A pair of James Buescher race-worn and autographed gloves from 2010 will be our subject this week.
Month: October 2016
Guy Smith-Bland Name, Great Driver!
By David G. Firestone
Endurance car racing has had many forms in the US. One of the most noted sanctioning bodies was the American LeMans Series. Founded in 1999 by Don Panoz, owner of Road Atlanta and the brains behind the Petit Le Mans, the American LeMans Series or ALMS was one of the major sports car racing series, in addition to the Grand-Am Road Racing. From 1999 to 2013, American LeMans raced LeMans Prototypes and Grand Touring classes in a number of rovals, and road courses. In 2014, American LeMans and Grand Am merged to create the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which is run by IMSA.
As I mentioned last week, sports car racing doesn’t have the visibility of NASCAR or F1, but they do have a large and dedicated fanbase. Also, while NASCAR tends to have American based drivers, sports car racing attracts drivers from all over the world. One such driver is British driver Guy Smith. While he has a boring name, he has had a great career, winning the 24 Hours of LeMans in 2003 for Team Bentley in the Bentley Speed 8 LeMans Prototype. Prior to racing in sports cars, he raced in the Indy Lights series, then he raced in Champ Car. While racing sports cars, he would alternate between ALMS and Grand Am.
In 2005, Smith signed with Dyson Racing. Together, Smith and Dyson would go on to have a successful partnership for many years. The partnership has 6 wins, 42 podiums, and the 2011 championship. In 2011, the team won a single race, The 2011 Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT, but with 7 podiums in 9 races, they solidly won the championship. During that season, Smith wore this undershirt.The shirt shows light use, with some very light stains. Guy has signed the front of the shirt and added “Lime Rock 2011”The thick front collar has a Stand 21 tag sewn into it. The tag has the FIA Certification as well as the Stand 21 logo.
The front has DUNLOP, BP BIOFUELS, THETFORD, MAZDA, DYSON RACING, and CASTROL logos heat-pressed into the white material. Guy has signed the area under the Castrol logo, and added “Lime Rock 2011.”
The bottom-left side of the shirt features a Stand 21 tag, and sewn into the inside is a wash tag that indicates that the shirt is “50% Aramid 50% Viscose.”
The shoulders and sleeves are in a black cloth, as opposed to the white front and back. They have no logos or patterns adornment.
The back of the shirt is plain white.
I’m noting something that I noticed. The shirt is 50% Aramid and 50% Viscose. What I find odd is that a racing undershirt would be certified when it is made of material that isn’t known for its fire retardant properties. I had never heard of Viscose prior to this, and from what I’ve been able to find, it’s more of a material used for a t-shirt or shorts, than for a racing shirt. Also, unlike the items I will examine in the coming weeks, this shirt is decently thick, and quite hefty.
It’s also worth noting that the reason there are sponsor logos on the shirt is so the driver doesn’t have to wear his firesuit up while on camera and the sponsors can still get exposure. I will discuss stuff of similar design in the coming weeks. What I’ve noticed is that while it’s practical, it is only being used in NASCAR by Jamie McMurray,
and Kyle Larson of Ganassi Racing.
I’m really wondering why this isn’t the standard in NASCAR like it is in Formula 1. It makes logical sense from a comfort perspective, and a sponsor exposure perspective. Every suit is designed with maximum sponsor exposure in mind. I can’t understand why an undershirt wouldn’t receive the same treatment.
Next Week, Formula 1 Month starts!
Throwback Thursday-Kenny Irwin Jr.-1997
By David G. Firestone
The late Kenny Irwin Jr. races his Tonka Ford Thunderbird in 1997.
Where do I start with this car? Do I start with the upside-down fade on the door numbers? Do I start with the stripe at the bottom? Do I start with the ugly shades of red and yellow used? I don’t know where to start with this car. A simple red to yellow fade would have worked very well. The needless door number design looks horrid, and adds a color scheme on the bottom. Furthermore, that black and white stripe looks out of place, and it clashes with two logos, Autolite and Raybestos. As you can see, the vinyl wrap era had begun, and this is one of the casualties. Its a horrid look.
