Tag: erik jones

The Driver Suit Blog-The Final Paint Scheme Grades of 2023

By David G. Firestone

J.J. Yeley #15 Patriot Mobile Ford Mustang-No real issues here, good design with a great color scheme. A

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt/Rheem Toyota Camry-This is a downgrade, there are two different color and design schemes, and it looks forced and awkward. It’s not bad, nor is it good, so this gets a C.

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Company/Star Wars X-wing Toyota Camry-If you didn’t know this design was based on an X-wing, you would have no idea what this design is. It’s odd, and while it isn’t bad, this gets a C, for confusion.

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same D grade.

Erik Jones #43 Allegiant Allways Rewards Chevy Camaro-White and orange is odd to begin with, the blue numbers don’t help, and the design looks bad with the color scheme, so this gets an F.

Tyler Reddick #45 Toyota/Star Wars TIE Fighter Toyota Camry-The TIE Fighter, in addition to being ridiculously impractically designed, what with the solar cells on the sides restricting vision for the pilot, is also not well represented here. The black on the front and back looks out of place, and, like the X-wing scheme, if you didn’t know this design was based on an X-wing, you would have no idea what this design is. F

Rickey Stenhouse Jr. #47 Fry’s/Cheez-It Chevy Camaro-A solid red car with a good set of yellow designs will always earn an A.

Ryan Newman #51 Serial 1 E-Bikes Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #38, same A grade.

B.J. McLeod #78 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Chevy Camaro-A good design scheme with a horrible color scheme will always earn a C.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-September 30, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade

Chase Briscoe #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Pink Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same F grade

J.J. Yeley #15 Steakhouse Elite Ford Mustang-I like the look, and the car is well designed with a great color scheme. A

J.J. Yeley #15 Patriot Mobile Patriotic Ford Mustang-The Patriot Mobile look works well with blue. A

AJ Allmendinger #16 Barger Precast Chevy Camaro-The colors might work better reversed, too much white, and the cutting edge designs are over done. C

Erik Jones #43 VsEverybody.com Chevy Camaro-I hate mosaic schemes, and the sublimated words don’t help. F

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-The neon green looks out of place here, and the designs are just childish. F

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-Well, more neon green, and over done designs don’t do this scheme any favors. F

Ty Gibbs #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Holy hell! This is a massive improvement over the green look! This is a great scheme! A

Ty Dillon #77 Shelton Energy Solutions Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade

Daniel Suarez #99 Aerial Recovery Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Daniel Suarez #99 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro-Reversing the colors worked well here. A

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-August 5, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Snap On Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Huk Performance Fishing Chevy Camaro-These changes don’t really add much, so the same F grade as last year.

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Peach Ford Mustang-Peach is not a great color for a stock car, or race car of any kind, and the lack of dark designs is horrid, so this gets an F!

Brad Keselowski #6 Solomon Plumbing Patriotic Ford Mustang-I hate regular camo on race cars, but this new design has an awful color scheme, and is too spread out. F

Corey LaJoie #7 Garner Trucking Chevy Camaro-A smooth, simple, yet bold look, with a great color scheme will ALWAYS earn an A!

Corey LaJoie #7 Gainbridge Chevy Camaro-I hate the color scheme, and the design scheme is awful, this gets an F.

Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Patriotic Chevy Camaro-This is a much better look, and I can’t really complain here!

Kyle Busch #8 X World Wallet Chevy Camaro-I like the smooth look, the design scheme works well, this gets an A.

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Patriotic Ford Mustang-This is a much less cluttered, much smoother, and much better look. A

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield/iHop Ford Mustang-Much less cluttered and better colors used earn this an A.

Aric Almirola #10 Ford Ford Mustang-It’s a great look, a great color scheme, and a great design scheme. A

Denny Hamlin #11 Coca-Cola Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 Mavis Tires & Brakes Toyota Camry-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme will ALWAYS earn an A.

