Univar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Dow, but with Univar on the sides. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Chevy Accessories Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as #31. A

STEWART-HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, all blue with more detail in the mountains. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy John’s Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as 2017 Busch, but with Busch Light on quarter panel. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Bucks Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, green cash motif, Busch logos on sides, Busch Bucks logo on hood. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Annual Protection Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as #41. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Mobil 1 Annual Protection, but red replaces gold. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Outdoor Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, some slight changes to the can design. C

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Throwback Chevy SS–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Outdoors Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, similar to Busch Outdoors, but with more blue. B-

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 2017, silver, with black door, and red stripes. A

Kasey Kahne #5 UniFrst Chevy SS–No Change. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive To End Hunger Chevy SS–No change. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Mountain Dew Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with green and yellow jagged stripe on sides. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, white replaces silver. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on the first scheme Hendrick Motorsports raced in 1984. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Microsoft Windows Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, all blue with subtle designs on sides. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips/Shark Week Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, dark blue with teal shark outline on bottom and shark teeth on front. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Rated Red Road To Race Day Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black front and rear, with red center. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Strong Against Cancer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, red, yellow and red with a crayon motif. A

Kasey Kahne #5 Go90.com/Road to Raceday Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Road to Raceday, but with Go90.com on the hood. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Liberty National Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, blue with silver and white across sides, white roof. B-

Trevor Bayne #6 Performance Plus Motor Oil Ford Fusion–Except for the change from 16 to 6, no change. B-

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, white with multi-colored checkerboard pattern on bottom. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Roush Performance Ford Fusion–Aside from changing from 16 to 6, no change. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, similar to 2016 #17, but with patriotic motif replacing old design. B+

Trevor Bayne #6 Roush Performance/Hines Park Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Roush Performance, but with Hines Park on the hood. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as patriotic, but stars have been removed. A-

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Mark Martin’s Stroh’s Light Throwback Ford Thunderbird. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Liberty National Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, blue with pink elements. F

TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7

Elliott Sadler #7 Golden Corral Chevy SS–No change. A

JJ Yeley #7 Accell Construction Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as previous, but red hood has been replaced by black hood. C

JJ Yeley #7 Accell Construction Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, American flag motif across whole car. A

JJ Yeley #7 Zombie Auto Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with yellow Zombie Auto logos on sides and hood. A

Hermie Sadler #7 We’re Game Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with green designs on side. C-

Justin Marks #7 Golden Corral/Katerra Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white front, black rear, cutting edge designs on sides. D+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #10

Danica Patrick #10 Code 3 Associates Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, white front, green stripe, and blue bottom. A

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, lighter blue, Post-It motif replaced by silver wing, and some minor color changes. F

Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme as 2016, but side and front stripes are bigger. A

Danica Patrick #10 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as #41. A

Danica Patrick #10 Code 3 Associates Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, blue with white hood and roof, silver stripes between the two. A

Danica Patrick #10 Wonder Woman Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, red front, fades to white rear, Wonder Woman logos on sides and hood. A

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Feeding American Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, orange replaces blue. A

Danica Patrick #10 Code 3 Associates/CSU One Cure Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Code 3 Associates, but with CSU and One Cure on the side. A

Danica Patrick #10 Colorado State University One Cure Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, green, gold, and white with paw motif. B+

Danica Patrick #10 Ford Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale Jarrett’s 1999 Championship winning car. A

Danica Patrick #10 Warrior by Danica Patrick/HSN.com Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, teal front, blue rear, cutting edge designs across whole car. C-

Danica Patrick #10 Warriors In Pink Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, pink with white and tattoo designs. F

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, lighter blue, with an orange paintbrush design on sides. B-

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–Slight changes for 2017, door number colors reversed, stripe colors reversed as well. C-

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, orange replaces silver, much more simple design. A

Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, based on Ray Hendrick’s Modified scheme. A

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx/Walgreens Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, wider version of 2016 scheme, with more white. A

GERMAIN RACING #13

Ty Dillon #13 Geico Chevy SS-No change. A

Ty Dillon #13 Twisted Tea Chevy SS–Aside from the new team, no change. A

Ty Dillon #13 Geico Military Chevy SS–No change. F

Ty Dillon #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SS–No change. A

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, white top, red and white stripe across side, blue bottom. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Haas Automotion Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, red top, black bottom, white stripes across sides. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, white hood, roof, and decklid, red, yellow, and black triangle sides.A

Clint Bowyer #14 Haas Demo Days Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Haas, but with Demo Days on hood. A

Clint Bowyer #14 HAAS CNC Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, colors reversed. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Cars 3 Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, same as #42. B+

Clint Bowyer #14 Nature’s Bakery/Feeding American Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as #10. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1/Rush Truck Stops Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Mobil 1,but with Rush Truck Stops on sides. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Carolina Dodge Dealers Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Mark Martin’s #1 Bill Davis Ford Thunderbird used from 1988 to 1991. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Five Star Urgent Care Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, red, white and blue stripe with wave form pattern on bottom red stripe. B