A Quick Change For This Week
By David G. Firestone
I’m working on a few side projects this week, so I won’t be updating the tracker or grades until next week. I’ve been wanting to do these for a while, and I’m making them happen. Bear with me, things will be back to normal next week.
Introduction to Sports Memorabilia-Bill Stroppe Motorsports Helmet
In the 1960’s through 1990’s Harry Stroppe created some of the greatest Ford off-road vehicles ever, and held a stable of top-shelf off road drivers, one of which wore this helmet.
Paint Scheme Grades-October 22, 2016
By David G. Firestone
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Kansas State University/Beechcraft Chevy SS-Same scheme as Beechcraft, same B+ grade.
Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Pink Chevy SS-Pinkwashing is an automatic F.
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Fan Mosiac Ford Fusion-The fan mosaic is a good idea, but get rid of the red stripes, and it would look better. The look would be smoother, and it would make the fan photos the thing to focus on. Still, it’s a good design scheme, and a good color scheme, so I’ll give it a B-
Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Halloween Toyota Camry-Brown and orange isn’t the best color scheme, nor is it the worst. The square design would work better if it were toned down. It’s a mediocre scheme that could be better. It earns a C-.
Gray Gaulding #30 Feed The Children Chevy SS-A horrible color scheme is paired with a bad design scheme. It just barely earns a D- for white being the primary color.
Bobby Labonte #32 Can Am Ford Fusion-Black with yellow lettering is a great look, and this is a great scheme that earns an A.
Joey Gase #32 Midwest Transplant Network/JT Concrete Ford Fusion-For some reason, children’s hand prints on the sides of a race car always look good. Add in a good color scheme and you have an A scheme
Landon Cassill #38 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion-It’s a decent color scheme, but an awful design scheme. The Front Row template works better. I’ll give this scheme a D+, because the color scheme looks decent.
Brian Scott #44 Goody’s Headache Powders Ford Fusion-The shade of blue is really good, and the smooth look earns an A.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger Pink Chevy SS–Pinkwashing is an automatic F.
Cole Whitt #55 Becker Auto Trailers Chevy SS-The light blue doesn’t look good on the black with the dark red. The design scheme is good, but the mismatched blue takes it down from an A to a B+.
Jeffery Earnhardt #83 Starter Toyota Camry-Black, red, and silver works well, and the simple and smooth design looks really good, and earns an A.
Reed Sorenson #98 Harrah’s Casino Toyota Camry-Black, white, and silver works very well, and the design scheme is great. All in all, an A scheme to be sure!
Paul Gentilozzi…From Owning IndyCar to Racing Jaguars
By David G. Firestone
IndyCar fans hate Tony George with a passion that is hard to describe. In fact, George founded the Indy Racing League after getting kicked out of the CART board of directors. This started the IRL/CART civil war known as “The Split.” The Split, which lasted from 1995 to 2009, more or less devalued the sport to the point that the sport not only lost money during the biggest auto racing boom in history, but also lost sponsors, drivers, and fans to NASCAR. Even today, television and attendance numbers are still down.
I’m convinced that some of the damage could have been prevented in 2003, when Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi, and Kevin Kalkhoven purchased the assets of CART. They created Open Wheel Racing Series LLC, which later became Champ Car World Series LLC. From 2004 to 2009 they operated the Champ Car World Series, which kept The Split going, and kept draining the sport. Had Tony George bought CART’s assets, the split could have been eliminated, and maybe the sport could be in a better place. Then again, knowing Tony George, that probably wouldn’t have happened.
Gerald Forsythe is the former owner of Forsythe Championship Racing which was a long time team in IndyCar. Kevin Kalkhoven bought the remains of Pac West Racing, and turned it into KV Racing Technologies, which is still opperational today. Paul Gentilozzi is a real-estate magnate who races cars in his spare time. He won the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona with three other drivers in a Nissan 300ZX. He also won the GTS class in the 2002 24 Hours of Daytona in a Jaguar XKR. He raced Jaguar XKRs for many years, with some success.
