Our last Mish Mosh edition features more historical memorabilia.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-March 18, 2015
By David G. Firestone
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS–No Change
Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, but with a new door design.
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/McDonald’s Chevy SS-Special dual scheme for the Daytona 500, black Cessna on the front, fade to red McDonald’s on the back.
Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, Red, white and blue with a red line down the center, with the top fades blue to white on top, and white to blue on the bottom.
TEAM PENSKE #2
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–Same basic design as 2014, but with no gold stripe, vintage Miller Crest, or hop designs on the side.
Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion–New redesign, similar in design to Joey Logano’s Shell/Pennzoil Ford, black replaces yellow as the primary color.
Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–Redesign from last season, follows the Shell/Pennzoil template.
Brad Keselowski #2 Detroit Genuine Parts Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, blue Penske template on a black background
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Genuine Draft Ford Fusion–Throwback scheme that ran from 1990-1996
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller High Life Ford Fusion–Based on the design that Bobby Allison won the 1983 Sprint Cup Championship.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS–No change
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–No change
Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–No Change
Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–No Change
STEWART-HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Budweiser Chevy SS–No change
Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmie Johns Chevy SS–No change
Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Steakhouse–No Change
Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, blue, and white is the primary color scheme
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS–No Change
Kasey Kahne #5 Time Warner Cable Chevy SS–No Change
Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS–Complete redesign from last year, black, and dark blue replaces light blue and silver, and the design has been completely revamped.
Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, red and white redesign of the Time Warner scheme.
Kasey Kahne #5 Pepsi Chevy SS–No change
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion-New team, new sponsor, red, white and blue is the color scheme.
TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7
Alex Bowman #7 Nikko/Toy State Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, Red borders a blue design on the sides and hood.
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #9
Sam Hornish Jr. #9 Twisted Tea Ford Fusion–No Change
Sam Hornish Jr. #9 Camping World/Medallion Bank Ford Fusion-New sponsor set for 2015, a redesign of the Fresh From Florida #43 scheme.
STEWART-HAAS RACING #10
Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Chevy SS–Same basic design as last year, but the blue ovals on the white are more pronounced.
Danica Patrick #10 GoDaddy Chevy SS–New redesign with more black and less orange.
Danica Patrick #10 GoDaddy/TaxAct Chevy SS-New sponsor combo for the Sprint Unlimited, front of the car retains traditional GoDaddy design, whereas back quarter panel is TaxAct
Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Chevy SS-One race sponsor, will run at Martinsville in March, red, white and black scheme, with diagonal design up the doors.
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–New redesign with a much simpler front and more design on the sides.
Denny Hamln #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–New redesign with a new door design
GERMAIN RACING #13
Casey Mears #13 Geico Chevy SS–No Change.
STEWART-HAAS RACING #14
Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Same color scheme as last year, but with a new design on the side.
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–Same color scheme as last year, but with a new design on the side.
Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil1 Chevy SS–No Change
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #15
Clint Bowyer #15 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camry–No Change
Clint Bowyer #15 Peak Toyota Camry–No Change
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #16
Greg Biffle #16 Cheez Its Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red with a cheese colored stripe and crackers on the side.
Greg Biffle #16 Clean Harbors Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red white and black design
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Fire Ant Killer Ford Fusion–No change
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Home Defense Ford Fusion-New sponsor, white design with a red and yellow stripe on the bottom, with a net design on the side.
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Bug-B-Gon Ford Fusion-New sponsor, new design, red, black, and white is the primary color scheme.
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion-New primary sponsor, blue, and white is the color scheme.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–Same color scheme as 2014, but with a new, simpler side design.
JOE GIBBS RACING #18
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No Change
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Crispy Toyota Camry-New design for 2015, with a green background and more emphasis on M&M’s Crispy, as well as a new hood logo.
David Ragan #18 Snickers Xtreme Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2015, brown with a series of fades around the Xtreme logo.
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry-New team and new sponsor, yellow, black, and white is the color scheme.
Carl Edwards #19 Aaris Toyota Camry-New team and new sponsor, reddish orange with the Aaris logo used as part of the side stripe.
Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, blue, silver and white, with a stripe that starts on the bottom, covers the car number, and takes over the top at the back.
Carl Edwards #19 SportClips Toyota Camry-New sponsor, same design as Denny Hamlin.
Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New sponsor for Joe Gibbs, much simpler design.
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry-New sponsor, black, green, yellow, and white is the color scheme.
Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toyota Camry–Much simpler than the 2014 scheme, with fewer side designs.
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft/Quicklane Ford Fusion–No Change
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change
Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion–The AAA logo has been straightened up in 2015.
Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Platnum Ford Fusion–No Change
BK RACING #23
J.J. Yeley #23 Dr. Pepper/Maxim Fantasy Sports Toyota Camry-New sponsor for the Daytona 500. Black on top, white on the bottom, red stripe in between, Dr Pepper style logo on the door number.
JJ Yeley #23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2015, car keeps the red on top, new number design, and white on bottom.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
Jeff Gordon #24 3M Chevy SS-New design for 2015, silver, with red accents and numbers, with a white hood design that extends over the roof and deck-lid.
Jeff Gordon #24 Axalta Chevy SS–No Change
Jeff Gordon #24 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–Much simpler redesign, with new hood logo and same color scheme–
Jeff Gordon #24 Panasonic Toughbook Chevy SS–No Change
Jeff Gordon #24 Axalta/Fix Auto Chevy SS–Same basic Axalta scheme, but with Fix Auto on the side.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #25
Chase Elliott #25 NAPA Chevy SS-New sponsor and car number for 2015, blue is the primary sponsor, with a yellow design on the side.
BK RACING #26
Jeb Burton #26 Live Deals Ford Fusion-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, will have similar design as JJ Yeley, but with orange, black, and white.
Jeb Burton #26 Maxim Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, white with black lettering.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27
Paul Menard #27 Pittsburgh Paints/Menard’s Chevy SS–No change
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Serta Chevy SS–Same basic scheme as 2014, but with more blue on the sides than last year.
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–Some slight changes to the stripes, and roof
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracel Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, using a black, yellow, and gold version of the Menard’s template.
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Quaker State Chevy SS–No change
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, standard Paul Menard Template with silver designs for FVP.
RAB RACING #29
Justin Marks #29 American Born Moonshine Toyota Camry-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, has a wood finished look, with white lettering.
TMG RACING #30
Ron Horniday #30 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevy SS-New team and sponsor for 2015. Two-tone green design with white lettering and yellow accents.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31
Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Same color scheme, but the car as a whole has been redesigned
Ryan Newman #31 Quicken Loans Chevy SS–No change
Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, green, red and white, with some designs on the side.
GO FAS RACING #32
Go FAS Racing #32 Keen Parts Ford Fusion–Simpler redesign and a much simpler color scheme.
Go FAS Racing #32 C&J Energy Services Ford Fusion–Same color scheme, but with a different and much more complex side design
Mike Bliss #32 Draft Demons Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red and black diagonal stripes with a fire motif at the bottom.
Mike Bliss #32 King Taco Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red, gold and white, with a circular design on the sides, and vintage lettering on the quarter panels and hood.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #33
Ty Dillon #33 Yuengling Brewery Chevy SS-New sponsor, red, white, and blue is the primary color scheme.
Ty Dillon #33 Cheerios Chevy SS-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, based on Austin Dillon’s Cheerios scheme, but with a Kroger’s logo on the hood.
Brian Scott #33 White Tail Lodge Chevy SS–No change.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34
David Ragan #34 KFC Ford Fusion–Redesign for 2015, all white front, KFC style stripes on the back.
David Ragan #34 CSX Ford Fusion–Same basic scheme, though the word bubble on the hood has been replaced with a CSX logo.
David Ragan #34 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, blue, white, and red, follows the “Front Row Motorsports Template” with a stripe that curves above and around the door number, that separates the colors of the car.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35
Cole Whitt #35 Speed Stick Gear Ford Fusion–No Change
Cole Whitt #35 Rinnai Filters Ford Fusion–Same scheme as 2014, different team.
Cole Whit #35 Sprouts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red and blue, with a fruit design on the side.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38
David Gilliland #38 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Fusion–No change
David Gilliland #38 MDS Ford Fusion–Same scheme as 2014, but different team.
HILLMAN-SMITH MOTORSPORTS #40
Landon Cassill #40 Snap 24-7 Fitness Chevy SS–Slight redesign from last year, with the black quarter panel replaced with red.