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #15

Michael Waltrip #15 Aaron’s Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, blue photo motif across car, white hood, yellow door numbers. D-

Reed Sorenson #15 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black with white numbers. A

Reed Sorenson #15 The Maids Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, yellow with blue lettering and numbers. A

Reed Sorenson #15 VIP Racing Experience Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with white VIP Racing Experience logos on sides and hood. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Xchange of America Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue with Xchange of America logos. A

Joey Gase #15 Sparks Energy Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with yellow paint splatter on sides. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Harrah’s Casino Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, silver has been removed, black with white numbers and logos. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Internetwork Engineering Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, all black with Internetwork Engineering logo on hood. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Low T Center Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as #55. F

Ross Chastain #15 Protect Your Mellon Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, red, with yellow and white stripe across sides. A

Reed Sorenson#15 Energex.com Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with Energex.com logos on sides and hood. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Corrigan Oil Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white stripe across bottom, black with red and blue stripes across sides. A

Kevin O’Connell #15 SBC Construction /Apollo Opening Roofing System Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, American flag motif across whole car. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Loser’s Bar Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with Loser’s Bar logo on sides and hood. A

Gray Gaulding #15 La Colombe Draft Latte Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, red, white, and blue vertical stripes. A

BJ McLeod #15 American Campus Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017 black with white American Campus logos on sides and hood. A

Gary Klutt #15 Fusilo Construction/Color Compass Corporation Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with blue and white stripe across the side. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Low T Center Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, white replaces black. F

Reed Sorenson #15 Xchange Of America Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, based of Bud Moore’s Motorcraft scheme from the 1980’s. A

Reed Sorenson #15 Ol’ Hick Hickory Pellets Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with white Ol’ Hick logos on sides and hood. A

Mark Thompson #15 Phoenix Air Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with red wing design near front wheel well. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Sunny D Ford Fusion–No change. F

Rickey Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Commemorative Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, but the colors have been reversed. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion–No change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford EcoBoost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, red top, blue and white striped side. D-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.#17 Go Bowling Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, red, and black with bowling pin and lane motif on sides. B-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–No change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Back Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, dark blue with yellow and light blue designs on side and hood. B-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, design reversed, red removed. A-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 NESN Fuel Ford Fusion–Aside from the change from #16 to #17, no change. B-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Darrell Waltrip’s Western Auto scheme. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–Aside from moving the characters around, no major changes for 2017. A

Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Crispier Toyota Camry–No change. B-

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No change. F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Patriotic Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, same as red Skittles, but with white stripes across bottom, and star motif on hood and roof. A

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Caramel Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue with orange M&M’s on sides, and a multi colored design on hood. A

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Pedigree Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, brown with red, white and blue stripes and designs on sides. B-

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Sweet Heat Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, dark purple with fire motif on sides and hood. A

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Halloween Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, much closer to original design, with subtle Halloween elements on rear. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Daniel Suarez #19 Arris Toyota Camry–Same basic scheme as 2016, Aaris replaces Surfboard. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. B+

Daniel Suarez #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme as 2016, but white on sides has been removed. A-

Daniel Suarez #19 Arris Toyota Camry–Same basic scheme as last year, but gray replaces orange on quarter panel. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Irwin Tools/Lennox Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue front, fade to white, with red lettering on rear. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry–No change. D-

Daniel Suarez #19 Camping World Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue with yellow curve across side. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt/Flexvolt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, yellow, with black stripes up the sides and hood. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2017, same as 2016 #18. F

Matt Kenseth #20 Tide Pods Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017 orange front with subtle designs, blue rear with subtle designs. F

Matt Kenseth #20 PEAK Antifreeze Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2017, similar to 2016 #15, but spikes are more pronounced. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Blue Def Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, same as PEAK but with colors reversed. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Toyota Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with red, white, and silver cutting edge design. F

Matt Kenseth #20 Circle K Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, white top, orange stripe down center, red bottom. A

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt/Wounded Warrior Project Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same as DeWalt, but with subtle camouflage effect on yellow. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Freightliner Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, all white with Freightliner logos. A

Matt Kenseth #20 Toyota Care Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, slightly toned down design, with white replacing black. D-

Matt Kenseth #20 Circle K Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, stripe curves up at rear, white numbers are changed to orange. A-

Matt Kenseth #20 American Red Cross/Toyota 4 Good Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same as white Toyota Care but with adjusted logos. D-

Matt Kenseth #20 Sirius/XM Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with wave blue designs on sides. B+

WOOD BROTHER RACING #21

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

Ryan Blaney #21 OmniCraft Auto Parts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, orange replaces red. A-

Ryan Blaney #21 Quick Lane Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, blue and white numbers replace gold numbers, larger Quick Lane logo on sides. A