From 2009 to 2011, Gentilozzi raced a black and green Jaguar XKR. He did not have much success, with a high finish of 9th at Mid Ohio in 2010. One of his pit crew members wore this Jaguar Green helmet during that time.The helmet has numerous scratch marks present, and has obviously been repainted, as the old Savage Designs paint job is still visible underneath the green paint. Some of the scratch marks reveal that the helmet was blue. 
The inside of the helmet has a radio connection, with the earpieces and wires, but no microphone. The straps are all intact as well.
While Gentilozzi was primarily a sports car racer. He raced LeMans, and Sebring, in addition to IMSA. While IMSA and other sports car racing groups don’t get the same level of coverage as NASCAR or IndyCar, they have good sized fan bases who are very devoted. Next week, we will examine an undershirt from 2011.
Throwback Thursday-Gary Bradberry-1997
By David G. Firestone
Gary Bradberry’s 1997 Haines Ford Thunderbird gets a turn this week.
The yellow numbers look really out of place here. The needless drop shadow is the shade of red that matches the rest of the car, and it would work well as a number. The same thing goes for the roof, which is the reverse of the door. I honestly have no problem with the door number, other than the yellow which is used. My other major issues is the hood logo. I like the fact it’s diagonal, that’s fine. What I don’t like is that the logo is so large, that parts of the logo get cut off when it’s diagonal. I don’t know why I don’t like logos getting cut off as much as I do, but I don’t like logos getting cut off. That said, this is a really good look, and aside from the yellow, I like it.
Paint Scheme Tracker-October 19, 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+
Jamie McMurray #1 Bass Pro Shops/National Wild Turkey Federation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black, camouflage motif on front, wild turkey motif on back. F
Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Mac Tonight Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Bill Elliott’s McDonald’s Mac Tonight scheme. F
Jamie McMurray #1 Sherwin Williams Emerald Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, emerald with two curves up the sides, and a wave form under the numbers. B-
Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/Kansas State University/Beechcraft Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Beechcraft, but with Kansas State University Powercat logo on 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
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with blue and red patriotic designs that extend from front to door number on top, and on the bottom to end of car. C-
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite 1972 Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on the Miller Lite can design from 1972. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite/Careers for Veterans Ford Fusion–No change. A
Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with blue curve up the side. A
Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Hefty Energy Bag Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Dow, but with Hefty Energy Bag on sides. B+
Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with large red curve up the sides. 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
Austin Dillon #3 Cheerios/Lee’s East Rowan Cafe Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Cheerios, but with Lee’s East Rowan Cafe on quarter panels. A
Austin Dillon #3 Dow/StemAmbasadors Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Dow, but with StemAmbasadors on quarter panels. B+
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same silver background, but the car resembles Clint Bowyer’s current design. C+
Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Utility Chevy SS–No Change. A
Austin Dillon #3 NRA Museum Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with a patriotic motif across whole car. F
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Olympics Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, reverse of Dow with Olympic Rings on hood. B-
Austin Dillon #3 Dow Mycogen Seeds Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, silver with red, white and black rolling fields motif. B-
Austin Dillon #3 Pumpkin Spice Cheerios Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, orange with pumpkin spice motif across sides. B+
Austin Dillon #3 Dow/Kilz Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as DOW but with Killz on sides. 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
Kevin Harvick #4 Outback Bloomin’ Monday Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as outback, but hood and roof are white instead of cream. F
Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as #14. A
Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Beer Hunting Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same basic design as Busch, but with a hunting camo motif. C
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-
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips/Shark Week Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, all teal with hammerhead sharks swiming around the scheme. A
Kasey Kahne #5 Great Clips Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue with red stripes across sides. A
Kasey Kahne #5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy SS–New sponsor for 2016, black, with white lettering, and red stripes across rear of car. A
Kasey Kahne #5 Liftmaster Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Terry Labonte’s JD Stacey scheme from 1982. B+
Kasey Kahne #5 Levi’s/Great Clips Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, jean motif with Great Clips on sides and hood. A
Kasey Kahne #5 UniFirst Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white top, green bottom, light green stripe between the two. 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
