Month: May 2016

Paint Scheme Tracker-May 18, 2016

By David G. Firestone

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, blue top, reverse wave formation across sides, white bottom, with silver accents. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, main design has been moved slightly to the rear. 150’th anniversary logo added to hood.B+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and yellow front with a spike transition to rear. A+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and blue amalgamation of McDonald’s and Cessna. B-

Jamie McMurray #1 Credit One Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue, purple and white, with a series of designs across whole car. F

Jamie McMurray #1 Bad Boy/Beechcraft Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Beechcraft, but with Bad Boy on the hood. B+

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–Same basic scheme as 2015, but Miller has been removed from hood, similar 2014. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, same as #22 Auto Trader. D-

Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2015 scheme, but fits to Penske Template. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Thomas Build Buses Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, Penske Template, red front, black back. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, but the hood logo is slightly larger. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS–No change. A+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–No change. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Intellifresh Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, same as Dow Energy and Water. B-

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, similar to Robert Hight’s funny car, but with colors rearranged. D+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow FlexoLyt Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Intellifresh B-

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Ranger Boats Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with camo and orange diagonal triangle on side. B+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Ricky Rudd’s Piedmont scheme from 1982-1983. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch throwback can. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch Light can. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy John’s Chevy SS–No change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, mountain design starts near brake duct, instead of at front of car. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SS–No change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Cale Yarborough’s 1979 Daytona 500 Scheme. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Fishing Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white side, huge bass motif across sides. A+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5

Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS–No Change. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS–No Change. D+

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, geometrical designs on side changed. C

Kasey Kahne #5 Panasonic Toughbook Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue fade to black, with a couple of wave stripes, and some fade designs on side. A+

Kasey Kahne #5 Quicken Loans Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red with hockey stick designs on sides, as well as geometrical designs on front and back. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Mountain Dew Pitch Black Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, dark red with light red stripes and white letters on sides. A+

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive Home A Winner Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white stripe across side, red bottom. A+

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Strong Against Cancer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue and black striped side, with a snake motif on hood and roof. D-

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, white with blue line and checkered flag on bottom. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on the paint scheme Mark Martin ran in 1996 and 1997. A+

TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7

Alex Bowman #7 Road Rippers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2015, shark motif on front, fades to fire motif and logo on back. F

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral/Niko Toy State Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, amalgamation of Golden Corral and Niko Toy State. F

Regan Smith #7 Nikko Street Bratz Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue and white with a series of designs across sides. F

Regan Smith #7 Chevy SS-Black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom. A+

Regan Smith #7 APC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, APC logo on hood. A+

Regan Smith #7 AIPAC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, AIPAC logo on hood. A+

Regan Smith #7 Fire Alarm Services Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow hood, and orange city motif on sides. A+

Regan Smith #7 Nikko/Road Rippers Alan Kulwicki Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the “Underbird” design used by Kulwicki in 1992. C+

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, all black with white lettering. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #10

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white lettering on sides, white and black stripe across hood and roof. A+

Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white front, red TaxAct X logo, gray back. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Pride Pumpkin Spice Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same basic scheme as Nature’s Pride, but with orange and red color scheme, and some slight redesigns on the side. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Bass Pro Shops has left, so the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, similar to Clint Bowyer’s template, but with a Post-It esque design. F

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Brownies Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue, white and brown scheme, stripes start on hood, and extend to the rear of the side. B-

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Tooth Fairy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue and silver, similar to Clint Bowyer’s schemes. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/April O’Neil Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, comic book motif across whole car with April O’Neil on hood and Turtles on sides. F

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Autism Delaware Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nature’s Bakery but with Autism Delaware on quarter panels. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–No Change. C-

GERMAIN RACING #13

Casey Mears #13 Geico Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, much more subdued version of the 2015 scheme. A+

Casey Mears #13 Geico Millitary Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with camo motif across car. F

Casey Mears #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Smokey Yunick’s 1967 Chevy. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–No Change. C+

Brian Vickers #14 Janssen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simple curve replaces the wave pattern from 2015. A+

Brian Vickers #14 TaxAct Millitary Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, similar to TaxAct but with camouflage motif. C+

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Advanced Fuel Economy on sides. A+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #15

Clint Bowyer #15 Five-Hour Energy Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, the front stripe has been moved up to the top of the side, and the roof matches with the design. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, Blue with white geometrical designs on side. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 Visine Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as 5-Hour Energy, but with black, white, and blue color scheme. B+

Clint Bowyer #15 Aaron’s Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 AccuDoc Solutions Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all black with yellow and white lettering and a series of yellow stripes across sides. B-

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #16

Greg Bffle #16 Cheez-its Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, stripe has been extended down tot he bottom of the car, some slight rearangment of the crackers on the side of the car. A+

Greg Biffle #16 KFC Nashville Hot Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, all red with fire designs on quarter panel, and KFC stripes on roof. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Products Ford Fusion–No Change. B+

Greg Biffle #16 Roush Performance Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, black with red and white check pattern design on side. A+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simpler design, with red added on top. B+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Sunny D Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, orange front, rainbow sunburst pattern across sides, blue hood, roof, and decklid. F