Landon Cassill #40 Cars For Sale Chevy SS–No Change
Landon Cassill #40 CRC 1-Tank Renew Chevy SS–No Change
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42
Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS– Same basic design as 2014, but with some sponsor changes on the quarter panel.
Kyle Larson #42 White Target Chevy SS–Same basic design as 2014, but with some sponsor changes on the quarter panel.
Kyle Larson #42 Energizer Eco Advanced Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, different stripe color, fewer logos on the side.
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43
Aric Almoriola #43 Eckrich Ford Fusion–Same basic design, but with a Nathans logo on the rear.
Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford Fusion–No change
Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No Change.
Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford Fusion–No Change.
TEAM XTREME RACING #44
Reed Sorenson #44 Golden Corral Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, same design as 2015 #36.
Travis Kvapil #44 Phoenix Warehouse Chevy SS–No Change
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46
Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New car number and design. White is the primary color, with red and yellow accents on the sides and front.
Michael Annett #46 Cypress HQ Chevy SS–New team for Cypress in 2015, some slight stripe changes on the quarter panel, and a darker blue.
JTG DAUGHTERY RACING #47
AJ Allmendinger #47 Better Than Bullion Chevy SS-New Sponsor for 2015, all black with a gold stripe running down the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Best Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Clorox Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 House Autry Chevy SS-New primary sponsor for 2015, Red sides, with blue roof and posts.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Chilli Beans Chevy SS-New sponsor, yellow to orange to yellow fade across whole car.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Hungry Jack Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kingsford Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Scott Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger Chevy SS–No change
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–New design, bears a resemblance to the old Kobalt tools scheme from 2009.
Jimmie Johnson #48 Kobalt Chevy SS–New design, redesigned version of the current Lowe’s scheme.
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowes Pro Services Chevy SS-New design for 2015, same as current Lowe’s scheme, but with PRO SERVICES written on hood and quarter panels.
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #51
Justin Allgaier #51 Brandt Chevy SS–Same primary design, but the door number has reversed colors.
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #55
Brian Vickers #55 Aaron’s Toyota Camry–Same basic design as last year, the nose has been changed, the main blue is slightly darker, and the gold has been replaced with light blue
Brett Moffitt #55 Aaron’s 60th Anniversary Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2015, colors are reversed, new logo on the hood.
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #62
Brian Scott #62 Shore Lodge Chevy SS-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, Black with white lettering and silver designs.
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #66
Mike Wallace #66 Crazy Vapors/X8 Energy Gum Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, Hood has Crazy Vapors green stripe design, side has X8 abstract design.
FURNITURE ROW RACING #78
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Chevy SS–No Change
BK RACING #83
Johnny Sauter #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, green stripes up the hood and roof, white design with Dr Pepper style door numbers.
Matt Dibenedetto #83 Burger King Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2015, black takes over as primary color, Dr. Pepper design around door numbers.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–No Change
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Diet Mountain Dew Chevy SS–No major changes,except a Nationwide logo replaces the National Guard logo.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–Same basic design but blue has replaced white as the primary color.
LEVINE FAMILY RACING #95
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Ford Fusion–Redesign of last year’s scheme, another example of logo as a stripe pattern.
Michael McDowell #95 K-Love Ford Fusion–Template has been redesigned, and the city outline on the rear quarterpanel has been removed.
PHIL PARSONS RACING #98
Josh Wise #98 Phoenix Construction Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, all white with red lettering, and red and black numbers
The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On Kurt Busch and Writing Season Previews
By David G. Firestone
Got a few things to cover this week, so strap in. First, in a move that shocked me, and a lot of fans, NASCAR reinstated Kurt Busch as a driver, and went so far to waive the requirement that a driver has to complete every race in the season to be eligible to race in the Chase. I’m just going to copy the report from Jayski, my go-to site:
“NASCAR announced that, effectively immediately, the indefinite suspension of Kurt Busch has been lifted. He is eligible to return to NASCAR racing under indefinite probation subject to additional mandatory requirements that include but are not limited to participation in a treatment program and full compliance with any judicial requirements placed upon him. On Feb. 20, Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 car, was found to be in violation of:
• Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
• Section 12.8: Behavioral Penalty
The decision to lift the suspension was made by NASCAR after Kurt Busch:
• Complied with all requirements in its reinstatement program;
• Completed the mandatory behavioral assessment sessions; and
• The behavioral health care expert who conducted the sessions recommended to NASCAR that Kurt Busch be allowed to return to competition.”
