News and notes, and a fun story this week.
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-January 18, 2023
By David G. Firestone
TRACKHOUSE RACING #1
Ross Chastain #1 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro–No change. B
TEAM PENSKE #2
Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Austin Cindric #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No Change. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, some changes to stripes on side. B+
Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem Ford Mustang–No change. B+
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5
Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Brad Keselowski #6 Elk Grove Manufacturing and Technology Expo Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, white with red and blue designs. B
Brad Keselowski #6 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, white with blue and beige designs. A
SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #7
Corey LaJoie #7 The Jessie Rees Foundation Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, blue, black, teal, and white with a series of stripes. C
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8
Kyle Busch #8 Alsco Uniforms Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, black added, side design changed. B+
Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, solid red, with black bottom and biscuits. A
Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, green and black with cleaned up sides. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9
Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, more blue added, some new stripes. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #10
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. A
TEAM PENSKE #12
Ryan Blaney #12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Wabash Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2023, blue, pink, and gray with slight design. D
Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Mustang–No change. F
Chris Buescher #17 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, same as #6. A
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No Change. A-
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, sublimated designs added, orange reduced. C-
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry–No change. A
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–No Change. A
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, side colors reversed. A
William Byron #24 RAPTOR Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, white sides added. B+
FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34
Michael McDowell #34 Fr8 Auctions Ford Mustang–No change. A
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, front cleaned up. C
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48
Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Day Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, blue fade to white with designs. D
Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Night Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, blue fade to black with designs. C
LIVE FAST MOTORSPORTS #78
Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro–No change. C
BJ McLeod #78 B’laster Ford Mustang–No change. D-
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB #84
Jimmie Johnson #84 Carvana Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, dark metallic blue with light blue stripes. A
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-January 14, 2023
By David G. Firestone
Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang-No real change, neither better or worse. B+
Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.
Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.
Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
The Driver Suit Blog-Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 53
Racing and broadcasting are on track this week.
https://www.stadiumtalk.com/s/skip-bayless-twitter-worst-takes-1d53ad2af44749a0
https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/397560-skip-bayless-worst-twitter-takes-news
https://sites.northwestern.edu/sliceofsports/skip-bayless-how-is-sports-medias-most-hated-man-so-popular/
https://racer.com/2023/01/05/andretti-partners-with-gm-as-andretti-cadillac-racing-for-f1-entry/
https://www.jayski.com/2022/12/29/ron-devine-ordered-to-make-payments-in-bk-racing-bankruptcy/
https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1605276873352794311
https://www.jayski.com/2022/12/28/nascar-says-additional-cities-interested-in-street-course-races/
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-January 11, 2023
By David G. Firestone
TRACKHOUSE RACING #1
Ross Chastain #1 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro–No change. B
TEAM PENSKE #2
Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Austin Cindric #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No Change. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, some changes to stripes on side. B+
Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem Ford Mustang–No change. B+
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5
Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Brad Keselowski #6 Elk Grove Manufacturing and Technology Expo Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, white with red and blue designs. B
SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #7
Corey LaJoie #7 The Jessie Rees Foundation Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, blue, black, teal, and white with a series of stripes. C
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8
Kyle Busch #8 Alsco Uniforms Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, black added, side design changed. B+
Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, solid red, with black bottom and biscuits. A
Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, green and black with cleaned up sides. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #10
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. A
TEAM PENSKE #12
Ryan Blaney #12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Wabash Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2023, blue, pink, and gray with slight design. D
Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Mustang–No change. F
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No Change. A-
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, sublimated designs added, orange reduced. C-
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry–No change. A
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–No Change. A
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, side colors reversed. A
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, front cleaned up. C
LIVE FAST MOTORSPORTS #78
Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro–No change. C
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-January 7, 2023
By David G. Firestone
Ross Chastain #1 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.
Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Austin Cindric #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Brad Keselowski #6 Elk Grove Manufacturing and Technology Expo Ford Mustang-I think the car is a bit too over designed. It’s not bad, but it can be toned down. B
Corey LaJoie #7 The Jessie Rees Foundation Chevy Camaro-I think the teal isn’t needed, and the car is a little over designed, so this gets a C
Kyle Busch #8 Alsco Uniforms Chevy Camaro-The adding of black doesn’t work, and takes the whole scheme down to a B+. Without the black, this gets an A.
Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro-With the sides cleaned up, this gets an A!
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Ryan Blaney #12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Ryan Blaney #12 Wabash Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-Even a smooth design can’t be saved with a horrid color scheme like this!. D
Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Chris Buescher #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-The changes do not change the grade, it’s still a C- scheme.
Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro-I like this new look, the color and design work, so this gets an A.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro-Cleaning up the front is a massive improvement! This goes from an F to a C.
Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.