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Zest Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simper design, with soap motif. C+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on Darrell Waltrip’s 1975 scheme. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2015, stripes are wider, black stripe on bottom gone. F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2014 scheme, but with vintage characters to celebrate M&M’s 75th anniversary. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, vintage look with vintage characters, yellow, with brown letters. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Banfield Pet Hospital Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with diagonal logo on hood, EKG motif on sides, injured cute pet pictures on quarter panel. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Pedigree Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green is brighter, side and hood logos are larger, and blue stripe on bottom has been removed. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles/Marvel Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red Skittles front and green Marvel and Skittles rear. B-

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same basic design, but with red, white, and blue motif. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Dale Jarrett Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, throwback based on Dale Jarrett’s 1993 Interstate Batteries scheme. A+

Kyle Busch #75 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, door number changes to #75 for All-Star Race, yellow with all vintage look. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, logos are bigger, outlines are bolder. A

Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green replaces black, box motif replaces stripe motif. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry–No Change. D-

Carl Edwards #19 Xfinity Toyota Camry–No Change. B-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toytota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, black stripe across bottom now gone. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

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

TEAM PENSKE #22

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

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

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–No Change. D-

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

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all yellow, with some lighter yellow geometrical designs across car. A+

BK RACING #23

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, white hood, different designs on sides. B+

David Ragan #23 Sweet Frog Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, green and pink stripes across sides, white hood with Sweet Frog logo. F

David Ragan #23 Schuler Systems Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #83. D-

David Raga #23 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, camo motif with salute to veterans on hood. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, blue with white stripes across side which start at brake duct. A+

Chase Elliott #24 3M Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, black and white replaces silver, extra geometrical designs on sides. B+

Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme but gold has been removed. Scheme has been redesigned into a more haphazardly designed stripe pattern. C+

Chase Elliot #24 Sun Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black background with solar flare inspired design fades to blue towards wheel well, and finishes with red gradient on back. F

Chase Elliott #24 Dewcision Mountain Dew Baja Blast Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

BK RACING #26

Robert Richardson #26 Stalk It Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with large blue and white stripe across sides, and Stalk It logos on hood and sides. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black front, extending into Menard’s template, yellow rear. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, redesigned to match Clint Bowyer’s Peak Chevy. A+

Paul Menard #27 Valvoline/Menard’s Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, follows new Menard’s template, white Valvoline front, yellow Menard’s rear. F

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template, with peeling blue and white paint design. F

Paul Menard #27 Richmond/Menard’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme with new Menard’s template. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, New Menard’s template with FVP colors. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s 2016 template with green Libman motif on front, Menard’s on back. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Rockstar Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template with black Rockstar front. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Tarkett Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Menard’s template with blue front for Tarkett. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracel Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, commits to new Menard’s Template, but with light blue and black stripes, and light blue numbers. C-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Nebco Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s Template with light blue color scheme. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, new Menard’s template with purple front. A+

THE MOTORSPORTS GROUP #30

Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain white with blue, black, and white numbers. A+

Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain black with blue, black, and white numbers. A+

Josh Wise #30 Crawfest/City of New Braunfels Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as all black with Crawfest/City of New Braunfels logo on hood. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31

Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, yellow stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly larger. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS–No change. B +

Ryan Newman #31 Wix Filters Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, one large multi-colored stripe replaces the multi-stripe on the sides, design extends to hood. F

Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Ricky Rudd’s Piedmont scheme from 1982-1983. A+

GO FAS RACING #32

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can-Am/Kappa Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, black, green, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, black, white, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F

Bobby Labonte #32 C&J Energy Services Ford Fusion–No Change. F

Joey Gase #32 JT Concrete Inc Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and white lettering. A+

Joey Gase #32 Donate Life Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Donate Life logo on hood, and Allo-Source logo on quarter panels. A+

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Visone/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Corvette Parts. F

Bobby Labonte #32 Rimrock Devlin Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on C&J from 2015.  F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, Front Row Template has been reversed, red replaces back as secondary color. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Dockside Logistics Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Dockside Logistics logos on sides and hood. A+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play it Safe Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 A&W Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s/CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Love’s but with Play It Safe on sides and hood. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35

David Gilliland #35 Ford Fusion-White with black and red letters. A+

David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion–Except for car number, no change. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Landon Cassill #38 Florida Lottery Ford Fusion–No Change. C+

Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 Snap Fitnaess Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, all red with Snap Fitness logos on sides and hood. A+

HILLMAN RACING #40

Reed Sorenson #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black replaces red as primary color. D-

STEWART-HAAS RACING #41

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow and white numbers and lettering. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Monster Energy, but with Haas on rear. A+

Kurt Busch #41 State Water Heaters Chevy SS–No Change. B+

Kurt Bush #41 Hass VF1/Monster Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Danica’s Brownie scheme, with Haas VF1 on hood, with stripes fading to black and Monster rear. B+

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42

Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, vertical fade from red to white replaces side fade from 2015. A+

Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, yellow and blue Clorox front, red and white Target rear with Glad logo on quarter panel. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

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

Aric Almiroa #43 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but with more lightning. A+

Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2014, STP colors with stripes that correspond to the door logos. B-

Aric Almirola #43 Waffle House Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, yellow replaces patriotic motif. D-

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No Change. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44

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

Brian Scott #44 Albertsons’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, all blue with white hood. A+

Brian Scott #44 Vonn’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Albertson’s, but with Vonn’s on the hood.. A+

Brian Scott #44 Goody’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, blue with a honeycomb pattern, with yellow stripes on bottom and front. B+