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Sylvania Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Mustang-This is a downgrade from previous schemes, it’s a bit over designed. B+

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Patriotic Ford Mustang-The more designs added, the worse this scheme gets. C

Chase Briscoe #14 Mobil 1 Gen G Ford Mustang-Getting rid of the sublimated designs will improve this, but with them, this gets a B+.

Brennan Poole #15 Macc Door Systems Ford Mustang-I like the stripes, but they could be toned down a bit. A-

Jenson Button #15 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-This is a major downgrade from the previous scheme, with too many design elements. C

J.J. Yeley #15 Patriot Mobile Patriotic Ford Mustang-Good look, and a great color scheme will always earn an A

Ryan Newman #15 Parts Plus Ford Mustang-Great look. The color scheme works, and the design is amazing, so this gets an A.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Bath Planet Chevy Camaro-Has a good color scheme, but getting rid of the designs on the front would earn this an A, but with the designs, this gets a B.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Celsius Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #7, same A grade.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Action Industries Chevy Camaro-Getting rid of the green stripes would work better with the design. This however, isn’t horrible, so this gets a B.

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford Mustang-This is a unique, but well-executed look. A

Joey Logano #22 Verizon Ford Mustang-This is one of the best looks yet! Smooth, bold, simple, and it works. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Draft Kings Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

William Byron #24 Relay Payments Chevy Camaro-If the stripe was one whole stripe it would get a solid A, but this gets a B+

Justin Haley #31 Benesch Law Chevy Camaro-Getting rid of the front white and diamonds would boost this scheme to a solid A, but this gets a B+

Justin Haley, driver of the #31 Campers Inn RV Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #16, same B grade.

Brodie Kostecki #33 MobileX Chevy Camaro-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earns an A.

Michael McDowell #34 The Pete Store Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Michael McDowell #34 Benebone Ford Mustang-I loves me a good fade, and this is a good fade, and this gets an A.

Todd Gilliland #38 Gener8tor Skills Accelerator Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, which always earn an A.

Todd Gilliland #38 Georgia Peanut Commission Ford Mustang-\Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Todd Gilliland #38 A&W Root Beer Float Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #34, same A grade.

Ryan Preece #41 Morton Buildings Ford Mustang-Good color scheme, and an awful design scheme will always earn a C.

Ryan Preece #41 Sony Mobile ES Ford Mustang-I like the police car look, it’s well done, and this gets an A.

Noah Gragson #42 Wendy’s Chevy Camaro-I love the black and bacon look, it’s smooth and well done. A

Erik Jones #43 DRAIVER Chevy Camaro-I love the black and red look, and it works well here. A

Tyler Reddick #45 The Big 615/Moneylion Toyota Camry-Too over designed, mediocre color scheme, this gets a D.

Tyler Reddick #45 Draft Kings Network Toyota Camry-It works well, not over done, and it has a great color scheme. A

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-It’s a great look, I like that the green isn’t overused, so this gets an A.

Tyler Reddick #45 Xfinity 10G Network Toyota Camry-Too over designed, but a good fade saves this scheme. B

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/BallPark Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Food 4 Less/Slim Jim Chevy Camaro-The white front is a downgrade, it takes an A down to an A-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Drumstick Chevy Camaro-I like the look, it’s a good look, and I can’t say anything bad. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kleenex Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

J.J. Yeley #51 Patriot Mobile Patriotic Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #15, same A grade.

Ryan Newman #51 Parts Plus Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #15, same A grade.

Andy Lally #51 Camping World Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #15, same A grade.

Ty Dillon #77 Raze Energy Chevy Camaro-It’s over designed, and has a horrible color scheme. F

Ty Dillon #77 Gainbridge Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #7, same F grade.

Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro-The guitar motif works well, the color scheme is great, this earns an A.

