Category: auto racing

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Buddy Arrington-1985

By David G. Firestone

This is a Buddy Arrington example from 1985

This scheme was only used for the 1985 Pepsi Firecracker 400 on July 4, and interestingly, despite obviously being a Ford, is sponsored by Jim Peacock Dodge. The patriotic red, white, and blue scheme works very well. The vintage blue and white numbers stand out on the red background, and the vintage lettering looks really good. The design is great too, with the red on the side running under the windows, and the blue over the windows.

The vintage wheels look good in the blue paint, the white letter tires work well on them, and I’m amazed at how high off the ground the car is. This is a really good look.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-January 13, 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+

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+

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-

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+

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+

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

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+

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+

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

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 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+

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+

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+

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+

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+

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

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+

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

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

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion–No Change. D

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+

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-

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 +

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+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

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

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44

Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Ford Fusion–Aside from the number change, no significant changes for 2016. 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-

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

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

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+

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On Being Who You Are

By David G. Firestone

I just want to say that I HATE cleaning! I really, really hate cleaning. I say this as a 34 year old male who lives, at the moment, by himself. I’m the classic bachelor, who just leaves dirty dishes in the sink, until he runs out of clean plates and silverware, and then does the dishes. I do laundry once a week, and that’s only clothes. I couldn’t tell you when the last time I vacuumed my office. The point is, I hate cleaning.

As much as I hate cleaning, I like clean surroundings. I like my office and house clean. I’m really organized. I don’t really go anywhere most of the time, except to my real job. So I have plenty of time to clean. I just hate to do it.

I was thinking about some of my idiosyncrasies as a person, and I’m realizing that we all have things about us that seem odd to other people. Take some of my examples:

-I HATE peaches and raspberries, and will go out of my way not to eat them.

-Since age 16, I have had some kind of facial hair, to the point, I feel insecure without it.

-I take fiendish pride in the fact that I haven’t flown on a plane or had a cup of coffee in over 10 years.

-I sleep on a couch, not a fold out one.

-On my desk, there are two stacks of poker chips. One is 15 chips high, 3 of five different colors, red, green, grey, blue, and black in that order. The small white lines on them align at all times. The other is 13 chips high, three different colors in no order, and I will occasionally pick them up while watching TV.

-I use 4 different body sprays over the course of a week.

-I enjoy video taping rainstorms…I don’t know why.

-Under no circumstances will I ever go to a theme park anymore.

-I have tied a tie on my own 3 times in my life.

-I always have at least one poker chip on me at all times.

-I HATE politics, and go out of my way not to get involved.

-Closed businesses that have illuminated Open signs annoy me to no end.

-I will not have tomato sauce on pasta.

I have no problem admitting any of this publicly, because I am comfortable with who I am. Bullies can only win if you let them, and I don’t let them. Be who you are, and don’t be ashamed.

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursday-Dale Earnhardt 1982-1983

By David G. Firestone

I canceled Throwback Thursday last year. This was because of the format I was doing, listing all the throwback schemes for 2015, was too time consuming, and I would often forget to upload it if I was too busy. I didn’t want to do it, but circumstances forced me to. I also hated that it took place on the same day that my videos were uploaded.

As I began to think about this, it dawned on me that this isn’t how it should work. I don’t want to do modern interpretations of classic paint schemes. As I thought about this, I realized that I should do a true Throwback Thursday. As such, from here on out, every Thursday, I will upload a classic paint scheme, and describe it based on my current standard of paint scheme grading. This way, I can do Throwback Thursday, and have it work the way I want it to.

Our first example, is this Dale Earnhardt Sr. 1982-1983 Wrangler Jeans Ford Thunderbird

The scheme has a good color scheme, the yellow isn’t too bright, and the blue contrasts with it just enough, The design scheme works well too. The yellow running up the side, ending just after the door, with an indentation that matches the #1 is a good touch, and the yellow running up the roof to the rear window. I also like the JEANS MACHINE on the back bumper.

One thing I find that’s odd is that the contingency decals in the photo, there are two separate STP logos. I also love the old-school wheel rims with white letter GOODYEAR lettering on them. I also didn’t notice until just now that the roof number is upside down, making it look like it is 51. It’s still a good scheme, and the box-like design of the car works well here.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-January 6, 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+

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+

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-

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+

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

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

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+

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+

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

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 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+

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+

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+

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+

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+

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

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+

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion–No Change. D

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+

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-

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 +

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+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

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

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-

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

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

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+

 

The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts on 2016

By David G. Firestone

I think that we can all agree that vacations rule…and it sucks when they end. Well, I have come to the end of my winter sabbatical. Well, it’s 2016, the holiday season is over, and I’ve got back into the grind. I’m coming back to The Driver Suit Blog with a slightly new setup. I’ve moved the videos to Mondays, which will start in March. The other major change will be Throwback Thursdays are coming back.