The Driver Suit Blog-Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 52
Some news, notes, and updates this week.
https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/new-docuseries-is-publicity-indycar-deserves-and-needs-100-days-to-indy/10409834/
https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2022/12/19/Insiders/sports-media.aspx
https://frontofficesports.com/nascar-media-rights-1-billion/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/comcast-earnings-nbcuniversal-peacock-loss-1235247300/
https://racer.com/2022/12/20/fia-moves-to-ban-personal-and-political-statements
https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/f1-global-tv-audience-2021/?zephr_sso_ott=87WnQ2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnT1OAp-oX4
The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Tracker-January 4, 2023
By David G. Firestone
TRACKHOUSE RACING #1
Ross Chastain #1 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro–No change. B
TEAM PENSKE #2
Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Austin Cindric #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No Change. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #4
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No Change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6
Brad Keselowski #6 Elk Grove Manufacturing and Technology Expo Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, white with red and blue designs. B
SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #7
Corey LaJoie #7 The Jessie Rees Foundation Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, blue, black, teal, and white with a series of stripes. C
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8
Kyle Busch #8 Alsco Uniforms Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, black added, side design changed. B+
Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, solid red, with black bottom and biscuits. A
STEWART HAAS RACING #10
Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
JOE GIBBS RACING #11
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. A
TEAM PENSKE #12
Ryan Blaney #12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A
Ryan Blaney #12 Wabash Ford Mustang–No Change. A-
Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang–No change. A
ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2023, blue, pink, and gray with slight design. D
Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–No change. A
Chris Buescher #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Mustang–No change. F
JOE GIBBS RACING #19
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No Change. A-
Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, sublimated designs added, orange reduced. C-
JOE GIBBS RACING #20
Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry–No change. A
TEAM PENSKE #22
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–No change. A
Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. A
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24
William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, side colors reversed. A
JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, front cleaned up. C
LIVE FAST MOTORSPORTS #78
Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro–No change. C
The Driver Suit Blog-2022 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 4-The Grand Finale
By David G. Firestone
Well, all the votes have been counted, and the final Paint Scheme Leaderboard is complete. Without further ado, the final post of 2022:
1-Team Penske #22 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:43 of 46
Number of Schemes:8
GPA:4.00
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:5
GPA:4.00
3-Joe Gibbs Racing #11 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:37 of 46
Number of Schemes:9
GPA:3.85
4-Hendrick Motorsports #9 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:7 of 46
Number of Schemes:8
GPA:3.75
5-Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:6 of 46
Number of Schemes:14
GPA:3.71
6-MBM Motorsports #55 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:3 of 46
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:3.70
7-Team Penske #12 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:18 of 46
Number of Schemes:21
GPA:3.65
8-Team Hezenberg #27 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:4
GPA:3.50
9-Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:5 of 46
Number of Schemes:9
GPA:3.51
10-Joe Gibbs Racing #20 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:26 of 46
Number of Schemes:6
GPA:3.33
11-Rick Ware Racing #51 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:10 of 46
Number of Schemes:6
GPA:3.33
12-Hendrick Motorsports #5 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:16 of 46
Number of Schemes:3
GPA:3.33
13-Richard Childress Racing #33 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:3.30
14-Stewart-Haas Racing #41 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:38 of 46
Number of Schemes:14
GPA:3.02
15-Richard Childress Racing #3 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:14 of 46
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:3.30
16-Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing #6 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:36 of 46
Number of Schemes:16
GPA:3.15
17-Stewart-Haas Racing #14 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:1 of 46
Number of Schemes:9
GPA:3.15
18-Rick Ware Racing #15 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:28 of 46
Number of Schemes:27
GPA:3.09
19-Team Penske #2 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:21 of 46
Number of Schemes:16
GPA:3.04
20-Kaulig Racing #16 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:8 of 46
Number of Schemes:18
GPA:3.01
21-Richard Childress Racing #8 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:42 of 46
Number of Schemes:10
GPA:3.00
22-Wood Brothers #21 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:12 of 46
Number of Schemes:8
GPA:2.96
23-Stewart-Haas Racing #4 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:22 of 46
Number of Schemes:18
GPA:2.90
24-Hendrick Motorsports #48 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:27 of 46
Number of Schemes:7
GPA:2.86
25-Beard Motorsports #62 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:4 of 46
Number of Schemes:2
GPA:2.85
26-Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing #17 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:39 of 46
Number of Schemes:11
GPA:2.78
27-Front Row Motorsports #34 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:13 of 46
Number of Schemes:11
GPA:2.76
28-Joe Gibbs Racing #19 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:9 of 46
Number of Schemes:8
GPA:2.71
29-23XI Racing #45 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:14
GPA:2.70
30-JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:44 of 46
Number of Schemes:25
GPA:2.66
31-23XI Racing #23 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:11 of 46
Number of Schemes:14
GPA:2.64
32-Stewart-Haas Racing #10 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:35 of 46
Number of Schemes:8
GPA:2.96
33-Richard Petty Motorsports #42 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:12
GPA:2.61
34-Kaulig Racing #31 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:3
GPA:2.57
35-Live Fast Motorsports #78 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:23 of 46
Number of Schemes:28
GPA:2.56
36-Spire Motorsports #77 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:32 of 46
Number of Schemes:14
GPA:2.30
37-Front Row Motorsports #38 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:25 of 46
Number of Schemes:17
GPA:2.25
38-Trackhouse Racing #1 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:2.21
39-Spire Motorsports #7 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:41 of 46
Number of Schemes:19
GPA:2.08
40-The Money Racing Team #50 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:2
GPA:2.00
41-MBM Motorsports #66 Ford Mustang
Rank Last Year:24 of 46
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:2.00
42-Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:15 of 46
Number of Schemes:7
GPA:1.90
43-Trackhouse Racing #99 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:46 of 46
Number of Schemes:13
GPA:1.53
44-Team Hezenberg #26 Toyota Camry
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:0.00
GPA:1
45-Trackhouse Racing #91 Chevy Camaro
Rank Last Year:N/A
Number of Schemes:1
GPA:0.0
With that, 2022 is over, and we will start back up next week, and next year!
The Driver Suit Blog-Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 51
Wheel Reviews December and 2022 finish with the Elvis Presley NASCAR movie Speedway!