Sheldon Creed #78 Whelen Chevy Camaro-It’s a simple look, with a bold color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Daniel Suarez #99 Worldwide Express Patriotic Chevy Camaro-What a difference a toned down scheme makes! This is a great look! A

Daniel Suarez #99 SLAM! Foundation Chevy Camaro-It’s an awful design, very over designed, and not even a great color scheme will save this. F

The Driver Suit Blog-Throwback Thursdays-2023 Throwback Rankings

By David G Firestone

So here are my current rankings for the best throwbacks of 2023. If another throwback comes along, it will be added as such.

1-William Byron #24 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Jeff Gordon’s 1998 Chromalusion Chevy Camaro. A

Even if this doesn’t change colors, this is still a great looking car, and it does take me back! This is another contender for best throwback of the year! A

2-Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Mark Donohue’s 1973 #16 AMC Matador. A

Yes! Yes! A thousand times YES! This is a damn good throwback of a damn good car from a dammed good driver in Mark Donohue! I can’t give this anything less than an A, and this is a top contender for throwback of the year!

3-Brennan Poole #15 Macc Door Systems Throwback Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2023, based on Bobby Allison’s Hogdon scheme. A

I like the look, it’s very faithfully done, and the car works as a whole. A

4-Erik Jones #43 Allegiant Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Richard Petty’s 1969 STP Dodge. A

Another contender for Best Throwback of the year! A great look that was faithfully reproduced! This gets an A.

5-Erik Jones #43 STP Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Richard Petty’s 1984 Pontiac. A

At the time of writing, this is my favorite throwback so far! This is a great look, and earns an A.

6-Daniel Suarez #99 Quaker State Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Ricky Rudd’s 1990 #26 Quaker State Buick. A

This might be one of the most perfect throwback schemes, something which Justin Marks and Trackhouse do very well. Design, color, theme, and sponsor all come together to create another contender for best throwback of the year. A

7-Ty Gibbs #54 Shriners Children’s Throwback Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2023, based on Bobby Labonte’s 1995 #18 NFL Hall of Fame Chevy. A

Yet another contender for best paint scheme of the year! This is amazing, and it really brings me back. A

8-Ty Dillon #77 Honest Charley Speed Shop Throwback Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2023, based on Joe Lee Johnson’s 1959 scheme. A

Great look, faithfully replicated, a good look all around. A

9-Michael McDowell #34 Fr8 Auctions Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Mark Martin’s #6 Folgers Coffee Ford Thunderbird. A

Yet another contender for best paint scheme of the year! I loved the old Mark Martin Folgers Coffee scheme from back in the day, and I love this now! This gets an A.

10-Ross Chastain #1 Worldwide Express Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Dale Jarrett’s 2001 #88 UPS Ford. A

I love Dale Jarrett, and I love a Dale Jarrett Throwback! This gets an A!

11-Corey LaJoie #7 Nations Guard Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Don LaJoie’s old ride. A

A really great look, the vintage look is great, and I can’t not like this! A

12-Chase Elliott #9 LLumar Window Film Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Bill Elliott’s #9 Evernham Dodge. A

Simple, bold, a great look, and the perfectly replicated door numbers all add up to give this scheme an A.

13-Harrison Burton #21 DEX Imaging Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Jeff Burton’s 1998 Exide Ford Tarus. A

Exide Batteries had some good schemes back in the day, and this one is bringing back fond memories. A

14-Todd Gilliland #38 Serial 1 Throwback Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2023 based on Elton Sawyer’s Barbasol schemes. A

I really miss the old schemes of the 1990’s, this is just another example of a great look. A

15-Ryan Preece #41 United Rentals Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Jeff Preece’s #4 late model scheme. A

It’s a smooth look with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

16-Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on old Castrol GTX colors. A

I’m getting some serious early 1990’s John Force vibes from this, and I love it! John Force Castrol was ALWAYS a great look!

17-Kevin Harvick #29 Busch Light Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on his 2001 Goodwrench Chevy. A

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! This might be one of my favorite throwback schemes EVER! This gets a solid A!