I’ve stated my stance on the subject many times, but I’ll say it again, domestic violence, in all forms is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! While Kurt isn’t going to be criminally charged for domestic abuse, it is clear that the incident did occur as accused. A Dover judge issued a no-contact order and stated that it does appear that a domestic assault did take place. NASCAR responded quickly by suspending Busch just before the Daytona 500. I gave them credit for that, but the fact that he was reinstated the second it was announced he wouldn’t be criminally charged makes it clear that NASCAR was, to some extent, caving in to fan pressure. There is no other logical reason why he was reinstated.
While NASCAR may have regulations they have to follow, neither I or The Driver Suit Blog are under those same restrictions. While Kurt might have gotten off somewhat easy from NASCAR, I will not be so compassionate. As such, this will be the last time I mention Kurt Busch by name on The Driver Suit Blog in any form in 2015. Above and beyond that, the #41 team’s paint scheme grades have all been retroactively changed to F-. Furthermore, I will no longer list the #41 in the tracker, nor will I grade anymore of the #41’s schemes. #41 will not be listed on The Paint Scheme Leaderboard, and will be ineligible for the Paint Schemies in 2015.
Now that is out of the way, I have something else that I need to discuss. I got an email asking why I didn’t do a season preview for F1. The season started on Sunday, with the Australian Grand Prix. It was a good race, though there was a very high attrition rate of cars. I’ve stated before that I don’t like doing season previews, and it dawned on me, why should I waste time doing things on my own blog that I don’t like to do? So in that spirit, I won’t be doing any more season previews, or season reviews on The Driver Suit Blog. I will do something for Memorial Day, for obvious reasons, but other than that, no more stuff I don’t want to do.
I really hated that for a decent part of January that all my Friday Features, which from here on out I will call my memorabilia articles, were focusing on news, and previews. In addition to the Tracker and the Paint Scheme Grades, which aren’t that bad, but at that point in the year, it’s insanely time consuming. I’ve had enough, and I won’t do them anymore. Only fun stuff from here on out.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-March 14, 2015
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Genuine Draft Ford Fusion-An amazing, drool inducing throwback with a great color scheme! A+!
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller High Life Ford Fusion– An amazing, drool inducing throwback with a great color scheme! A+!
David Ragan #18 Snickers Xtreme Toyota Camry-I don’t like the door number color, the design is bland, the color scheme is good, so I’ll give it a D+
Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry– Good color scheme, but I don’t like the general design. Flipping the design doesn’t work. D-
JJ Yeley #23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry– Good color scheme, good design, but I hate the Dr. Pepper logo on the door numbers, and I’ll give it a B-.
Jeff Gordon #24 Axalta/Fix Auto Chevy SS-This is a great looking car, with great color and design schemes. A+
Jeb Burton #26 Maxim Toyota Camry-Great design with a great color scheme. A+
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Quaker State Chevy SS– Quaker State has a great shade of green, and it should be the dominant color of the car. The yellow base with green accents looks awkward. I’ll give it a C
Mike Bliss #32 Draft Demons Ford Fusion– The pitchfork and fire design looks really good, and the color scheme is good too, so I’ll give it an A.
Mike Bliss #32 King Taco Ford Fusion-I like the vintage logo, the design is decent, and the color scheme is good, so I’ll give it a B+
Brian Scott #33 White Tail Lodge Chevy SS– Awful design with a decent color scheme earns a D-
David Ragan #34 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion-I like the Front Row template, and the color scheme looks really good. A+
Cole Whit #35 Sprouts Farmer’s Market Ford Fusion-It’s a reverse Front Row Motorsports template, which by itself would look good, but the fruit motif adds to it. Factor in a good color scheme and you have an A+ grade.
David Gilliland #38 MDS Ford Fusion-Great simple design, decent color scheme earns an A-
Travis Kvapil #44 Phoenix Warehouse Chevy SS– My first thought when I saw this scheme was it looked like the color scheme from the 1994-1995 NBA All-Star Game jerseys which is a decent color scheme. But to say the car is over designed is an understatement. This scheme is awful. Not even a great color scheme can help this car pass. F
Michael Annett #46 Cypress HQ Chevy SS– Over designed and has a goofy color scheme earns an F every time.