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft/SKF Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Motorcraft but with SKF on sides. 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 Duralast Brakes Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, yellow front, modified Penske template, checkered black middle to rear. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, orange front, white rear, Penske Template. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Jimmy Vasser’s 2002 scheme. A

Joey Logano #22 American Red Cross Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, Red and white Penske template. A

BK RACING #23

Joey Gase #23 Best Furnishing Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue with paintbrush style white and yellow designs across side. F

Joey Gase #23 Schluter Systems Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, but stripes have been replaced by geometric designs D-

Joey Gase #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme as 2016, but angled lines replace curved lines. B+

Gray Gaulding #23 SunFrog.com Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, green front, black and green middle to rear. C+

Gray Gaulding #23 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, digital camouflage with patriotic stripe across side. F

Gray Gaulding #23 Addiction Campuses Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue and white sunburst design which fades from light to dark. D+

Alon Day #23 Earthwater Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with bright green and blue designs on sides. D-

Corey LaJoie #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, plain dark red with Dr. Pepper logos. A

Corey LaJoie #23 Lehigh Valley Phantoms Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with Phantom logos and motif across car. A

Corey LaJoie #23 JAS Trucking Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, similar to #83 but all black has been removed. A

Corey LaJoie #23 Dr. Pepper Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, based on Davey Allison’s 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix. A

Gray Gaulding #23 Sweet Frog Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, light green and white with pink and white waves on sides. F

Corey LaJoie #23 Jewel-Osco Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, red and black cutting edge designs on sides. F

Corey LaJoe #23 Schroth Racing Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with silver and yellow designs on sides and hood. F

Corey LaJoie #23 Freshbeards Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, all black with white logos. A

Corey LaJoie #23 My Freedom Smokes Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with gold and white design on sides and hood. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Auto Parts Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme as 2016, but with yellow accents across sides. A

Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, design similar to #11 FedEx. A

Chase Elliott #24 Sun Energy Chevy SS–No Change. F

Chase Elliott #24 Hooters Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, white sides with orange stripes, orange roof. C-

Chase Elliott #24 Little Ceasers/Mountain Dew Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with orange trim and logos. A

Chase Elliot #24 Mountain Dew Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as #5 but black replaces white as the primary color. A

Chase Elliot #24 NAPA Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Bill Elliott’s 1976 #9 scheme. A

Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Brakes Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as NAPA but with BRAKES on sides. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Richmond Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, black front, yellow sides, black at bottom of wheel well. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with Peak colors. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Valvoline Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with 2016 setup. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017 Menard’s template with FVP colors, black replaces silver. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerkey Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, Menard’s template with red front and quarter panel. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracell Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with black and gold. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template, with Dutch Boy blue, and the chipped motif has been removed. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template, with Libman colors. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Rockstar Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with black Rockstar motif. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with Knauf blue on sides and hood. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Tarkett Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, Menard’s template with Tarkett colors. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with black and blue. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Sylvania Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, new Menard’s template with Sylvania colors. F

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as regular scheme, but with vintage Dutch Boy logos on sides and hood. A

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, new Menard’s template with purple Schrock on sides and hood. B+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31

Ryan Newman #31 CAT Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with black cutting edge design on front, black stripe across hood and top of car. B-

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, red replaces green, black replaces white and red. A

Ryan Newman #31 Kalahari Resorts Chevy SS–No change. C-

Ryan Newman #31 Chevrolet Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with white and gold stripes up the side. A

Ryan Newman #31 Okuma Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as #3. D+

Ryan Newman #31 CAT/Granger Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with red, black, and yellow stripes across sides. A

Ryan Newman #31 Velveeta Shells and Cheese Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, yellow with shells and cheese motif across car. A

Ryan Newman #31 Chevy Accessories Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Chevy but with Chevy Accessories on sides and hood. A

Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale Earnhardt’s Wranger scheme. A

Ryan Newman #31 CAT D100 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as CAT, but with D100 motif on sides. B+

Ryan Newman #31 Childress Vineyards Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with orange and white stripes. B+

Ryan Newman #31 Wastemasters Recycling Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with red and white stripes. B+

GO FAS RACING #32

Matt DiBenedetto #32 EJ Wade Foundation Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, white with blue ribbon design on sides. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Cosmo Motors Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme for 2017, but circle around door has been removed. B-

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Can Am/Kappa Ford Fusion–No change. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Keen Parts Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, white with black stripe and red roof and door numbers. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 EJ Wade Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, white fade to black across whole car. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Incredible Bank Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, green top, orange and green checkered flag motif across sides. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Reddit Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, white with orange and black cutting edge designs on side. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Anest Iwata Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, blue front, fade to white and red on sides. B

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Weir’s Motor Sales Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, black with green and yellow zigzag designs across the sides. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Dick Stevens Snacks Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, white front and rear, green checkered patter in middle. C-