Brian Scott #44 Go Bowling Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, bowling ball motif returns, blue sides, and white lettering. A+

Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Tom Thumb Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Tom Thumb debuts on sides, other than that, same as Albertson’s. A+

Brian Scott #44 Shore Lodge Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015 scheme, but with side stripe removed, and Petty door design on sides. C+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all red with white front. A+

Michal Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J/Battle of Bristol Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as white design, but with Battle of Bristol on hood. A+

Michael Annett #46 Allstate Peterbuilt Group Chevy SS–No Change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stoffer’s/Lean Cuisine Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Food For Less Chevy SS–No Change. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Louisiana Hot Sauce Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark red, with flames on sides. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Coffee Mate/Butterfinger Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Coffee Mate and Butterfinger logos on sides and hood. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Baked Beans Chevy SS–No Change. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the scheme Bruce Hill raced in his rookie year in 1975 A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as Kroger, but blue on the hood has been removed from 2015 version.  A+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Superman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Superman’s suit. A+

Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Red Vest Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo replaces the Lowe’s Template. D-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS– New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, yellow numbers replace white. B+

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevy SS–No Change. B+

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, but with yellow door numbers. A+

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #55

Reed Sorenson #55 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+

Michael Waltrip #55 Peak Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Clint Bowyer’s #15. A+

Reed Sorenson #55 World Record Striper Company Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue front, fades to lighter blue, and has a bass motif at back. A+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #59

Michael McDowell #59 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as #95, with door numbers reversed. B+

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

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

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, vertical fade from bottom to top, light blue fades up to dark blue. A+

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, orange with trace amounts of black and camo. F

BK RACING #83

Michael Waltrip #83 Maxwell House Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Matt DiBendetto #83 Sewanee University Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white and gold logos on quarter panels, gold stripe on bottom, blue designs on side. B+

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, all black with Cosmo Motors logos on sides and hood. A+

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Schluter Systems Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, cream top, with stripes, and a waffle design on the bottom. D-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–No Change. C-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 RMC Events Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black top, white zig-zag line separating black top from red bottom. B-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #93. B-

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 TaxSlayer Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top and front, white bottom and back, gold designs separate the two. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, reminiscent of old Mountain Dew/Amp Energy scheme. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top, fade to yellow bottom, across whole car. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide/Batman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Batman’s armor. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Grey Ghost Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the Grey Ghost that Buddy Baker used to win the 1980 Daytona 500. A+

Dale Earnhardt #88 Axalta/CarStar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Axalta, but CarStar is on quarter panel. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Dewcision Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black with yellow trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with butterflies across whole car, and names on hood. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white top, green and white “patriotic” motif, and yellow bottom. F

BK RACING #93

Matt DiBenedetto #93 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry–No Change. B–

Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota Camry–No Change. D+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Ty Dillon #95 Cheerios Chevy SS–New sponsor and manufacturer for 2016 for Leavine Family Racing, after having merged with Circle Sport, and aligned with RCR. Aside from the new number, and a larger Kroger’s logo, no change. A+

Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, looks similar in design to the 2014, with a black, red, and white color scheme. B+

Michael McDowell #95 K-Love Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simpler template. A+

Michael McDowell #95 Monte Carlo Casino Chevy SS-New Scheme for 2016, same as WRL Contractors from 2014. A+

Ty Dillon #95 Nexium 24 Chevy SS–Aside from new team, no change. A-

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors/MastiClean Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as WRL, but with MastiClean leaf motif on quarter panels. B-

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #98

Cole Whitt #98 Premium Motorsports RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Tweaker Energy Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Rinnai Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all black with Rinnai logos on sides and hood. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+

Cole Whitt #98 RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood, with a new hood design. A+

My Thoughts On This Weekend’s Sports Controversies

By David G. Firestone

After the opening lap wreck that took place between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, I would love to be a fly of the wall in Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team right now. I would love to know what is going on with that team right now. I’d love to know what Toto Wolff and Nikki Lauda are thinking, and what they are saying behind closed doors. I’d bet that at team headquarters, from the outside, it looks like they are closed, but really, there are just meetings going on.

I’ve been reading what has the team website says what was “said” by Wolff, Hamilton, and Rosberg said concerning the start of the race, and I’m willing to wager money that all four versions were heavily edited. Both of them blame each other, and Wolff calls it a “racing incident.” I beg to differ, I think both drivers are equally to blame in this wreck.

You could make the argument that Hamilton was being too aggressive going into turn 3, but at the same time, you could also argue that that Rosberg aggressively blocked Hamilton going into the turn. Lauda says Hamilton is to blame, but the fact that he was being aggressive should shock nobody. He was not having a great season, and he finally looked like he had everything ready to go. Rosberg blocking does come as a bit of a shock, but being the championship leader, he wanted to protect his lead. The actions aren’t that shocking, but the result was.

What troubles me most about this is the fact that the two teammates seemed to be on better terms than years before. It actually seemed like Rosberg and Hamilton were doing well as teammates, and were working well. Now it looks like that has gone to the wayside. There needs to be a “clear the air” meeting between the two. Going into that meeting, nobody is right, nobody is wrong, just clear the air, and focus on the rest of the season.

While we are on the subject of controversies, let’s discuss the Manchester United game…or lack thereof. The game was canceled because a “bomb” was found near the stadium. A controlled detonation was performed, and it was revealed that the “bomb” was a training device, accidentally left by a private security firm. I was reading an article today that the security firm that is rightfully being blamed for the fiasco, and as a result, will likely be fired from the team, and lose business. I give him credit for admitting that his group was responsible, and taking the blame.