Matt Dibenedetto #83 BurgerKing Toyota Camry– Good color scheme, good design, but I hate the Dr. Pepper logo on the door numbers, and I’ll give it a B-.
The Driver Suit Blog-The Humble Spark Plug…
By David G. Firestone
So in planning my article for last week, I got to thinking…spark plugs were the most common race-used memorabilia item for many years. It’s pretty easy to see why. Spark plugs are the most commonly changed part, they are one of the cheapest as well. So once the spark plug has expired, instead of throwing out, you sell it to a fan. You get some money, they get a treasured item.
In 1970, Johnny Rutherford raced an Eagle chassis with an Offenhauser engine. He didn’t score a win, and had 3 DNS’s. These plugs came from that Offenhauser engine. They have been mounted to a wood display, with a small paper sign.
We discussed the Swamp Rat VIII set last week, and I’ll just show it again this week…
This Jimmie Johnson spark plug is part of a display which features other parts, 
specifically a piece of the track bar,
a lifter, 
a valve spring,
and a piece of sheet metal. 
Part of the plug has been modified to make the plug useless.
This spark plug from Morgan Lucas Racing hasn’t been modified, it is still in perfect condition
N
DGF2099 Productions-Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Mish Mosh Edition Part 4-Historical Part 1
This week, yet another Mish Mosh edition from the Amtrak series.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-March 11, 2015
By David G. Firestone
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS–No Change
Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, but with a new door design.
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/McDonald’s Chevy SS-Special dual scheme for the Daytona 500, black Cessna on the front, fade to red McDonald’s on the back.
Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, Red, white and blue with a red line down the center, with the top fades blue to white on top, and white to blue on the bottom.
TEAM PENSKE #2
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–Same basic design as 2014, but with no gold stripe, vintage Miller Crest, or hop designs on the side.
Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion–New redesign, similar in design to Joey Logano’s Shell/Pennzoil Ford, black replaces yellow as the primary color.
Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–Redesign from last season, follows the Shell/Pennzoil template.
Brad Keselowski #2 Detroit Genuine Parts Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, blue Penske template on a black background
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Genuine Draft Ford Fusion–Throwback scheme that ran from 1990-1996
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller High Life Ford Fusion–Based on the design that Bobby Allison won the 1983 Sprint Cup Championship.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS–No change
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–No change
Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–No Change
Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–No Change
STEWART-HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Budweiser Chevy SS–No change
Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmie Johns Chevy SS–No change
Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Steakhouse–No Change
Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, blue, and white is the primary color scheme
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS–No Change
Kasey Kahne #5 Time Warner Cable Chevy SS–No Change
Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS–Complete redesign from last year, black, and dark blue replaces light blue and silver, and the design has been completely revamped.
Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, red and white redesign of the Time Warner scheme.
Kasey Kahne #5 Pepsi Chevy SS–No change
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion-New team, new sponsor, red, white and blue is the color scheme.
TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7
Alex Bowman #7 Nikko/Toy State Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, Red borders a blue design on the sides and hood.
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #9
Sam Hornish Jr. #9 Twisted Tea Ford Fusion–No Change
Sam Hornish Jr. #9 Camping World/Medallion Bank Ford Fusion-New sponsor set for 2015, a redesign of the Fresh From Florida #43 scheme.
STEWART-HAAS RACING #10
Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Chevy SS–Same basic design as last year, but the blue ovals on the white are more pronounced.
Danica Patrick #10 GoDaddy Chevy SS–New redesign with more black and less orange.
Danica Patrick #10 GoDaddy/TaxAct Chevy SS-New sponsor combo for the Sprint Unlimited, front of the car retains traditional GoDaddy design, whereas back quarter panel is TaxAct
Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Chevy SS-One race sponsor, will run at Martinsville in March, red, white and black scheme, with diagonal design up the doors.
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–New redesign with a much simpler front and more design on the sides.
Denny Hamln #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–Same redesign as FedEx Express
Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–New redesign with a new door design
GERMAIN RACING #13
Casey Mears #13 Geico Chevy SS–No Change.
STEWART-HAAS RACING #14
Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Same color scheme as last year, but with a new design on the side.
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–Same color scheme as last year, but with a new design on the side.
Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil1 Chevy SS–No Change
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #15
Clint Bowyer #15 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camry–No Change
Clint Bowyer #15 Peak Toyota Camry–No Change
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #16
Greg Biffle #16 Cheez Its Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red with a cheese colored stripe and crackers on the side.
Greg Biffle #16 Clean Harbors Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red white and black design
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Fire Ant Killer Ford Fusion–No change
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Home Defense Ford Fusion-New sponsor, white design with a red and yellow stripe on the bottom, with a net design on the side.
Greg Biffle #16 Ortho Bug-B-Gon Ford Fusion-New sponsor, new design, red, black, and white is the primary color scheme.
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion-New primary sponsor, blue, and white is the color scheme.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–Same color scheme as 2014, but with a new, simpler side design.
JOE GIBBS RACING #18
Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No Change
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Crispy Toyota Camry-New design for 2015, with a green background and more emphasis on M&M’s Crispy, as well as a new hood logo.
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry-New team and new sponsor, yellow, black, and white is the color scheme.
Carl Edwards #19 Aaris Toyota Camry-New team and new sponsor, reddish orange with the Aaris logo used as part of the side stripe.
Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, blue, silver and white, with a stripe that starts on the bottom, covers the car number, and takes over the top at the back.
Carl Edwards #19 SportClips Toyota Camry-New sponsor, same design as Denny Hamlin.
Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New sponsor for Joe Gibbs, much simpler design.
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry-New sponsor, black, green, yellow, and white is the color scheme.
Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toyota Camry–Much simpler than the 2014 scheme, with fewer side designs.
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft/Quicklane Ford Fusion–No Change
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change
Joey Logano #22 AAA Ford Fusion–The AAA logo has been straightened up in 2015.
Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Platnum Ford Fusion–No Change
BK RACING #23
J.J. Yeley #23 Dr. Pepper/Maxim Fantasy Sports Toyota Camry-New sponsor for the Daytona 500. Black on top, white on the bottom, red stripe in between, Dr Pepper style logo on the door number.
JJ Yeley #23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2015, car keeps the red on top, new number design, and white on bottom.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
Jeff Gordon #24 3M Chevy SS-New design for 2015, silver, with red accents and numbers, with a white hood design that extends over the roof and deck-lid.
Jeff Gordon #24 Axalta Chevy SS–No Change
Jeff Gordon #24 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–Much simpler redesign, with new hood logo and same color scheme–
Jeff Gordon #24 Panasonic Toughbook Chevy SS–No Change
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #25
Chase Elliott #25 NAPA Chevy SS-New sponsor and car number for 2015, blue is the primary sponsor, with a yellow design on the side.
BK RACING #26
Jeb Burton #26 Live Deals Ford Fusion-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, will have similar design as JJ Yeley, but with orange, black, and white.
Jeb Burton #26 Maxim Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, white with black lettering.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27
Paul Menard #27 Pittsburgh Paints/Menard’s Chevy SS–No change
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Serta Chevy SS–Same basic scheme as 2014, but with more blue on the sides than last year.
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–Some slight changes to the stripes, and roof
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracel Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, using a black, yellow, and gold version of the Menard’s template.
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Quaker State Chevy SS–No change
RAB RACING #29
Justin Marks #29 American Born Moonshine Toyota Camry-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, has a wood finished look, with white lettering.
TMG RACING #30
Ron Horniday #30 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevy SS-New team and sponsor for 2015. Two-tone green design with white lettering and yellow accents.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31
Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Same color scheme, but the car as a whole has been redesigned
Ryan Newman #31 Quicken Loans Chevy SS–No change
Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, green, red and white, with some designs on the side.
GO FAS RACING #32
Go FAS Racing #32 Keen Parts Ford Fusion–Simpler redesign and a much simpler color scheme.
Go FAS Racing #32 C&J Energy Services Ford Fusion–Same color scheme, but with a different and much more complex side design
Mike Bliss #32 Draft Demons Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, red and black diagonal stripes with a fire motif at the bottom.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #33
Ty Dillon #33 Yuengling Brewery Chevy SS-New sponsor, red, white, and blue is the primary color scheme.
Ty Dillon #33 Cheerios Chevy SS-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, based on Austin Dillon’s Cheerios scheme, but with a Kroger’s logo on the hood.