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Keen Parts Bobby Allison Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Bobby Allison’s famous #12 Miller High Life Buick. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Incredible Bank/TMNT Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, comic book motif across whole car. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, blue with white, silver, and black diagonal stripes on sides. C-

CIRCLE SPORT/TMG MOTORSPORTS #33

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Starter Chevy SS–Aside from the new team, no change. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Starter, but with no logos. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Superior Logistics Services Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Starter but with Superior Logistics Services logo on hood. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Nice Ride Apparel Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Starter but with Nice Ride Apparel logo on sides hood. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Detail 2U/K1 Speed Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Starter but with Detail 2U logo on hood and K1 logo on sides. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Towne Bank Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Starter, but with Towne Bank logos on sides and hood. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Hulu Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, green top, white bottom, black on front. A

Boris Said #33 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Hulu, but without the logos. A

Boris Said #33 Genesee Light Beer Ford Fusion–No change. A

Jeffery Earnhardt #33 Hulu Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale Earnhardt’s Lowe’s Foods scheme. A

Jeffery Earnardt #33 HULU/TMNT Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, comic book motif across whole car. F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion–No change. A

Landon Cassill #34 Starkey Hearing Foundation Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, Front Row template has been revamped, with blue and white color scheme. A

Landon Cassill #34 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion–No change. D+

Landon Cassill #34 The Pete Store Ford Fusion–Aside from switching from #38, no change. A

Landon Cassill #34 CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion–No change. A

Landon Cassill #34 Loves/Winstar Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Love’s, but with Winstar logo on hood. A

Landon Cassill #34 A&W Ford Fusion–No change. A

Landon Cassill #34 MDS/#checkitforandretti Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as 2016 MDS, but with #checkitforandretti on sides. A

Landon Cassill #34 CSX Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as CSX, but with red, white and blue. A

Landon Cassill #34 CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion–No change. A

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops Support The Troops Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, black elements replace yellow elements. F

Landon Cassill #34 Jacob Companies Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, same as #38. C-

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as last year, but stripes have been straightened. A

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops/Roller Bites Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Love’s, but with Roller Bites on hood. A

Landon Cassill #34 Love’s Truck Stops/Speedco Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Love’s, but with Speedco on the hood. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #37

Chris Buescher #37 Cottonelle Chevy SS-New team for 2017, white sides with blue roof and bottom. A

Chris Buescher #37 Kroger Checklist Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as #47 Kroger. B+

Chris Buescher #37 Bush’s Baked Beans Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, aside from team change, no change. B+

Chris Buescher #37 Natural Light Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, light blue with white and dark blue patriotic designs. B+

Chris Buescher #37 Scott Products/Kingsford Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Cottonelle, but with silver numbers. A

Chris Buescher #37 Velveeta Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with red designs on sides. A

Chris Buescher #37 Kingsford Chevy SS–Aside from changing from #47 to #37, no change. A

Chris Buescher #37 Cars 3/Kleenex Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, based on Lightning McQueen’s design from Cars 3. C

Chris Buescher #37 Maxwell House Max Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with white letters, and red design on side. A

Chris Buescher#37 Liberty Tax Service Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue and white with patriotic motif. B+

Chris Buescher #37 Coffee Mate Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, patriotic motif across whole car. A

Chris Buescher #37 Bryers Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with green stripe on bottom. A

Chris Buescher #37 Clorox Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger, but with Clorox on sides. A

Chris Buescher #37 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS–No change. A

Chris Buescher #37 Cheerios Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Patty Moise’s Crico scheme. A

Chris Buescher #37 Nature Valley Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, yellow with black stripes across sides. A

Chris Buescher #37 Gain Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, green Gain motif across whole car. A

Chris Buescher #37 Bush’s Chili Beans Chevy SS–No change. A

Chris Buescher #37 Scott Towels Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, red, white and blue, with thin wave stripes on sides. C-

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

David Ragan #38 Camping World/Good Sam Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, blue front, yellow and red oval design on rear. B-

David Ragan #38 Jacob Companies Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2017, blue with white and silver zig-zag design across car. C-

David Ragan #38 Juice Battery Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, blue, tan, black and red with a series of stripes across the whole side of the car. F

David Ragan #38 Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, white with gold numbers. A

David Ragan #38 Overton’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, blue with cloud motif across car. A

David Ragan #38 Dockside Logistics Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, same as 2015 #34 Dockside Logistics. A

David Ragan #38 Shriner’s Hospital Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, white with red and gray design on sides. A

David Ragan #38 Jacob Companies Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, red and black with Jacob companies logos on sides. F

David Ragan #38 Shriner’s Hospital Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, blue replaces white. A

David Ragan #38 Good Sam Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, based on older Good Sam logo. A

David Ragan #38 1000 Bulbs Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, white with red and black cutting edge designs on sides. D+