Videos will be on Monday, because I NEVER post articles on Monday, and at least there will be something. I’ve got a great set of videos ready for 2016. They cover a lot of items, many I have already talked about, some I haven’t. I’m looking forward to them, and I like the way they turned out.

I’m also proud to announce that Throwback Thursday has returned! I’ve decided that I wanted to do something, and I thought that I should use the way I grade paint schemes. So, starting this Thursday, I will feature a vintage car design and describe what I like and don’t like about the paint scheme in question. I will also discuss design aspects of the car I notice. I’ve done a number of them already, and I like what they come out.

The Tracker will still be on Wednesday, the Friday Feature will stay as is, and the Grades will still be on Saturday. The only day that will be free will be Sunday, because I want my readers to watch the races, rather than read my blog. I’ve got six days worth of stuff every week. I’m really excited for 2016.

I’m also implementing a new rule for comments. From here on out, I would prefer that if you comment, please use a real name. I HATE people who make up fake names to comment on web pages. Look at everything I’ve done on The Driver Suit Blog. Everything I have done, the first line of text has always been “By David G. Firestone.” If you only want to use a first name, I have no problem with that, but I reserve the right to deny a comment if it’s an obviously fake name. I don’t care if you disagree with me, just own up to it.

I’m really looking forward to 2016, it’s gonna be a great year, I have a lot of things planned. Stay Tuned!

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Schem Grades-January 2, 2016

By David G. Firestone

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS-The color scheme is good, but the design scheme needs work. I think the stripes should be toned down. Still, it’s not a terrible scheme, certainly worth a B+.

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion-Same scheme as last year same A+ grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion-Same scheme as last year same A+ grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion– Same scheme as last year same A+ grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same C+ grade.

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same D+ grade.

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS-When I heard that Liftmaster had a new scheme for 2016, I thought there would be some improvement. Sadly what we got could at best be described as “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.” It’s still a cluttered mess, just a different kind of cluttered mess. I’ll give it a C

Alex Bowman #7 Road Rippers Chevy SS-Whenever I have to sum up a paint scheme by saying it’s a professionally designed scheme that looks like it was designed by a 5 year-old boy, it will earn an F.

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Pride Pumpkin Spice Chevy SS-It’s the same basic scheme as Nature’s Pride, and like Nature’s Pride, it has a good look, and a good color scheme. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry– Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-It appears that Bass Pro Shops will not be back with Stewart Haas in 2016, so Mobil 1 will have a stand along scheme. The Pegasus wing is bold design, but it works quite well, and looks very good. Add in a great color scheme, and this scheme earns an A+.

Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, though with a slight redesign, same A+ grade.

Greg Bffle #16 Cheez-its Ford Fusion-I like what Cheez-It’s has done here. The look is still good, and the wider stripe doesn’t take away from it at all. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as last year, same A- grade.F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year same B+ grade.

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year same A grade.

Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toytota Camry-Removing the black stripe at the very bottom looks so much better. I wish I could give it a higher grade. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Chase Elliott #24 3M Chevy SS-The color scheme works very well, but the needless design on the sides isn’t a good look. Still, the car is as a whole is decent, and I’ll give it a B+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS-If this is the route that Moen would take with the car, I would have preferred that the car be black, with yellow stripes, instead of the black front/yellow rear. It looks like two different people designed the car. The Menard’s template normally looks good, but I can’t stand this. I’ll give it a B-

Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Same basic scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same B + grade.

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy Chevy SS– Same scheme as last year same A+ grade.

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation Chevy SS-A great fade, a great color scheme, and a great design will earn an A+.

Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford Fusion– The red roof number looks much better than the yellow one, and it takes a B+ grade up to an A-.

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS– Same scheme as last year, same C- grade.

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SS– Same scheme as last year, same C- grade.

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same C- grade.