People said that the reaction to the bomb scare was an overreaction. Was it? Remember that back in November, a series of suicide bombers attacked Stade de France, in the suburb of Saint-Denis during a Germany/French friendly football match. The fact that a suspicious-looking item, which had all the outward appearances of a legitimate bomb should have prompted a full evacuation of the stadium, and canceling of the match. In this day in age, no chances should be taken with public safety.

Let’s hope that for the next few weeks, there aren’t too many more major controversies in sports as happened last week.

Paint Scheme Grades-May 14, 2016

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS-I love the direction that Richard Childress Racing went this year, with the Ricky Rudd throwback. It’s an amazing look. I can’t say enough good things about this scheme, and I give it an A+.

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Autism Delaware Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as Nature’s Bakery but with Autism Delaware on quarter panels, same A+ grade.

Casey Mears #13 Geico Smokey Yunick Throwback Chevy SS-Another good throwback from an interesting source. I love the Yunick look, as long as they don’t Yunick the rules. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-It’s a really good look for Kyle, and the color scheme fits very well with the M&M’s motif.  I can’t really say anything bad about this scheme, so I’ll give it an A+.

David Ragan #23 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry-Camo on race car is not, has never been and never will be a good look. This example is just awful. Even standard issue camo is better than this nonsense! I give it an F.

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Schrock Chevy SS–Another good look for the new Menard’s template. The purple works quite well here, and the car has a good look. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Ricky Rudd Throwback Chevy SS-See Austin Dillon above. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Patriotic Chevy SS-Um…patriotic? This is supposed to be patriotic? Are we living in Mauritania? I was under the assumption that a patriotic scheme involved the colors red, white, and blue. I think we have found the most unpatriotic patriotic paint scheme in history. I give it an F, and I’m being very kind.

The Vest Project Part 2-Beringer Vineyards 2008-2010

berrengerBy David G. Firestone

Many West Coast races will have vineyard sponsored cars. There are a lot of vineyards on the west coast. Although the average NASCAR fan would easily be more associated with beer than wine, vineyard sponsorships have become very commonplace. Last week we discussed one such sponsorship, this week we will discuss a similar one.

Beringer Vinyeards has been operating in St. Helena, California since 1876. They were founded by the Beringer Family, and was sold to Nestle in 1971, then to Texas Pacific Group in 1996, then to Foster’s Group in 2000. Finally in 2011, it was sold to Treasury Wine Estates, who currently own it. They produce a wide variety of wines, ranging from cheaper versions to expensive high end wines.

From 2007 to 2010, Beringer Vinyeard sponsored cars for Braun Racing. In 2007 Dave Blaney raced one race at Phoenix. In 2008 Kyle Busch raced three races. From 2009 to 2010, David Reutimann raced 5 races in total with Beringer as a sponsor for Braun Racing. During that time, the pit crews wore three piece suits, including this Impact! Racing vest circa 2008-2009.berrenger\Another vest example, this vest is in burgundy, with a gold stripe across the front, and black under the stripe. The three piece suit was used during this time period, though I don’t see what advantages the vest has. The vest shows some light use, not uncommon with a team that raced three races in a season. I have to say that I like the color scheme here. The burgundy and black scheme with the gold stripe looks really good.berrengerThe collar has Beringer logos embroidered into them. The cowl has the name MERRITT written into it in Sharpie.berrenger-collarThe right chest has NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES and FAMILY DOLLAR logos embroidered into it. The Family Dollar logo is on a patch, but more on that later.berrenger-rchestThe left chest has TOYOTA, BRAUN RACING, and GOODYEAR logos embroidered into them.berrenger-lchestThe front torso has BERINGER SINCE 1876 embroidered into it, the BERINGER part is on the red, the SINCE 1876 is embroidered into the black. The warranty tag is inside the zipper.berrenger-flogoThe bottom hem has the comfort straps which can be adjusted for wearer’s comfort and safety.berrenger-rhem berrenger-lhemThe shoulders have BERINGER embroidered into the epaulets, which also has IMPACT! Logos present.berrenger-rshoulder berrenger-lshoulderThe sleeves are traditional vest style.berrenger-rsleeve berrenger-lsleeveThe back has some light wear.berrengerbThe back of the neck has an Impact lightning bolt logo present.berrenger-neckThe back torso has a TOYOTA logo over the larger Beringer logo, the same identical design as the front.berrenger-blogoOne of the reasons teams used these vests is that they can be rotated for different sponsors. The logos will change depending on who arrives and leaves the team. On that note, I’ve noticed something odd about this vest, and the Joe Nemechek vest I discussed next week, and next week, I’ll get further into that next week.

Throwback Thursday-Kyle Petty-1989

By David G. Firestone

Kyle Petty returns, this time driving his Peak Pontiac Grand Prix in 1989.

Peak was using a much darker shade of blue back then, and the red, while a good shade, it looks out of place. The design is very odd too. If it were plain blue, I could accept it, but the needless design makes the scheme horrible. The scheme is an unattractive mess.