David Ragan #38 The House.com Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, gray with red and white stripes on sides. A

STEWART-HAAS RACING #41

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Kurt Busch #41 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2017, same as #14, but with green replacing blue. A

Kurt Busch #41 Mobil 1 Annual Protection Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as other SHR Mobil 1 schemes, but with gold trim. A

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Demo Day/Monster Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2017, same as Haas/Monster, but with Haas Demo Days on sides. A

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy SS–Aside from the new car number, no change. F

Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS–No change. A

Kyle Larson #42 Coca Cola Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, red with frost motif. A

Kyle Larson #42 Target/Cars 3 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, Target front, Cars 3 motif across sides. B+

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, but with patriotic elements added. F

Kyle Larson #42 Energizer Chevy SS–No change. C-

Kyle Larson #42 Huggies Chevy SS-No change. D+

Kyle Larson #42 First Data Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white fade to blue with circuit board designs across whole car. A

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Bank Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Kyle Petty’s Coors Light scheme. A

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford Fusion–No Change. 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–No change. B-

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No change. F

Aric Almorla #43 STP Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, based on Richard Petty’s 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix that he won his 200th race in. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stouffers/Cheez It’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with blue diagonal stripes, and black and red curves across sides. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Ralph’s/Checklist/Oscar Meyer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger but with Ralph’s logos. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Fry’s/Checklist/Velveta Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger but with Fry’s logos. B+

AJ Allmendnger #47 Dillon’s Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger, but with Dillon’s on hood. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Harris Teeter/Express Lane/Heinz Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger, but green replaces blue. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Bryers/Velveeta Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Terry Labonte’s Piedmont scheme. A

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillon’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same as Kroger but with Dillon’s on the hood. B+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, light blue with diagonal stripes and geometric patterns on side. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, dark blue with diagonal stripes and geometric patterns on side. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Hitachi Chevy-New scheme for 2017, same a Lowe’s, but with Hitachi on quarter panels. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowes/AO Smith Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Lowe’s, but with AO Smith on sides. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with a series of patriotic designs on sides and hood. A

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, blue with black, yellow and blue stripes across bottom. A

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, based on a 1986 Lowe’s truck. A

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Sharkbite Plumbing Solutions Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Lowe’s, but with Sharkbite Plumbing Solutions on sides. F

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Marshaltown Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Lowe’s but with Marshaltown on sides. F

RICK WARE RACING #51

Timmy Hill #51 Spoonful Music Foundation Chevy SS-New team for 2017, white with racing stripe design on hood, plain white sides. A

Cody Ware #51 Spoonful Music Foundation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as #51 white, but black and colors reversed. A

Timmy Hill #51 Dashub Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue with silver, white, and red cutting edge designs across signs. B-

Timmy Hill #51 Bubba Burger Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue, with red, silver, and white stripes on sides. A

Timmy Hill #51 Go Parts Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as black Spoonful, but with Go Parts logos on hood and quarter panels. A

Timmy Hill #51 Fenton Motors Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Bubba Burgers, but with Fenton Motors on sides and hood. A

Timmy Hill #51 SleepFresh Mattress Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with dark red and light blue stripe up the sides. A

Timmy Hill #51 Lilly Trucking Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with white and blue designs on side. B+

Timmy Hill #51 Charlie’s Soap Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with red and white letters, and Charlie’s Soap logos on sides and hood. A

Cody Ware #51 ECU Pirates Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue with white and yellow stripes on sides. A

Cody Ware #51 Clemson Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, based on Clemson’s football helmet. A

Josh Bilicki #51 Marriott/Climate Fieldview Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with red and white cutting edge designs on sides. F

BJ MacLeod #51 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Clemson, but without logos. A

Josh Bilicki #51 Prevagen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with Prevagen logos on sides and hood. A

BJ McLeod #51 Corrigan Oil Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as #15. A

BJ McLeod #51 Nex Transport/Spoonful Music Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black, with red and white curve on sides. A

Cody Ware #51 Bubba Burger/Pray For Texas Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, based on the Mello Yello schemes of the 1990’s. A

BJ McLeod #51 Bubba Burger Texas Strong Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with Camaro stripes, and logos on sides and hood. A

Ray Black Jr. #51 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black with water motif on right side. A

BJ McLeon #51 Donnie Neuenberger Foundation Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with yellow and white wave form on sides. B+

BJ McLeod #51 Collin Bryan Construction Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Donnie Newberger Foundation, but with Collin Bryan Construction logos. B+

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #55

Derrike Cope #55 Wade Tractor/adrenalinpwr.com Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with Wade Tractor on hood, and adrenalinpwr.com logo on sides. A

Derrike Cope #55 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black with white numbers. A

Derrike Cope #55 Low T Center Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with green and white polka dot motif near rear. F

Reed Sorenson #55 Xchange of America Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as #15. A