Brian Scott #33 White Tail Lodge Chevy SS–No change.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34
David Ragan #34 KFC Ford Fusion–Redesign for 2015, all white front, KFC style stripes on the back.
David Ragan #34 CSX Ford Fusion–Same basic scheme, though the word bubble on the hood has been replaced with a CSX logo.
David Ragan #34 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, blue, white, and red, follows the “Front Row Motorsports Template” with a stripe that curves above and around the door number, that separates the colors of the car.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35
Cole Whitt #35 Speed Stick Gear Ford Fusion–No Change
Cole Whitt #35 Rinnai Filters Ford Fusion–Same scheme as 2014, different team.
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38
David Gilliland #38 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Fusion–No change
HILLMAN-SMITH MOTORSPORTS #40
Landon Cassill #40 Snap 24-7 Fitness Chevy SS–Slight redesign from last year, with the black quarter panel replaced with red.
Landon Cassill #40 Cars For Sale Chevy SS–No Change
STEWART-HAAS RACING #41
Stewart-Haas Racing #41 Haas CNC Chevy SS–Same color scheme, but the car has been completely redesigned.
Stewart-Haas Racing #41 Slate Water Heaters Chevy SS–No change
CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42
Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS– Same basic design as 2014, but with some sponsor changes on the quarter panel.
Kyle Larson #42 White Target Chevy SS–Same basic design as 2014, but with some sponsor changes on the quarter panel.
Kyle Larson #42 Energizer Eco Advanced Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, different stripe color, fewer logos on the side.
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43
Aric Almoriola #43 Eckrich Ford Fusion–Same basic design, but with a Nathans logo on the rear.
Aric Almirola #43 Smithfield Ford Fusion–No change
Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No Change.
Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford Fusion–No Change.
TEAM XTREME RACING #44
Reed Sorenson #44 Golden Corral Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, same design as 2015 #36.
Travis Kvapil #44 Phoenix Warehouse Chevy SS–No Change
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46
Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New car number and design. White is the primary color, with red and yellow accents on the sides and front.
Michael Annett #46 Cypress HQ Chevy SS–New team for Cypress in 2015, some slight stripe changes on the quarter panel, and a darker blue.
JTG DAUGHTERY RACING #47
AJ Allmendinger #47 Better Than Bullion Chevy SS-New Sponsor for 2015, all black with a gold stripe running down the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Best Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Clorox Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 House Autry Chevy SS-New primary sponsor for 2015, Red sides, with blue roof and posts.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Chilli Beans Chevy SS-New sponsor, yellow to orange to yellow fade across whole car.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Hungry Jack Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kingsford Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Scott Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, some logos have changed on the side.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger Chevy SS–No change
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–New design, bears a resemblance to the old Kobalt tools scheme from 2009.
Jimmie Johnson #48 Kobalt Chevy SS–New design, redesigned version of the current Lowe’s scheme.
HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #51
Justin Allgaier #51 Brandt Chevy SS–Same primary design, but the door number has reversed colors.
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING #55
Brian Vickers #55 Aaron’s Toyota Camry–Same basic design as last year, the nose has been changed, the main blue is slightly darker, and the gold has been replaced with light blue
Brett Moffitt #55 Aaron’s 60th Anniversary Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2015, colors are reversed, new logo on the hood.
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #62
Brian Scott #62 Shore Lodge Chevy SS-New sponsor for the Daytona 500, Black with white lettering and silver designs.
PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #66
Mike Wallace #66 Crazy Vapors/X8 Energy Gum Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, Hood has Crazy Vapors green stripe design, side has X8 abstract design.
FURNITURE ROW RACING #78
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row Chevy SS–No Change
BK RACING #83
Johnny Sauter #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2015, green stripes up the hood and roof, white design with Dr Pepper style door numbers.
Matt Dibenedetto #83 Burger King Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2015, black takes over as primary color, Dr. Pepper design around door numbers.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–No Change
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Diet Mountain Dew Chevy SS–No major changes,except a Nationwide logo replaces the National Guard logo.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–Same basic design but blue has replaced white as the primary color.
LEVINE FAMILY RACING #95
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Ford Fusion–Redesign of last year’s scheme, another example of logo as a stripe pattern.
Michael McDowell #95 K-Love Ford Fusion–Template has been redesigned, and the city outline on the rear quarterpanel has been removed.