18-Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Dale Jr.’s 2001 Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game Chevy. A

I’m kind of shocked this hasn’t been thrown back to more, but it’s still a good solid look. A

19-Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, ot a real throwback, but a great look, with vintage numbers, logos and design. A

The vintage logo is a great look, and I love the design, so this gets an A.

20-Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Tony Stewart’s 2000 Turkey Time winning Ford. A

This is a look that never gets old, no matter how many times it’s done. A

21-Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, based on Matt Kenseth’s #17 DeWalt Ford from 2003. A

I like the look, the car is well designed, and this gets an A.

22-Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on spotter Kevin Hamlin’s 2007 #42 Texaco Havoline Chevy Camaro. A

I never really liked any non plain black Texaco Havoline schemes at the time, but they’ve grown on me, and this is a rather faithful throwback, so this gets an A in my book!

23-Ryan Newman #51 Biohaven/Jacob Co. Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Ryan Newman’s 2002 Mobil 1 scheme. A

Another faithful throwback and one that looks really good. A

24-Noah Gragson #42 Sunseeker Resort Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Jimmie Johnson’s 2014 Coca-Cola 600 winning scheme. A

This was a bold look back then, and it’s a faithful replica now. A

25-Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Tony Stewart’s 2009 Xfinity Series Hendrickcars.com scheme. A

It’s a great look, very accurate, and the car has a bold look. A

26-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Country Crock Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, based on Dale Jarrett’s 2001 #88 UPS Ford. B+

Where the #1 had more authentic logos, this is not as good, and the grilled cheese sandwich just doesn’t work as well. If this wasn’t a throwback, this would get an A, but the inaccuracies take it to a B+

27-Kevin Harvick #4 Sunny Delight Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, based on Kevin Harvick’s planned AOL Scheme. B+

The colors aren’t accurate, and the brand new Sunny Delight logo is kind of jarring. This gets a B+

28-Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, based on a 2017 scheme. B

While it’s a good look, I don’t see how this scheme is based on 2017. Was it based on Auto Owner’s Insurance, Mattress Row, or Bass Pro Shop? It’s not a real throwback, since those would get solid A’s, but this gets a B.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-May 20, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Kevin Harvick #4 Sunny Delight Throwback Ford Mustang-The colors aren’t accurate, and the brand new Sunny Delight logo is kind of jarring. This gets a B+

Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro-It’s a great look, very accurate, and the car has a bold look. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Throwback Ford Mustang-I’m getting some serious early 1990’s John Force vibes from this, and I love it! John Force Castrol was ALWAYS a great look!

Corey LaJoie #7 Nations Guard Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same D grade.

Corey LaJoie #7 Nations Guard Throwback Chevy Camaro-A really great look, the vintage look is great, and I can’t not like this! A

Chase Elliott #9 LLumar Window Film Throwback Chevy Camaro-Simple, bold, a great look, and the perfectly replicated door numbers all add up to give this scheme an A.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Throwback Toyota Camry-The vintage logo is a great look, and I love the design, so this gets an A.

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Throwback Ford Mustang-This is a look that never gets old, no matter how many times it’s done. A

Brennan Poole #15 VDL Strong Ford Mustang-I think the red isn’t needed, otherwise, this is a great scheme. A

Brennan Poole #15 Macc Door Systems Throwback Ford Mustang-I like the look, it’s very faithfully done, and the car works as a whole. A

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Throwback Toyota Camry-While it’s a good look, I don’t see how this scheme is based on 2017. Was it based on Auto Owner’s Insurance, Mattress Row, or Bass Pro Shop? It’s not a real throwback, since those would get solid A’s, but this gets a B.

