The Driver Suit Blog

Paint Scheme Grades-February 4, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro-Camo is a downgrade, the car looks cluttered. It’s a downgrade from last year. B

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry-A bit more cluttered than last year’s design, but still not bad. A-

Michael McDowell #34 Quincy Compressor Ford Mustang-I hate the shade of purple, and the design looks awful, so this gets an F.

Todd Gilliland #38 Quincy Compressor Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #34, same F grade.

Ty Dillon #77 Ferris Mowers Chevy Camaro-The lack of white works, but the new design is too cluttered up to get anything more than a B+

Driver Suit Blog Radio-Episode 56

Some news, some thoughts on stadiums, and some thoughts on Power Slap this week.

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/why-are-bears-moving-arlington-heights-heres-what-we-know
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/chicago-mayor-lori-lightfoot-bears-stadium-beating-packers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldier_Field
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Bears
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turner_Field
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truist_Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_White
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Slap
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.team-guide-williams-f1s-sleeping-giants-with-an-american-rookie-at-the-wheel.2oTU9kZoWQILs4w934r9A2.html
https://www.nhra.com/news/2023/jcm-racing-teams-tim-wilkerson-expands-partnership-scag
https://www.jayski.com/2023/01/23/chase-elliott-named-favorite-to-win-2023-cup-series-championship/
https://www.jayski.com/2023/01/24/teams-optimistic-about-deal-with-nascar-on-tv-rights-revenue/
https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/cup-teams-path-forward-revenue-sharing-deal/10423941/

Local Forecast – Slower by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3988-local-forecast—slower
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Paint Scheme Tracker-February 1, 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

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, white removed, camo added. B

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+

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang–No change. A

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

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, black with green and red stripes. 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

Corey LaJoie #7 Celsius Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

Kyle Busch #8 Netspend Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, light blue with red and orange stripes. D-

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

KAULIG RACING #13

Chandler Smith #13 Quick Tie Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, white with red and teal. B

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang–No change. C

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

Chris Buescher #17 Castrol Ford Mustang–New scheme 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

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2023, new designs. 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

Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A-

Michael McDowell #34 Quincy Compressor Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, black with purple designs. F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Todd Gilliland #38 Gener8tor Skills Accelerator Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, red with white. A

Todd Gilliland #38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, black with green and red. A

Todd Gilliland #38 Quincy Compressor Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, same as #34. F

STEWART HAAS RACING #41

Ryan Preece #41 United Rentals Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, some design changes. B

Ryan Preece #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, red, black, and white with designs on sides. 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

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77

Ty Dillon #77 Ferris Mowers Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2023, more designs added. B+

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

Paint Scheme Grades-January 28, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Ford Mustang-A good color scheme, and a great design scheme will always earn an A.

Corey LaJoie #7 Celsius Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kyle Busch #8 Netspend Chevy Camaro-The only good thing I can say is that I like the shade of red. Other than that, this car has no redeeming qualities. D-

Chandler Smith #13 Quick Tie Chevy Camaro-I like the design and the shade of red, but the teal looks really out of place. It’s not bad, so it gets a B

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Chris Buescher #17 Castrol Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #6, same A grade.

Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

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

Todd Gilliland #38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Ryan Preece #41 United Rentals Ford Mustang-This scheme is neither better nor worse than last year, so this gets the same B as last year.

Ryan Preece #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang-Definitely an upgrade, with a better primary color, and new designs. A

Driver Suit Blog Radio-Episode 55

NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, Formula 1, and Motocross are discussed this week.

https://www.carscoops.com/2023/01/nascar-makes-fireproof-socks-and-underwear-mandatory/
https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1615412678612160518
https://www.indycar.com/news/2023/01/01-12-larson-500-2024
https://www.jayski.com/2023/01/17/top-three-finishers-in-busch-light-clash-will-be-awarded-medals/
https://motorsports.nbcsports.com/2023/01/06/supermotocross-chicagoland-speedway-playoffs-zmax-dragway-supercross-motocross/
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-update-on-the-2023-calendar.4pTQzihtKTiegogmNX5XrP.html
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.track-to-be-resurfaced-and-paddock-moved-inside-hard-rock-stadium-for-2023.1Oei1J5s4KM2IDWY1YhTdC.html
https://twitter.com/BPedersen88/status/1616151152176791580
https://www.adl.org/resources/hate-symbol/1488

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 25, 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

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, black with green and red stripes. 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

Corey LaJoie #7 Celsius Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

Kyle Busch #8 Netspend Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, light blue with red and orange stripes. D-

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

KAULIG RACING #13

Chandler Smith #13 Quick Tie Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2023, white with red and teal. B

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang–No change. C

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

Chris Buescher #17 Castrol Ford Mustang–New scheme 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

Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A-

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Todd Gilliland #38 Gener8tor Skills Accelerator Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, red with white. A

Todd Gilliland #38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2023, black with green and red. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #41

Ryan Preece #41 United Rentals Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, some design changes. B

Ryan Preece #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2023, red, black, and white with designs on sides. 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

Paint Scheme Grades-January 21, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Brad Keselowski #6 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang-Good look, not over designed, good color scheme. A

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro-Adding the blue looks great, and the stripes work better too. A

Chris Buescher #17 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #6, same A grade.

William Byron #24 RAPTOR Chevy Camaro-Like last year, adding the white takes away from a great scheme, and takes it from an A to a B+ because it looks so out of space

Michael McDowell #34 Fr8 Auctions Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Day Chevy Camaro-It’s a downgrade. The smooth looking scheme has been replaced by a cluttered mess. I can say that the color scheme is good, but this gets a D.

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Night Chevy Camaro-Changing from white to black does help, but only to take the grade from a D to a C.

BJ McLeod #78 B’laster Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same D- grade.

Jimmie Johnson #84 Carvana Chevy Camaro-I like the metallic blue, the stripes have a good color, and they are not over designed. A