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, patriotic hood, blue metallic front, red in front of the door numbers, gray behind door numbers. F
Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Spark Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, blue front, cube to white design on sides and roof. B-
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
Regan Smith #7 Advance Auto Parts/Quaker State Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white top, stripe fade to black across sides. A
Regan Smith #7 Mario Fiore Teddy Bear Pools Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Mario Fiore’s Teddy Bears modified. A
Regan Smith #7 APC Donald “Dutch” Hoag Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on the scheme used by Donald “Dutch” Hoag for his racing career. A
Regan Smith #7 Citizen Solider Film Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white camo with red camo stripes across bottom. F
Regan Smith #7 Nikko/Thomas the Train Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue with red stripe across bottom, sparks near wheel well. A
Justin Allgaier #7 Nikko/Road Rippers Pink Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nikko, but with pink designs. F
Regan Smith #7 Fire Alarm Services Pink Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, orange replaces black as primary color, pink replaces orange elements. F
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
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, camo replaces blue on the front, black replaces blue on the back. F
Danica Patrick #10 Nature’s Bakery/Fox Sports Go Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Nature’s Bakery, but with Fox Sports Go on quarter panels. A
Danica Patrick #10 Aspen Dental Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Aspen Dental tooth fairy, but with patriotic motif. 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-
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 1 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue with white hood, and right angle curves up sides.
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 2 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue with white and silver Petty style door curve and star motif.
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Cares Choice 3 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, one of three, blue, white, and silver with wave motif across car. F
Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, designed by Hamlin, all black with a cutting edge design across sides. D-
Denny Hamlin #11 SportClips Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, based on one of Darrell Waltrip’s old Budweiser schemes. A
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
Tony Stewart #14 Bass Pro Shops Ducks Unlimited Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with camo wave design on front, duck design on rear. B-
Tony Stewart #14 Haas Automation Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, silver with vertical fade to black, with white number. A-
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Chevy Summer Selldown Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Chevy Summer Selldown logos on quarter panels. A
Tony Stewart #14 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Bobby Allison’s #14 Coca Cola scheme from 1970-1973. A-
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Nature’s Bakery Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, brownie motif with Mobil 1 on quarter panels. A
Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1/Rev The Vote Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Mobil 1, but with Rev The Vote 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-
Clint Bowyer #15 5 Hour Energy/Knoxville Nationals Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as 5 Hour Energy, but with Knoxville Energy on hood and quarter panels. A
Clint Bowyer #15 Five Hour Energy Benny Parsons Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Based on Benny Parsons’ 1970’s Chevy. A
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
Greg Biffle #16 Cheez-Its Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow is replaced with patriotic elements. B+
Greg Biffle #16 Kleen Performance Plus Motor Oil Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, black with yellow, silver, and white cutting edge designs up the side. B-
Greg Biffle #16 KFC Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to KFC Nashville Hot Chicken, but with fewer stripes, and names on the car. A-
Greg Biffe #16 NESN Fuel Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, blue, dark blue, white, and silver, with cutting edge designs up the side. B-
Greg Biffle #16 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as #17 Eco-Boost. B+
Greg Biffle #16 Hooters Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on Alan Kulwicki’s 1992 Championship Ford “Underbird.” A
Greg Biffle #16 Ford Eco-Boost Pink Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Ford Eco-Boost, pink replaces red elements. F
Greg Biffle #16 FordPass Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, white with blue fade elements on sides. 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
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Patriotic Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme as 2015, but with red outlining the star, and stripes on sides have been trimmed. A-
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Brian Clauson Tribute Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on Brian Clauson’s Fastenal scheme when he raced in the Nationwide Series. 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
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same basic M&M’s design, but in red, white, and blue with a patriotic motif. A
Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Crispier Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, blue with sublimated square designs, and brown Snickers logo on sides and hood. B-
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as M&M’s but with silver letters. A
Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Halloween Toyota Camry–No change. A
Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Halloween Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, brown square pattern with orange stripes on sides, jack-o’-lantern on hood. C-
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-
Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, orange front, gray diagonal stripe near wheel well, fades to white back. A
Carl Edwards #19 Arris Tony Stewart Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same color scheme, but based on Tony Stewart’s 1999 Home Depot Pontiac. A
Carl Edwards #19 SportClips Toyota Camry-Same as Denny Hamlin’s #11. C
Carl Edwards #19 Arris Surfboard Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Arris Surfboard but with silver letters. A
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
Matt Kenseth #20 DeWalt/Flexvolt Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, DeWalt yellow front, with black lightning motif across sides and roof, with a small yellow patch on quarter panel. C-
Matt Kenseth #20 Tide Pods Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2016, based on the “Tide Ride” which was a staple of NASCAR for many years. A
Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General Silver Numbers Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Dollar General but with silver letters. A
WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21
Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion–No Change. A
Ryan Blaney #21 Quicklane/Trading One Uniform For Another Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Motorcraft, but with Blue Quicklane color scheme. A
Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, based on David Pearson’s 1976 Daytona 500 winning Mercury Montego. A
Ryan Blaney #21 Virginia Tech Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue with orange and white stripe across side. B+
Ryan Blaney #21 SKF Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, white with red bordered blue Penske Template. 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
Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Mosiac Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same basic scheme, but made out of a mosaic of pictures to help celebrate Team Penske celebrating 50 years. F
Joey Logano #22 Shell Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Bobby Labonte’s #44 Shell scheme which was the first Shell shceme to win a race in NASCAR’s national series. B-
BK RACING #23
David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2016, white hood, different designs on sides. A
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
David Ragan #23 Weaver Media Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with white paper motif on sides. B+
David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as Dr. Pepper, but with Frontline on decklid. A
David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, red sides with throwback logos, white hood, roof, and decklid, with I’m A Pepper, and vintage logos on hood. B+
David Ragan #23 Flaming Leprechaun Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black, with dark red flames across sides. Flaming Leprechaun on sides and hood. A
David Ragan #23 Brandies Machinery Toyota Camry–No Change. F
David Ragan #23 Dr. Pepper/USA Network Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, same as Dr. Pepper, but with USA Network on hood and quarter panels. A
David Ragan #23 Jewel Osco/Leonardo Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, white and black with sublimated designs and Leonardo on sides. and hood. D-
David Ragan #23 Life With Cancer Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, green,black, and white with wave form up the sides. B-
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-
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, basic NAPA scheme, but with patriotic motif on sides and hood. D+
Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black and yellow with throwback NAPA logo on hood, current NAPA logos on quarter panels. B-
Chase Eliott #24 NAPA Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, blue with white hood, and patriotic motif across sides. C+
Chase Elliott #24 Mountain Dew Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black and green, green hood and roof, black sides, black outline of brake ducts, subtle Mountain Dew logos under door number. C+
Chase Elliott #24 Red Cross Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, white with red roof and hood. A
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
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Knauf Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, Menard’s template with Knauf blue on front. D
Paul Menard #27 Menard’s/Sylvania Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same color scheme as 2015, but with new Menard’s Template. F
Paul Menard #27 Valvoline Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, throwback Valvoline scheme, based on Al Unser’s 1993 Daytona 500 scheme. F
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
Josh Wise #30 SBC Construction Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, all black with SBC Construction logos on hood, and small logos on quarter panel. A
Josh Wise #30 Vision RV Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, all black with SBC Construction logos on hood, and sides. A
Josh Wise #30 Incredible Bank Dale Earnhardt Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, orange with blue door numbers, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1976 Army car. 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
Ryan Newman #31 Granger/Caterpillar Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, gray with black stripe across bottom. A
Ryan Newman #31 Whelen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red front, right angle near wheel well, extends to stripe up the back, white covers sides and quarter panels. A