Harrison Burton #21 DEX Imaging Throwback Ford Mustang-Exide Batteries had some good schemes back in the day, and this one is bringing back fond memories. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry-It’s a smooth look with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Todd Gilliland #38 Serial 1 Throwback Ford Mustang-I really miss the old schemes of the 1990’s, this is just another example of a great look. A

Ryan Preece #41 United Rentals Throwback Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Noah Gragson #42 Sunseeker Resort Throwback Chevy Camaro-This was a bold look back then, and it’s a faithful replica now. A

Erik Jones #43 Allegiant Throwback Chevy Camaro-Another contender for Best Throwback of the year! A great look that was faithfully reproduced! This gets an A.

Tyler Reddick #45 Forward Together Toyota Camry-I can’t confirm it’s a Sharpie throwback, but it does look good, so it gets an A.

Ryan Newman #51 Biohaven/Jacob Co. Throwback Ford Mustang-Another faithful throwback and one that looks really good. A

Ty Gibbs #54 Shriners Children’s Throwback Toyota Camry-Yet another contender for best paint scheme of the year! This is amazing, and it really brings me back. A

Ty Dillon #77 Honest Charley Speed Shop Throwback Chevy Camaro-Great look, faithfully replicated, a good look all around. A

BJ McLeod #78 The Daily Down Force/Out of the Groove Chevy Camaro-Too many contrasting colors, and too much going on. F

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-April 29, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Corey LaJoie #7 AeroVanti Chevy Camaro-I don’t like the yellow, other than that, this is a good scheme. A-

Kyle Busch #8 McLaren Custom Grills Chevy Camaro-Great color scheme, the smoke is a nice touch, and it isn’t over designed. A

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors “You Old Goat” Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Riley Herbst #15 Mechanix/Monster Ford Mustang-There are two contrasting styles here, and they look odd together. F

A.J. Allmendinger #16 Black’s Tire Chevy Camaro-This is a great look, especially when compared to last year’s scheme. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry-This is a good fade, and the fish motif works well. This gets an A.

Ryan Preece #41 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #4, same A grade.

Noah Gragson #42 Wendy’s Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Erik Jones #43 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Cheez-It Chevy Camaro-Get rid of the blue stripes and this will be a solid A. With the blue stripes, this gets an A-.

JJ Yeley #51 Jacob Companies Ford Mustang-The new stripes don’t really detract from the scheme, and this gets an A.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-April 15, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light #Break4Busch Ford Mustang-I like the idea, but this isn’t well done. The dirt looks off, and it’s over designed. It’s not awful, so this gets a C.

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ryan Blaney #12 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Chase Briscoe #14 Magical Vacation Planner Ford Mustang-I hate picture motifs, and this would be much better without it. With the mosaic, this gets an F.

JJ Yeley #15 Public SQ Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #51, same B+ grade.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Gain Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Bubba Wallace #23 McDonald’s/Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry-I hate this look, it’s not great, the random white areas are just awful, and I can’t say anything good. F

Justin Haley #31 Tide Chevy Camaro-These new designs are too much. They don’t look good, and it takes a B scheme down to a D, I do like Tide as a car sponsor.

Erik Jones #43 Club Wyndham Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great color scheme and earn an A.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Irish Spring Body Wash Chevy Camaro-This is a better look with the cleaned up sides. This goes from a C to a B

Austin Hill #62 Realtree Chevy Camaro-As much as I hate camo, this isn’t bad. The lack of orange helps, and this gets a C.

Anthony Alfredo #78 Dude Wipes Chevy Camaro-I like the look here, the color scheme is good, and the car looks great. A

BJ McLeod #78 GUNK Chevy Camaro-I would like this with smaller logos. The giant GUNK logo is so visually distracting, that it takes an A grade down to a B+

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-May 6, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Great Stuff Ford Mustang-Same scheme as Richmond, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers/Realtree Ford Mustang-The black works well with the camo, the green, not so much. The good and bad cancel each other out, and this gets a C.