Paint Scheme Tracker-May 11, 2016

 

By David G. Firestone

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #1

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Beechcraft Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, blue top, reverse wave formation across sides, white bottom, with silver accents. B+

Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, main design has been moved slightly to the rear. 150’th anniversary logo added to hood.B+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and yellow front with a spike transition to rear. A+

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red and blue amalgamation of McDonald’s and Cessna. B-

Jamie McMurray #1 Credit One Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue, purple and white, with a series of designs across whole car. F

Jamie McMurray #1 Bad Boy/Beechcraft Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Beechcraft, but with Bad Boy on the hood. B+

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–Same basic scheme as 2015, but Miller has been removed from hood, similar 2014. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, same as #22 Auto Trader. D-

Brad Keselowski #2 SKF Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2015 scheme, but fits to Penske Template. A+

Brad Keselowski #2 Thomas Build Buses Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, Penske Template, red front, black back. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy SS–Same basic scheme, but the hood logo is slightly larger. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios Chevy SS–No change. A+

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy SS–No change. A-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Intellifresh Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, same as Dow Energy and Water. B-

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, similar to Robert Hight’s funny car, but with colors rearranged. D+

Austin Dillon #3 Dow FlexoLyt Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Intellifresh B-

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Ranger Boats Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with camo and orange diagonal triangle on side. B+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch throwback can. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, designed around a Busch Light can. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy John’s Chevy SS–No change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, mountain design starts near brake duct, instead of at front of car. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Ditech Chevy SS–No change. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Cale Yarborough’s 1979 Daytona 500 Scheme. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Fishing Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white side, huge bass motif across sides. A+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5

Kasey Kahne #5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS–No Change. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS–No Change. D+

Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, geometrical designs on side changed. C

Kasey Kahne #5 Panasonic Toughbook Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue fade to black, with a couple of wave stripes, and some fade designs on side. A+

Kasey Kahne #5 Quicken Loans Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red with hockey stick designs on sides, as well as geometrical designs on front and back. C+

Kasey Kahne #5 Mountain Dew Pitch Black Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, dark red with light red stripes and white letters on sides. A+

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive Home A Winner Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue top, white stripe across side, red bottom. A+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, white with blue line and checkered flag on bottom. A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on the paint scheme Mark Martin ran in 1996 and 1997. A+

TOMMY BALDWIN RACING #7

Alex Bowman #7 Road Rippers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2015, shark motif on front, fades to fire motif and logo on back. F

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral/Niko Toy State Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, amalgamation of Golden Corral and Niko Toy State. F

Regan Smith #7 Nikko Street Bratz Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue and white with a series of designs across sides. F

Regan Smith #7 Chevy SS-Black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom. A+

Regan Smith #7 APC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, APC logo on hood. A+

Regan Smith #7 AIPAC Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and blue numbers and stripe across bottom, AIPAC logo on hood. A+

Regan Smith #7 Fire Alarm Services Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow hood, and orange city motif on sides. A+

Regan Smith #7 Nikko/Road Rippers Alan Kulwicki Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the “Underbird” design used by Kulwicki in 1992. C+

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, all black with white lettering. A+

STEWART-HAAS RACING #10

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white lettering on sides, white and black stripe across hood and roof. A+

Danica Patrick #10 TaxAct Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white front, red TaxAct X logo, gray back. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Pride Pumpkin Spice Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same basic scheme as Nature’s Pride, but with orange and red color scheme, and some slight redesigns on the side. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Bass Pro Shops has left, so the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, similar to Clint Bowyer’s template, but with a Post-It esque design. F

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Brownies Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue, white and brown scheme, stripes start on hood, and extend to the rear of the side. B-

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Tooth Fairy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue and silver, similar to Clint Bowyer’s schemes. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/April O’Neil Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, comic book motif across whole car with April O’Neil on hood and Turtles on sides. F

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, hood logo moved slightly to the right, side stripes wider. A+

Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Toyota Camry–No Change. C-

GERMAIN RACING #13

Casey Mears #13 Geico Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, much more subdued version of the 2015 scheme. A+

Casey Mears #13 Geico Millitary Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with camo motif across car. F

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, the Mobil 1 scheme features a white background, with the Pegasus wing starting at the side of the front, extending to the door numbers. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Code 3 Associates/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Rush Truck Stops/Mobil 1 Chevy SS–Slight redesign, removal of Bass Pro Shops logo, cleaner rear end of the car. A+

Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS–No Change. C+

Brian Vickers #14 Janssen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simple curve replaces the wave pattern from 2015. A+

Brian Vickers #14 TaxAct Millitary Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, similar to TaxAct but with camouflage motif. C+

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Advanced Fuel Economy on sides. A+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #15

Clint Bowyer #15 Five-Hour Energy Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, the front stripe has been moved up to the top of the side, and the roof matches with the design. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, Blue with white geometrical designs on side. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 Visine Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as 5-Hour Energy, but with black, white, and blue color scheme. B+

Clint Bowyer #15 Aaron’s Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Clint Bowyer #15 AccuDoc Solutions Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all black with yellow and white lettering and a series of yellow stripes across sides. B-

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #16

Greg Bffle #16 Cheez-its Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, stripe has been extended down tot he bottom of the car, some slight rearangment of the crackers on the side of the car. A+

Greg Biffle #16 KFC Nashville Hot Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, all red with fire designs on quarter panel, and KFC stripes on roof. A+

Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Products Ford Fusion–No Change. B+