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevy SS–A great fade, a great color scheme, and a great design will earn an A+.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Chevy SS-Bold move going with a vertical fade. Axalta’s first car not driven by Jeff Gordon has a bold look for sure, and it has a good look. The color scheme is great, and the design looks great. A+

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The Driver Suit Blog-2015 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 4-The Grand Finale

By David G. Firestone

The Executive Paint Scheme Ranking Committee has had our final meeting. While I made the decisions, Alejandro slept on my lap and occasionally woke up and purred. All 49 teams are having their paint schemes ranked this week, so here we go:

1-FURNITURE ROW RACING #78 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:4th of 55-Black matte with orange numbers works. The ovarian cancer theme is very justifiable, as Truex’s wife is dealing with ovarian cancer. The #78 has earned the top spot.

2-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:28th of 55-Front Row’s new team started their existence with a slew of great schemes. All of them are smooth, simple and great.

3-RAB RACING #29 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:16th of 55-Only one scheme, and it was a great one!

4-WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:1st of 55 I thought that the Snap On memories scheme wasn’t as good as it could be,but other than that, The Wood Brothers had a great season.

5-JTG DAUGHTERY RACING #47 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year: 15th of 55-A lot of great looks, but Bush’s kept them out of the top five in The Leaderboard.

6-HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year: 36th of 55-Jeff’s last season in NASCAR was one of his best looking. The Penn State Scheme kept Jeff from taking the top spot, but a solid season nonetheless.

7-STEWART-HAAS RACING #4 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:5th of 55-Kevin had a great season, though the disaster that is Hunt Brothers Pizza dragged his ranking from 2nd, possibly first to Fourth in the Chevy Leaderboard.

8-JOE GIBBS RACING #11 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:24th of 55-Four brand new, amazing FedEx schemes, a mediocre SportClips scheme, and one mediocre SportClips throwback scheme.

9-JOE GIBBS RACING #20 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:33rd of 55-SportClips didn’t do the really good set of schemes any favors.

10-PHIL PARSONS RACING/PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #98-Rank Last Year:31st of 55-Due to the midseason switch, the #98 will be ranked in Chevy, Ford AND Toyota. Ran a lot of good schemes, except the Xyience scheme, and the modified scheme with sponsors.

11-TEAM PENSKE #2 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:6th of 55 Detroit Gasket drags down what could easily have been the top pick for 2015. Other than that, no complaints.

12-MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #15 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:44th of 55-I was much too harsh on the 15 last year, and looking at the schemes this year, they are all defendable. I did give extra credit for the hand-painted Buddy Baker scheme.

13-PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #62-Rank Last Year:N/A-Due to the midseason switch, the #98 will be ranked in Chevy, and Ford-A lot of solid schemes, though Vydrox and Low T Central were a bit too much.

14-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:32nd of 55 While there weren’t a lot of new schemes, the new ones, as well as the camo schemes were not great.

15-LEVINE FAMILY RACING #95 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:13th of 55-Another top contender ruined by one scheme, this one Larry the Lobster. Other than Larry, the schemes are great.

16-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:20th of 55-Front Row uses a template that usually works well, but modifying for Bully Hill didn’t work, and no escape was a disaster.

17-MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #55 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:3rd of 55-New Aaron’s scheme isn’t that great. The Throwback is amazing!

18-HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #25 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:N/A-Chase Elliott, who is taking over for Jeff Gordon in 2016, used the #25 to get some Cup experience. The NAPA scheme by itself is not bad, but the fauxback Bill Elliott scheme is a disaster.

19-CIRCLE SPORT RACING #33 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:38th of 55-Science Logic and Pinkwashing derailed what was otherwise a great looking year for Circle Sport.

20-RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:11th of 55-The Nathan’s color scheme does not work well with the Petty color scheme, and the Fresh From Florida scheme is awful. The majority of schemes are good though.

21-TMG RACING #30 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:N/A-Smokey Mountain Snuff is awful, plain car with no sponsor is great.

22-JOE GIBBS RACING #19 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:N/A-Nothing really horrible here, though there are many mediocre schemes here.

23-HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #51 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:30th of 55-If the car is running a Brandt scheme it looks good, anything else looks terrible.

24-HILLMAN-SMITH MOTORSPORTS #40 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:27th of 55-The schemes were all over the place this year, but this team has had a lot of good looks.

25-CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:18th of 55-The plaid, Energizer, camo and Clorox sank them this season, otherwise they looked really good.

26-RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:36th of 55-Part of the problem of using a template is that it can backfire on you, and that is exactly what has happened here. The Menard’s template works well with some color schemes, but terribly with others. The Pittsburgh Paints scheme is horrible by itself.