Derrike Cope #55 Ckezepis Law Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with Ckezepis Law logo on hood. A

Derrike Cope #55 Twin Peaks Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with Twin Peaks logos on sides and hood. A

Derrike Cope #55 Star Com Fiber Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with green polka dot motif on sides. B-

Tommy Regan #55 OscaroParts.com/Capri Tools Chevy SS-New sponsors for 2017, white with blue OscaroParts.com logo on hood, and Capri Tools on sides. A

Reed Sorenson #55 Royal Teak Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, black replaces white. A

Gray Gaulding #55 Check It For Andretti Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black carbon fiber motif with Check It For Andretti logos on sides and hood. A

Derrike Cope #55 Sundance Vacations/United Way Toyota Camry-New sponsors for 2017, black with Sundance Vacations on hood, and United Way on sides. A

Derrike Cope #55 Mane N Tall/Straight Arrow Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Derrike’s 1995 Ford Thunderbird. A

Derrike Cope #55 La Colombe Draft Latte Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as #15. A

Gray Gaulding #55 US First Responders Association Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, red and white, similar to Bodine throwback, with US First Responders logo on hood. A

Gray Gaulding #55 Wind River Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, green front, white fade to black on rear. F

DJ Kennington #55 Dirt and Rock Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with white and green Dirt and Rock logos. A

CARL LONG MOTORSPORTS #66

Carl Long #66 Poker Palace Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, green front, red, yellow and white rear. D-

Timmy Hill #66 Waltrip Brothers Charity Championship Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Poker Palace, but with Waltrip Brothers Charity Championship logo on hood. D-

Timmy Hill #66 U.S. Chrome Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Poker Palace, but with U.S. Chrome on hood.

TRISTAR MOTORSPORTS #72

Cole Whitt #72 Florida Lottery Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, black sides, orange and blue hood to roof. D-

Cole Whitt #72 Rinnai Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with black and red Rinnai logos on sides and hood. B+

Cole Whitt #72 Standard Plumbing Supply Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with white and red letters and logos. B+

Cole Whitt #72 SoCal Chevy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black with white logos on sides and hood. B+

Cole Whitt #72 Bad Boy Mowers Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with orange cutting edge designs on sides. F

Cole Whitt #72 RTIC Coolers Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, lighter blue and ice motif replaces darker blue, black carbon fiber hood. A

Cole Whitt #72 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, plain black with white and black numbers. A

Cole Whitt #72 Bad Boy Mowers Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with orange and white cutting edge designs on sides. C-

Cole Whitt #72 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, plain black with white numbers. A

Cole Whitt #72 RTIC Coolers Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same basic scheme, but with patriotic elements. A

Cole Whitt #72 Moen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with blue design across sides. B

Cole Whitt #72 Unique Pretzel Company Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue with vertical fade to white, and white hood. A-

Cole Whitt #72 Bad Boy Mowers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, black with Bad Boy Mowers logos on sides and hood. A

Cole Whitt #72 Ted Whitt Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Ted Whitt’s race car from the 1970’s. A

Cole Whitt #72 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, numbers and stripes are pink. F

Cole Whitt #72 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, white with red and black numbers. A

BEARD RACING #75

Brendan Gaughan #75 Beard Oil Chevy SS-New team for 2017, all black with white logos and numbers. A

Brendan Gaughan #75 Beard Oil Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Beard Oil from Daytona, but with logos on sides. A

FURNITURE ROW RACING #77

Erik Jones #77 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry–New team for 2017, red front, red and yellow lightning stripe across black sides, red rear. C-

Erik Jones #77 5-Hour Energy Extra Stength Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same as 2017 5-Hour Energy, but with Extra Strength on sides and hood. C-

Erik Jone #77 Sirius/XM Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with blue and silver designs across whole car. F

Erik Jones #77 Toyota Service Centers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, same as 5-Hour Energy, but with Toyota Service Center logos. C-

Erik Jones #77 SportClips Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, slightly modified version of #11 from 2016. C-

Erik Jones #77 Gamestop Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with blue circle designs on hood and quarter panel. A

Erik Jones #77 Toyota Care Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, red, white, and black with a series of curved stripes on sides. F

Erik Jones #77 GameStop/Cars 3 Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, based on one of the cars from Cars 3. A

Erik Jones #77 5-Hour Energy Mosaic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same as 5-Hour Energy, but throwback photos have been placed across whole car. F

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Toyota Camry–No change. A

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. A

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, red and black stripes with a camo stripe at the bottom. C-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, same as #77. C-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, fewer stripes, but same basic scheme. B+

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, black with American Flag motif on sides and hood. A

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Wix Filters Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with green cutting edge designs on sides, and sublimated Wix Filter logos across whole car. F

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/Ducks Unlimited Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, same as Bass Pro Shops, but light green fade to light purple replaces orange. F