Corey LaJoie #7 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Brennan Poole #15 Millennium Jet Card Ford Mustang-A good color scheme with a bad design color scheme gets a C

Christopher Bell #20 Mac Tools Toyota Camry-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Throwback Toyota Camry-I like the look, the car is well designed, and this gets an A.

Justin Haley #31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Justin Haley #31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection/World Autism Month Chevy Camaro-The way the puzzle pieces are forced looks really odd, and it takes the scheme down to a C.

Michael McDowell #34 A&W Root Beer Float Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Todd Gilliland #36 Gener8tor Skills Accelerator Ford Mustang-Simple, bold, and perfect, this gets an A.

Ryan Preece #41 Mohawk Northeast Ford Mustang-I like the color scheme here, but the car is a tad too over designed. This gets a B+

Erik Jones #43 STP Chevy Camaro-At the time of writing, this is my favorite throwback so far! This is a great look, and earns an A.

Tyler Reddick #45 Ronald McDonald House Toyota Camry-Get rid of the black rear, and this scheme will get a solid A, this gets an A-.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Icy Hot Chevy Camaro–Daniel Suarez #99 Pitbull/Freeway Insurance Chevy Camaro-The new look isn’t great, and I think that the car is over designed, so this gets a D.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-March 4, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Quaker State Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Behr Dynasty Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang-The darker blue works well here, and the scheme looks great. A

Kyle Busch #8 Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro-I like the shade of blue, and the white and red designs work well. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Wurth Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

JJ Yeley #15 ActOne Group Chevy Camaro-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Farmsmart Chevy Camaro-Great color scheme with a bad design scheme will always earn a C.

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

Harrison Burton #21 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang-Less can be a lot more, and with these new designs, it’s a bit too much, this gets a B+ down from an A-

Bubba Wallace #23 Leidos Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Michael McDowell #34 Horizon Lobby Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Todd Gilliland #38 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang-The new white on front scheme isn’t an upgrade or a downgrade, so it gets a C.

Erik Jones #43 U.S. Air Force Chevy Camaro-The Thunderbird scheme looks great, it translates to a race car well. This gets an A.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro-This much more blue scheme isn’t an upgrade or a downgrade, so it gets a C.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Ralph’s/Tree Top Applesauce Chevy Camaro-Horrible color scheme paired with a bad design scheme will always earn an F.

Ty Dillon #77 Nations Guard Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same D grade.

Daniel Suarez #99 Freeway Insurance Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

The Driver Suit Blog-Paint Scheme Grades-February 25, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 Andy’s Frozen Custard Chevy Camaro-Much better than last year, with a better color and design scheme. A

Corey LaJoie #7 Schluter Systems Chevy Camaro-I like the waffle designs, and the white has a much cleaner look, so this gets an A.

Chase Elliott #9 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro-It’s a good, unique look, I really like the color scheme, and the shades of white and red look really good. A

Chase Elliott #9 UniFirst Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx 50 Toyota Camry-I like the vintage look, but I do think a retro logo would work. Still, this is great, and gets an A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Peak Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt/Rheem Toyota Camry-Adding more black to the scheme takes it from an A- to an A.

Bubba Wallace #23 McDonald’s Toyota Camry-This gets an F because it’s the worst color choice…seriously, who associates McDonald’s with GREEN??

Noah Gragson #42 Wendy’s Chevy Camaro-Nothing really improves, or is made worse, so this gets an A-

Erik Jones #43 GUNS N’ ROSES Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great design will always earn an A.

Ty Gibbs #54 Monster Energy/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-This scheme made me do something I never thought I would…it made me give an A to a current Interstate Batteries scheme. This works well. A

Travis Pastrana #67 Black Rifle Coffee Toyota Camry-I HATE PLAID ON RACE CARS!!! IT NEVER LOOKS GOOD!!! F

Daniel Suarez #99 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevy Camaro-I didn’t think that I could hate a Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge scheme more, until I saw this. The found a way to make this worse, so this gets an F.