27-RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #33 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:38th of 55-White Tail Lodge, Spongebob, and Kraft dragged down an otherwise great season.

28-HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:N/A-A lot of good schemes and a lot of bad schemes is the story of the #46 season.

29-BK RACING #83 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:25th of 55-Many new schemes and sponsors, and they were all over the place. When taking everything into account, I can say that they aren’t horrible.

30-BK RACING #23 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:8th of 55-VooDoo, Overture, and Pinkwashing take a decent grade down to a mediocre grade. Otherwise there is a lot of decent schemes here.

31-RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:49th of 55-Some great schemes, but the bad schemes dragged down the final grade.

32-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #16 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:54th of 55-3M leaving was the best thing that happened to Greg Biffle, especially on this list, though Pinkwashing, Safety Kleen, and Jardiance do drag it down.

33-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:35th of 55-Zest and EcoBoost are awful, and dragged Ricky out of a top spot.

34-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:10th of 55-Camo and Pinkwashing kill a great rank, including one of my favorite throwbacks outside of Jeff Gordon’s.

35-JOE GIBBS RACING #18 TOYOTA CAMRY-Rank last year:4th of 55-A lot of changes in paint schemes, some good, some awful, many mediocre.

36-CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:12th of 55-McDonalds was either great or awful. Add a pinkwashing scheme, Bass Pro Shops, and Bad Boy Buggies, and they are ranked much lower than they should be.

37-HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:51st of 55-When Kasey has a good scheme, it is still mediocre, and he didn’t have a great scheme all year.

38-HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:2nd of 55-Completely changing their look dragged down Jimmie’s grade. On a separate note, I do think the yellow tribute numbers should stay, since they look better than the white numbers.

39-GO GREEN RACING #32 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:46th of 55-The most different paint schemes of any team in 2015, they ranged from amazing, a great throwback, to vomit inducing.

40-RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #9 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:41st of 55-Like Go Green, the #9 ran a lot of paint schemes, some were great, but many were awful. I really hope whoever drives the #9 next year helps tone it down.

41-HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:17th of 55-With the exception of Dewshine, everything that Mountain Dew ran was average to awful. Nationwide is decent, but Halo was awful.

42-STEWART-HAAS RACING #14 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:47th of 55-Not much change in terms of sponsors. In terms of car design, there were a lot of changes this year. But with the exception of Rush’s, they were all mediocre to awful.

43-TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year: 48th of 55-The car looks so much better without a sponsor on average, it isn’t even funny.

44-TEAM XTREME RACING #44 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:53rd of 55-Not even the addition of Golden Corral could save Team Xtreme Racing. I’m glad I don’t have to see that Phoenix Warehouse scheme anymore!

45-TEAM PENSKE #22 FORD FUSION-Rank Last Year:42nd of 55-The Mario Andretti throwback, and the Helio Castroneves mockup were great, but sadly, those were the only highlights of the season for the 22 crew.

46-STEWART-HAAS RACING #10 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year: 52nd of 55-Hideous design, awful color choices, and pinkwashing…need I say more?

47-PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #66-Rank Last Year:N/A-Another example of when a car looks so much better without a sponsor on average, it isn’t even funny.

48-GERMAIN RACING #13 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:50th of 55-No redeeming schemes at all here.

49-STEWART-HAAS RACING #41 CHEVY SS-Rank Last Year:9th of 55-Due to the driver’s actions toward his then girlfriend at Dover, the #41 has earned the bottom ranking.ICHAEL WALTRIP RACING,TMG RACING, BK RACING,

The Driver Suit Blog-2015 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 3-Toyota

By David G. Firestone

The Executive Paint Scheme Ranking Committee(I should pick a different committee name next year) has met for another round of meetings to determine the Toyota Leaderboard for 2015. While Alejandro looked at me sarcastically when I asked his opinion, we got the job done. Here are Toyota’s rankings for 2015.

1-RAB RACING #29-Rank last year: 5th of 13-Only one scheme, and it was a great one!

2-JOE GIBBS RACING #11-Rank last year:6th of 13-Four brand new, amazing FedEx schemes, a-mediocre SportClips scheme, and one mediocre SportClips throwback scheme.

3-JOE GIBBS RACING #20-Rank last year:8th of 13-SportClips didn’t do the really good set of schemes any favors.