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the introduction of tracker boats. B-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same as last year, but with hearts added on sides. A

BK RACING #83

Corey LaJoie #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry–No change. B-

Corey LaJoie #83 JAS Trucking Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, black with blue door numbers and white lettering and white stripes. D-

Corey LaJoie #83 BK Racing Graphics Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with red and silver stripes across sides. B-

Corey LaJoie #83 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, black with flame motif. A

Corey LaJoie #83 RMC Events Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, blue with black and white designs on sides. B+

Corey LaJoie #83 EJ Wade Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, same color scheme, but cutting edges have been flattened. A

Corey LaJoie #83 Hope For Warriors Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017 silver replaces red, much more streamlined design. C

Ryan Sieg #83 J&S Trucking Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, white has been removed entirely from design. A

Ryan Sieg #83 BK Racing Graphics Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black, with red, silver, and red cutting edge stripe across sides. B-

Stephen Light #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2017, black replaces white. F

Brent Moffitt #83 Northwestern Technological Institute Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with blue and white stripes. A

Corey LaJoie #83 HMS Motorsports Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black, with red, white, and blue curves from front to center. F

Corey LaJoie #83 Safeway Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with red Safeway designs on sides, and white rear. F

Corey LaJoie#83 Champion Machinery Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, white with blue checkered flag on front, and blue stripes on sides. C

Brett Moffitt #83 Super Donut Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, black with red, yellow, and white stripes on sides. F

Brett Moffitt #83 Earthwater Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2017, same as #23. D-

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, blue design similar to last year’s. with blue vertical stripes next to silver door numbers. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, yellow front, a series of red and yellow geometrical designs across sides, red rear. F

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew-S-A Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, light blue with white stripes, and dark red letters. C-

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Childrens Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2017, white with rainbow stripe, and multi-colored butterflies on sides and hood. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr.#88 Axalta/Maaco Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as Axalta but with Maaco logos on sides. F

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, white with a more minimalist patriotic scheme. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, metallic gold, with yellow, light green, and dark green cutting edge designs on sides. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale’s #3 AC Delco scheme from the Xfinity Series. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Dale’s Budweiser scheme, his first paint scheme in the Cup Series in 1999. A

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta/Ducks Unlimited Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black hood and top, Front Row template based design, camouflage on sides. F

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide/Chevy Truck Month Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Nationwide, but with Chevy Truck Month on sides. A

LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Michael McDowell #95 K-LOVE Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, same colors, but with stripes across front half of sides. A

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Chevy SS–No change. A

Michael McDowell #95 Leavine Family Surfboards Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, vintage “Woody” design. A

Michael McDowell #95 Winn Dixie Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, red with black and yellow stripe on sides. A

Michael McDowell #95 Tommy Williams Drywall Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, drywall motif with blue lettering on sides and hood. A

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Camouflage Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, camouflage replaces white. F

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Alan Kulwicki Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2017, based on Alan Kulwicki’s 1986 Quincy Steakhouse scheme. A

Michael McDowell #95 Race Wipes Chevy SS-New sponsors for 2017, blue front with green stripe, and darker blue bottom, green stripe down middle, white rear. C-

Michael McDowell #95 Devour Frozen Meals Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black front, green and silver cutting edge designs on sides. C

Michael McDowell #95 Procore Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, black with orange hexagon on sides. A

Michael McDowell #95 Jolt Eye Drops Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, blue with mountain motif across car. A

GAUNT BROS RACING #96

DJ Kennington #96 Lordco Toyota Camry-New team for 2017, blue front, black middle, white rear, curve stripes between the three. C-

DJ Kennington #96 Triad CNC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, white with a series of triangle logos on sides. B+

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On Some Updates for 2018

By David G. Firestone

Last weekend was a busy one for me, so I didn’t get around to writing a My Thoughts On piece. I finished and uploaded the 2018 videos, and the Throwback Thursday pieces. I can confirm that 2018’s Throwback Thursday is focused on 24 Hours of Le Mans cars, from the 60’s to the 80’s.

I’ve also decided that Wheel Reviews will return for January. The Friday Features will be Wheel Reviews. I have two books, and two movies ready to go. Also, November will be Minor League Month for 2018. The schedule will remain the same, I like the way that the schedule works, and I’m going to continue.

Now I said this last year, but I’ll say it this year. Tailgating Time will be returning for 2018. I had wanted to bring it back this year, but it didn’t happen. This time around, I’ve been able to make things happen, and I can say that Tailgating Time will be returning, and I mean it.

Also, when Dale Earnhardt Jr raced at his final race at Talladega, he had 100,000 names covering his car…including mine. My name was on the driver’s side near the back wheel well. I did get a pic of where it was.Other than that, there isn’t much to report. Minor League Month starts next Friday, and I will devote every Friday Feature to amateur drivers, or professional drivers in the lower echelons of racing. I’ve been looking forward to this, and I know it will work.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-October 21, 2017

By David G. Firestone

First, a couple of 2018 schemes…

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro-Great shade of blue, great shade of red, great flame design, gets an A.