PHIL PARSONS RACING #98
Josh Wise #98 Phoenix Construction Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2015, all white with red lettering, and red and black numbers
The Driver Suit Blog-My Thoughts On The End of Winter
By David G. Firestone
Just a real quick one this week. I’ve said it before, but I hate winter. The cold can be almost unbearable, the snow gets annoying quickly. I hate waiting for buses in this weather. I’m seeing spring products in stores, and the racing seasons are starting. Spring training indicates that spring has started, but I have yet to see it. This part of winter is my least favorite part of my least favorite season. I want the weather to get warm, but it isn’t. The waiting really is the hardest part. As I write this, it is 24 degrees outside, the high is projected to be 48 degrees. Waiting for the warmth to start really sucks.
My two big indicators that spring is on the way are the beginning of the racing seasons and Spring Training in baseball. Spring Training is awesome because it’s baseball, but more relaxed. The record is irrelevant, and the final rosters haven’t been set yet. I watch a lot of Spring Training. The teams and fans are much more relaxed, they know that the best part of the year is on the way as well. I don’t have the time or resources, but some day, I want to just go to Arizona and spend 2 or 3 weeks just at Spring Training games. That would rule. Maybe someday, who knows?
From everyone living in places where it gets cold in the winter, I speak for all of us when I ask Spring to HURRY THE HELL UP!
The Driver Suit Blog-Racing Innovators and Their Eureka Moments Part 2-Don Garlitts.
By David G. Firestone
Last week, I discussed the eureka moment that lead to the new parachute design that led to the creation of Simpson Race Products. This week, I will discuss the eureka moment that helped the purchaser of the first Simpson parachute, Don Garlitts, design the current dragster design.
Don Garlitts was born in Tampa Florida in 1932. He built his first car in 1954, and instantly took to the sport. Since many of the drivers were from California, and Garlitts was from Florida, he was given several nicknames, before accepting the nickname “Swamp Rat” after the giant swamp rat, or Myocastor coypus. He adapted the Swamp Rat name for each generation of dragster he designed and built. This was not a time of multimillion dollar teams, with special development programs. This was literally a group of guy building dragsters in rented shops.
The eureka moment for Garlitts came at the 1970 AHRA Grand American Nationals. That day, he was racing Swamp Rat XIII, known as the Wynnscharger. This was a front engine rail dragster. The transmission exploded, severed the car in half, and took off part of Garlitts’ foot. Again, while you are recovering from an accident like that, you have a lot of time to think, and as Garlitts thought, he realized that he could design a safer dragster, one with the engine behind the driver. In the 1970’s, this was unheard of. Garlitts designed Swamp Rat XIV in the hospital and started racing it in 1971. Publicly, it was mocked at first, until it began to win, and prove the design effective. Since then, this has become the standard design.
One incarnation that Garlitts worked with before he settled on Swamp Rat XIV was Swamp Rat VIII. Swamp Rat VIII was built in 1964. Swamp Rat VIII was designed to use the Dodge 426 Elephant Hemi engine. The 426 was a lot harder to tune than the old 392, so Garlitts did not have a good year, though once he figured it out, it was an impressive car. The 426 Hemi was such a good design, it is still the car used by the NHRA to this day, in Top Fuel and Funny Car. Garlitts cut the car in half, and used the front half to make Swamp Rat X. In 2005, Garlitts rebuilt the car, and in 2006, took it to a few vintage races.
This is a set of spark plugs pulled from that recreated car. The set of 8 plugs comes in a Styrofoam case, which has been autographed by Garlitts. Each plug shows some wear, some more than others. I often look at it, sitting on my coffee table, and think about the legend, the greatest innovator in drag racing history picking up these plugs, one by one, putting them into the rebuilt engine, taking the car to the track, and firing it up. He takes the car for a pass, and then adjusts the engine, with the care and detail of a Swiss watchmaker crafting a timepiece. Once these plugs have finished their lifespan, they weren’t just thrown away, but kept, and sold to a collector, who sold them to me. It really is holding a piece of history in your hands.
Next Friday, we will take a closer look at Spark Plugs as memorabilia items.
DGF2099 Productions-Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Mish Mosh Edition Part 3-Sports Edition
We have another mish mosh edition, this one features more sports memorabilia.
DGF2099-Main Page 