4-MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #15-Rank last year:12th of 13-I was much too harsh on the 15 last year, and looking at the schemes this year, they are all defendable. I did give extra credit for the hand-painted Buddy Baker scheme.

5-MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #55-Rank last year:1st of 13-New Aaron’s scheme isn’t that great. The Throwback is amazing!

6-TMG RACING #30-Rank last year:N/A-Smokey Mountain Snuff is awful, plain car with no sponsor is great.

7-JOE GIBBS RACING #19-Rank last year:N/A-Nothing really horrible here, though there are many mediocre schemes here.

8-BK RACING #83-Rank last year:7th of 13-Many new schemes and sponsors, and they were all over the place. When taking everything into account, I can say that they aren’t horrible.

9-BK RACING #23-Rank last year:3rd of 13-VooDoo, Overture, and Pinkwashing take a decent grade down to a mediocre grade. Otherwise there is a lot of decent schemes here.

10-BK RACING #26-Rank last year:4th of 13-The many awful schemes here take them to back of the pack. Not even the great schemes can save it.

11-JOE GIBBS RACING #18-Rank last year:2nd of 13-A lot of changes in paint schemes, some good, some awful, many mediocre.

12-BK RACING #26-Rank last year:4th of 13-The many awful schemes here take them to back of the pack. Not even the great schemes can save it.

13-PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #66-Rank last year:13th of 13-Awful last year, awful this year.

Next week, All 49 schemes will be ranked in the Grand Finale!

The Driver Suit Blog-2015 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 2-Ford

By David G. Firestone

The Executive Paint Scheme Ranking Committee has met for a second time. Alejandro decided to sleep through the proceedings, since he has to sleep for 18 hours a day. Anyway, this week the Committee has voted on Ford’s rankings for 2015, and here they are.

1-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35-Rank Last Year:8th of 17-Front Row’s new team started their existence with a slew of great schemes. All of them are smooth, simple and great.

2-WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21-Rank Last Year:1st of 17-I thought that the Snap On memories scheme wasn’t as good as it could be,but other than that, The Wood Brothers had a great season.

3-PHIL PARSONS RACING/PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #98-Rank Last Year:10th of 17-Due to the midseason switch, the #98 will be ranked in Chevy, Ford AND Toyota. Ran a lot of good schemes, except the Xyience scheme, and the modified scheme with sponsors.

4-TEAM PENSKE #2-Rank Last Year:2nd of 17-Detroit Gasket drags down what could easily have been the top pick for 2015. Other than that, no complaints.

5-PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #62-Rank Last Year:N/A-Due to the midseason switch, the #98 will be ranked in Chevy, and Ford-A lot of solid schemes, though Vydrox and Low T Central were a bit too much.

6-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38-Rank Last Year:11th of 17-While there weren’t a lot of new schemes, the new ones, as well as the camo schemes were not great.

7-LEVINE FAMILY RACING #95-Rank Last Year:5th of 17-Another top contender ruined by one scheme, this one Larry the Lobster. Other than Larry, the schemes are great.

8-FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34-Rank Last Year:6th of 17-Front Row uses a template that usually works well, but modifying for Bully Hill didn’t work, and no escape was a disaster.

9-RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43-Rank Last Year:4th of 17-The Nathan’s color scheme does not work well with the Petty color scheme, and the Fresh From Florida scheme is awful. The majority of schemes are good though.

10-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #16-Rank Last Year:17th of 17-3M leaving was the best thing that happened to Greg Biffle, especially on this list, though Pinkwashing, Safety Kleen, and Jardiance do drag it down.

11-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17-Rank Last Year:12th of 17-Zest and EcoBoost are awful, and dragged Ricky out of a top spot.

12-ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6-Rank Last Year:N/A-Camo and Pinkwashing kill a great rank, including one of my favorite throwbacks outside of Jeff Gordon’s.

13-GO GREEN RACING #32-Rank Last Year:16th of 17-The most different paint schemes of any team in 2015, they ranged from amazing, a great throwback, to vomit inducing.

14-RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #9-Rank Last Year:13th of 17-Like Go Green, the #9 ran a lot of paint schemes, some were great, but many were awful. I really hope whoever drives the #9 next year helps tone it down.

15-TEAM PENSKE #22-Rank Last Year:14th of 17-The Mario Andretti throwback, and the Helio Castroneves mockup were great, but sadly, those were the only highlights of the season for the 22 crew.

Next week, The Toyota Leaderboard! See you soon!