Now on to the 2017 schemes…

Jamie McMurray #1 Nicholas Air/Cessna Chevy SS-Same scheme as Cessna, same B+ grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Navy Throwback Ford Fusion-Its a great look, with a smooth design, and one of the better throwbacks I have seen. I’m giving this an A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Outdoors Ford Fusion-Adding more blue brings the scheme from a C to a B-.

Trevor Bayne #6 Liberty National Ford Fusion-Pinkwashing is an automatic F.

Justin Marks #7 Golden Corral/Katerra Chevy SS-Another example of two different contrasting designs on one car that doesn’t look good. I’ll be nice and give it a D+ because I like the color scheme.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx/Walgreens Toyota Camry-This is the best FedEx has looked on a race car for some time. It’s a great color scheme, and the design scheme looks really good. A

Mark Thompson #15 Phoenix Air Chevy SS-Black and red is a good color scheme, and the design scheme is great too. It’s worth an A.

Daniel Suarez #19 Camping World Toyota Camry-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Corey LaJoie #23 My Freedom Smokes Toyota Camry-I like metallic gold, and this design works well, and has a great color scheme. It’s a great look that gets an A.

Chris Buescher #37 Bush’s Chili Beans Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

BJ McLeod #51 Collin Bryan Construction Chevy SS-Same scheme as Donnie Newberger Foundation, same B+ grade.

DJ Kennington #55 Dirt and Rock Toyota Camry-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Names Chevy SS-It’s a great look, and, while names on a car can be either hit or miss, this is a hit. It’s a great scheme that earns an A.

The Driver Suit Blog-Speed Sport Suits…Legit or Counterfeit?

By David G. Firestone

Race car drivers will be the first to admit that the SFI rating is the most important part of a driver suit. The appearance and fit are nice, but how the suit protects from fire is crucial. That SFI patch can mean the difference between life and death.

SFI was founded in 1978, and originally called the SEMA Foundation Incorporated. SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, and is composed of over 6,000 companies that promote after market automotive products. Since then, SFI and SEMA have parted ways, and SFI operates as an independent group devoted entirely to regulate racing safety equipment.

In the modern racing safety culture, the requirement that a suit conform to SFI standards is paramount, but not all companies are following the rules. Since 2013, the SFI has caught counterfeit racing equipment at least 5 times. Let’s also remember the Impact/SFI conflict from 2010. Each time they catch a company making fake SFI rated equipment, they publicly name the company, and the products. Examples can include newer models, and older ones, such as this Speed Sport suit which appears to date back to the 1980’s.Speed Sport was a racing suit manufacturer in the 1980’s. There is very little about them available on the company, and they didn’t last long. Every example of a Speed Sport suit appears to be of dubious quality, being made of a non-Nomex material that is labeled Nomex. This is a perfect exampe of why counterfeit racing suits need to be identified and called out.

This single-layer two-piece suit is clearly NOT made of Nomex, and shows decent wear. There are a number of pieces of evidence to support this theory.The collar has a Velcro closure with a SPEED SPORT patch on the strap.A second clue that this isn’t real Nomex, aside from the fact that it doesn’t look or feel like Nomex, is the fact that the wash instructions state “Wash in warm water, tumble dry, do not bleach.” Every other Nomex driver suit I have come across states that the suit needs to be dry cleaned.The chests and torso are unadorned, and show some discoloration. The shoulders have a white stripe that extends down the whole sleeve. The right sleeve features a SPEED SPORT UNIFORMS patch, and the white stripe extends to the end of the sleeve. The left sleeve has a suspect SFI Certification patch, which indicates that the suit has a 1 rating. A 1 rating would provide the most minimal of protection. Normally, a 1 rated suit would provide 3 seconds of fire protection, but since this suit clearly isn’t made of Nomex, I doubt it would provide that much protection. The back of the jacket shows some stains and discoloration. The pants show a decent amount of wear with tears and stains. The pants are made of the same materials as the jacket, and have the same stripes.The inside of the pants shows the same wash tag that the jacket shows. The front zipper has been torn and has clearly been repaired.The cuffs show some discoloration. The back of the pants show the same discoloration as the front.The back of the pants have the same suspect SFI rating patch as the jacket.The sad fact is that there are companies that have no concern for the safety of their customers, and have no reservations slapping a fake SFI rating on a suit or uniform item, and selling them to customers. SFI is fighting a never ending war to keep their customers safe. Customers should do their research on if a company is working with SFI, the list can be found here. No driver or crew members should get hurt because of counterfeit racing gear.

Next week, I will post something I tried to post before the NHL Draft.