Greg Biffle #16 Roush Performance Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, black with red and white check pattern design on side. A+

ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simpler design, with red added on top. B+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Sunny D Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, orange front, rainbow sunburst pattern across sides, blue hood, roof, and decklid. F

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Zest Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, much simper design, with soap motif. C+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on Darrell Waltrip’s 1975 scheme. A+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2015, stripes are wider, black stripe on bottom gone. F

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, similar to 2014 scheme, but with vintage characters to celebrate M&M’s 75th anniversary. A+

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, vintage look with vintage characters, yellow, with brown letters. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Banfield Pet Hospital Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with diagonal logo on hood, EKG motif on sides, injured cute pet pictures on quarter panel. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Pedigree Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green is brighter, side and hood logos are larger, and blue stripe on bottom has been removed. A+

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles/Marvel Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red Skittles front and green Marvel and Skittles rear. B-

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, logos are bigger, outlines are bolder. A

Carl Edwards #19 Subway Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, green replaces black, box motif replaces stripe motif. B+

Carl Edwards #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry–No Change. D-

Carl Edwards #19 Xfinity Toyota Camry–No Change. B-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Toytota Camry–Slight redesign for 2016, black stripe across bottom now gone. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt USA Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

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

TEAM PENSKE #22

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

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

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–No Change. D-

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

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all yellow, with some lighter yellow geometrical designs across car. A+

BK RACING #23

David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, white hood, different designs on sides. B+

David Ragan #23 Sweet Frog Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, green and pink stripes across sides, white hood with Sweet Frog logo. F

David Ragan #23 Schuler Systems Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #83. D-

David Raga #23 Bubba Burger Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, camo motif with salute to veterans on hood. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2015, blue with white stripes across side which start at brake duct. A+

Chase Elliott #24 3M Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, black and white replaces silver, extra geometrical designs on sides. B+

Chase Elliott #24 Kelly Blue Book Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme but gold has been removed. Scheme has been redesigned into a more haphazardly designed stripe pattern. C+

Chase Elliot #24 Sun Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black background with solar flare inspired design fades to blue towards wheel well, and finishes with red gradient on back. F

Chase Elliott #24 Dewcision Mountain Dew Baja Blast Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

BK RACING #26

Robert Richardson #26 Stalk It Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with large blue and white stripe across sides, and Stalk It logos on hood and sides. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #27

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black front, extending into Menard’s template, yellow rear. B-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Peak Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, redesigned to match Clint Bowyer’s Peak Chevy. A+

Paul Menard #27 Valvoline/Menard’s Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, follows new Menard’s template, white Valvoline front, yellow Menard’s rear. F

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template, with peeling blue and white paint design. F

Paul Menard #27 Richmond/Menard’s Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic color scheme with new Menard’s template. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/FVP Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, New Menard’s template with FVP colors. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Libman Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s 2016 template with green Libman motif on front, Menard’s on back. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Rockstar Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, Menard’s template with black Rockstar front. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Tarkett Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, Menard’s template with blue front for Tarkett. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Duracel Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, commits to new Menard’s Template, but with light blue and black stripes, and light blue numbers. C-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Nebco Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s Template with light blue color scheme. A+

THE MOTORSPORTS GROUP #30

Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain white with blue, black, and white numbers. A+

Josh Wise #30 Toyota Camry-Plain black with blue, black, and white numbers. A+

Josh Wise #30 Crawfest/City of New Braunfels Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as all black with Crawfest/City of New Braunfels logo on hood. A+

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31

Ryan Newman #31 Cat Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, yellow stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly larger. A+

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy SS–No change. B +

Ryan Newman #31 Wix Filters Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, one large multi-colored stripe replaces the multi-stripe on the sides, design extends to hood. F

GO FAS RACING #32

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can-Am/Kappa Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, black, green, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, black, white, and yellow, with a series of geometrical designs across whole car. F

Bobby Labonte #32 C&J Energy Services Ford Fusion–No Change. F

Joey Gase #32 JT Concrete Inc Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and white lettering. A+

Joey Gase #32 Donate Life Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Donate Life logo on hood, and Allo-Source logo on quarter panels. A+

Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Visone/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Corvette Parts. F

Bobby Labonte #32 Rimrock Devlin Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on C&J from 2015.  F

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, Front Row Template has been reversed, red replaces back as secondary color. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Dockside Logistics Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with Dockside Logistics logos on sides and hood. A+

Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play it Safe Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 A&W Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s/CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Love’s but with Play It Safe on sides and hood. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #35

David Gilliland #35 Ford Fusion-White with black and red letters. A+

David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion–Except for car number, no change. A+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Landon Cassill #38 Florida Lottery Ford Fusion–No Change. C+

Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A+

Landon Cassill #38 Snap Fitnaess Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2015, all red with Snap Fitness logos on sides and hood. A+

HILLMAN RACING #40

Reed Sorenson #40 CRC Brakleen Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black replaces red as primary color. D-

STEWART-HAAS RACING #41

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow and white numbers and lettering. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red front, fades to black rear end. A+

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Monster Energy, but with Haas on rear. A+

Kurt Busch #41 State Water Heaters Chevy SS–No Change. B+

Kurt Bush #41 Hass VF1/Monster Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Danica’s Brownie scheme, with Haas VF1 on hood, with stripes fading to black and Monster rear. B+

CHIP GANASSI RACING TEAM #42

Kyle Larson #42 Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, vertical fade from red to white replaces side fade from 2015. A+

Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, yellow and blue Clorox front, red and white Target rear with Glad logo on quarter panel. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

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

Aric Almiroa #43 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but with more lightning. A+

Aric Almirola #43 STP Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2014, STP colors with stripes that correspond to the door logos. B-

Aric Almirola #43 Waffle House Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, yellow replaces patriotic motif. D-

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion–No Change. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #44

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

Brian Scott #44 Albertsons’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, all blue with white hood. A+

Brian Scott #44 Vonn’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Albertson’s, but with Vonn’s on the hood.. A+

Brian Scott #44 Goody’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, blue with a honeycomb pattern, with yellow stripes on bottom and front. B+

Brian Scott #44 Go Bowling Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, bowling ball motif returns, blue sides, and white lettering. A+

Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Tom Thumb Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Tom Thumb debuts on sides, other than that, same as Albertson’s. A+

Brian Scott #44 Shore Lodge Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015 scheme, but with side stripe removed, and Petty door design on sides. C+

HSCOTT MOTORSPORTS #46

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, all red with white front. A+

Michal Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J/Battle of Bristol Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as white design, but with Battle of Bristol on hood. A+

Michael Annett #46 Allstate Peterbuilt Group Chevy SS–No Change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Stoffer’s/Lean Cuisine Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger/Scott, minus the stars. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Food For Less Chevy SS–No Change. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Louisiana Hot Sauce Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark red, with flames on sides. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Coffee Mate/Butterfinger Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Coffee Mate and Butterfinger logos on sides and hood. A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Baked Beans Chevy SS–No Change. B+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the scheme Bruce Hill raced in his rookie year in 1975 A+

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as Kroger, but blue on the hood has been removed from 2015 version.  A+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Chevy SS–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services–Slight redesign for 2016, stripes are narrower, and hood logo is slightly forward. C-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Superman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Superman’s suit. A+

Jimmie Johnson Lowe’s Red Vest Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo replaces the Lowe’s Template. D-

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Chevy SS– New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, yellow numbers replace white. B+

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevy SS–No Change. B+

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as basic scheme, but with yellow door numbers. A+

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #55

Reed Sorenson #55 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+

Michael Waltrip #55 Peak Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Clint Bowyer’s #15. A+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #59

Michael McDowell #59 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same as #95, with door numbers reversed. B+

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

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

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, vertical fade from bottom to top, light blue fades up to dark blue. A+

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, orange with trace amounts of black and camo. F

BK RACING #83

Michael Waltrip #83 Maxwell House Toyota Camry–No Change. A+

Matt DiBendetto #83 Sewanee University Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white and gold logos on quarter panels, gold stripe on bottom, blue designs on side. B+

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, all black with Cosmo Motors logos on sides and hood. A+

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Schluter Systems Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, cream top, with stripes, and a waffle design on the bottom. D-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Toyota Camry–No Change. C-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 RMC Events Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black top, white zig-zag line separating black top from red bottom. B-

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #93. B-

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 TaxSlayer Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top and front, white bottom and back, gold designs separate the two. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Chevy SS–New scheme for 2015, reminiscent of old Mountain Dew/Amp Energy scheme. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red top, fade to yellow bottom, across whole car. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide/Batman Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, designed to look like Batman’s armor. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Grey Ghost Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the Grey Ghost that Buddy Baker used to win the 1980 Daytona 500. A+

Dale Earnhardt #88 Axalta/CarStar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Axalta, but CarStar is on quarter panel. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Dewcision Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black with yellow trident inspired design on sides, oval design on roof, and Vortex design on hood. D-

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with butterflies across whole car, and names on hood. A+

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Mountain Dew Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white top, green and white “patriotic” motif, and yellow bottom. F

BK RACING #93

Matt DiBenedetto #93 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry–No Change. B–

Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota Camry–No Change. D+

CIRCLE SPORT/LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Ty Dillon #95 Cheerios Chevy SS–New sponsor and manufacturer for 2016 for Leavine Family Racing, after having merged with Circle Sport, and aligned with RCR. Aside from the new number, and a larger Kroger’s logo, no change. A+

Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, looks similar in design to the 2014, with a black, red, and white color scheme. B+

Michael McDowell #95 K-Love Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, simpler template. A+

Michael McDowell #95 Monte Carlo Casino Chevy SS-New Scheme for 2016, same as WRL Contractors from 2014. A+

Ty Dillon #95 Nexium 24 Chevy SS–Aside from new team, no change. A-

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors Ford Fusion–No Change. A+

Michael McDowell #95 WRL Contractors/MastiClean Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as WRL, but with MastiClean leaf motif on quarter panels. B-

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #98

Cole Whitt #98 Premium Motorsports RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Tweaker Energy Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Chevy SS–No Change. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Rinnai Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, all black with Rinnai logos on sides and hood. A+

Cole Whitt #98 Chevy SS-All black with white and blue numbers. A+

Cole Whitt #98 RTIC Coolers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with RTIC Coolers logo on sides and hood, with a new hood design. A+

My Thoughts on Technology…and How it Can Be Improved

By David G. Firestone

We’ve all thought this, but I’m going to say it…WHY CAN’T WE INVENT A UNIVERSAL USB CABLE CONNECTION? I had to look for a cord earlier this week, and I almost had a mental breakdown! I counted, and in total, for five different USB items I have 4 different cables. Because of size and other issues, some cables can’t be used with other items. So why can’t we make a universal USB cable connection?

While we’re on the subject of USB, can we create a USB jack that accepts a USB no matter what side is up? It’s amazing to me that as useful as USB connections are, it get frustrating that you can’t just insert it into a jack, you have to figure out which side is up, and even then it doesn’t always work!

This is 2016. We have better access to information, resources, and technology than at any point in history, yet many things we have to deal with haven’t evolved over time. We also don’t have things we really need. I’ve been saying for years that we need a machine that wakes you up by cooking breakfast for you. We already have a 3 in 1 Breakfast cooker, so why can’t we set it up so when the alarm goes off, it cooks breakfast for you? You could have one little refrigerator compartment that turns hot and cooks the eggs and bacon, and the second compartment is a toaster oven, and the coffee attachment works as well.

One more thing I’m going to complain about, and I think we can all agree on this, could someone please explain to me why in the world smart phones can’t have long-lasting batteries? I get the fact that battery performance lessens over time, but is there any reason my iPhone can’t have a battery that lasts for 2 days at full performance? I get that the sleekness is a selling factor, but if Apple or Samsung came out with a long-lasting battery as part of a standard issue, that would revolutionize the market.

I don’t know, but I think that in this day in age, these kinds of problems shouldn’t be issues. We should have these things fixed, and done right. Maybe it’s me, maybe I’m crazy, I don’t know.

Paint Scheme Grades-May 7, 2016

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Fishing Chevy SS-I’m shocked at how good the fish design looks. When I heard about this scheme, I thought it would be overdone, but it looks really good, and earns an A+.

Kasey Kahne #5 Drive Home A Winner Chevy SS-The best Kasey has looked all year is this red, white and blue scheme to promote Drive Home a Winner. Great color and design schemes earns an A+

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Mark Martin Throwback Ford Fusion-Continuing the Mark Martin throwback theme, this scheme represents his car from 1996-1997. It’s a great look, and very faithful to the original. I give it an A+

Regan Smith #7 Golden Corral Chevy SS-I’m not a fan of some of Golden Corral’s schemes, but this one works very well. It has a great color scheme, and the smooth design looks great, and earns an A+.

Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Tooth Fairy Chevy SS-Just when I think it couldn’t get worse, Aspen Dental comes out with this…and redeems themselves. This is a great scheme with a great color scheme, and a great design scheme. I think this is the best Aspen Dental has ever looked, and the best Danica has looked in quite some time. A+

Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/April O’Neil Chevy SS-Well that escalated fast! We went from one of the best Danica schemes to one of the worst Danica schemes ever! If the design was plain blue with the Turtles and April, I would give it a C-, but the needless designs make it look worse, and I can’t give it higher than an F.

Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as Mobil 1, Same A+ Grade.

Clint Bowyer #15 AccuDoc Solutions Chevy SS-If it followed the same template as the rest of Clint’s schemes, I would grade it an A, but the stripes on the sides are blah, and it takes the scheme down to a B-.

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles/Marvel Toyota Camry-I get the red/green thing for Marvel’s Captain America Civil War, but couldn’t you have picked a better color? Why not go with Wildberry, and have the purple, which would work well with the movie. Captain America Vs. Iron Man. Still, it’s not horrible, and I give it a B-

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

David Ragan #23 Schuler Systems Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #83, same D-grade.

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Moen Chevy SS-The light blue doesn’t work with the Menard’s Template, and while the black could have saved it, the baby blue door numbers don’t do the scheme any flavors, and the scheme gets a C-

Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Nebco Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Bobby Labonte #32 Rimrock Devlin Ford Fusion-I’ve gotten a headache from trying to figure out why Rimrock Devin used a scheme from 2015, THAT WASN’T EVEN THEIRS! Last year, Rimrock Devlin had a bad scheme, and C&J Energy had a bad scheme, and for whatever reason, Rimrock decided to use C&J’s scheme, rather than design their own. Anyway, it was an F grade last year, and it’s an F grade this year.

Chris Buescher #34 Love’s/CSX Play It Safe Ford Fusion-Same basic scheme as Love’s same A+ grade.

David Gilliland #35 Southern Belle Seafood Ford Fusion-Except for the number change, same scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Kyle Larson #42 Clorox/Target Chevy SS-The Clorox scheme is bad by itself, but when you have the Clorox and Target schemes trying and failing to co-exist on the same car, it just looks awful. The out of place Glad logo on the side doesn’t help either. F

Michael Annett #46 Allstate Peterbuilt Group Chevy SS-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Aric Almirola #43 Fresh From Florida Ford Fusion-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

AJ Allmendinger #47 Bruce Hill Throwback Chevy SS-I like a good throwback, and this is a good throwback. I also give special credit for finding a paint scheme not many people have seen before. Add it the good color and design schemes, and it’s easy to see why this scheme earns an A+.

AJ Allmendinger #47 Dillons/Glad Chevy SS-Same basic scheme as last year, same A+ grade.

Michael Waltrip #55 Peak Chevy SS-Same as Clint Bowyer’s #15, same A+ grade.

Matt DiBenedetto #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-Same as #93, same B- grade.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Chevy SS-Dark blue works well. The butterflies are a bit gaudy, but it works, and the donor names are a nice touch. It’s an A+ grade.