Ryan Newman #31 Kalahari Resorts Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, dark blue with light blue and red diagonal stripes across sides. C-
Ryan Newman #31 Grainger Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white replaces green as primary color. A
Ryan Newman #31 Florida Lottery Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black, with teal and orange wave designs on side. D
Ryan Newman #31 Cat/Freighliner Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black hood and roof, white sides, black stripe on bottom. A
GO GREEN 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
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 NC Lottery Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, all black with NC Lottery on sides and hood. A
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Can Am Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, yellow front and back, with black and red curve going up sides. A
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts Dale Earnhardt Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1981-1985 Wrangler Scheme. A
Bobby Labonte #32 One Orlando Ford Fuson–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015 C&J Energy Services, but with One Orlando on sides and hood. F
Eddie McDonald #32 Bentley’s Saloon Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, orange, red, silver, and black with a series of modern designs up sides. F
Jeb Burton #32 Erie Insurance Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, white, blue, and black, with a wave form up the side. B+
Joey Gase #32 Diesel Sales/Sparkz Ford Fusion-New sponsors for 2016, black with Diesel Sales on hood, and Sparkz logo on sides. A
Boris Said #32 Genesee Beer Ford Fusion–No Change. A
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, all white with Keen Parts logo on hood, and Corvette Parts logo on quarter panel. A
Jeffery Earnhardt #32 Kappa Pink Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, pink replaces green and yellow aspects. 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
Chris Buescher #34 CSX Play It Safe Hire Our Veterans Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, purple camouflage with red CSX track up sides. F
Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Support The Troops Ford Fusion–No Change. F
Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Truck Stops Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, based on the first Love’s Truck Stops design from 1980. White with vintage Love’s logo on sides, and yellow, green, and red stripes across sides. A
Chris Buescher #34 Love’s Travel Stops/Roller Bites Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Love’s Travel Stops, but with Roller Bites on sides and quarter panels. 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
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Patriotic Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Front Row template, blue stars on front of car, red back. A
Landon Cassill #38 Taco Bell Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same basic design, but white replaces black, blue numbers replace black numbers, and Live Mas is larger. B+
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Transportation Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Front Row template with orange front, and white rear. A
Landon Cassill #38 Rumple Furniture Throwback Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2016, based on JD McDuffie’s Bailey Excavating scheme. A
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–No Change. A-
Landon Cassill #38 The Pete Store Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, same as 2015, but red and black are reversed. A
Landon Cassill #38 MDS Ford Fusion–No Change. A
Landon Cassill #38 Snapchat/Rev The Vote Ford Fusion-New sponsors for 2016, yellow front, red white and blue back. C-
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
Kyle Larson #42 Target Scott Dixon Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, running a scheme similar to Scott Dixon’s IndyCar Scheme. A
Kyle Larson #42 Energizer Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, same front design as 2014, but with white bottom instead of black. C-
Kyle Larson #42 Huggies Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, blue with red designs across sides. D+
Kyle Larson #42 Target Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, loosely based on the first Target IndyCar scheme from 1990. B-
Kyle Larson #42 Coca Cola Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, red with white designs across sides, target logos on bottom. B-
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
Aric Almirola #43 STP Throwback Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, throwback scheme based on Richard Petty’s 1979 STP scheme. A
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+
Brian Scott #44 Medallion Bank Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2016, taxi yellow with checkered flag across bottom. A
Brian Scott #44 Albertson’s/Devour Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Devour debuts on sides, other than that, same as Albertson’s. A
Brian Scott #44 Albertsons’/Blu Emu Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Alberston’s but with Blu Emu on quarter panels. A
Brian Scott #44 Shaw’s/Heinz Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, Shaw’s on hood, Heinz on quarter panels. A
Brian Scott #44 Jacob Construction/Medallion Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, same as Medallion Taxi scheme. A
Brian Scott #44 Twisted Tea Fan Photo Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Twisted Tea, but with a fan photo on the side. F
Brian Scott #44 Jewel-Osco/Ritz/Triscut Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2016, same as Albertson’s, but with Jewel-Osco on hood, Ritz and Triscut on sides. A
Brian Scott #44 Jacob Construction Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue sides and roof, white hood and decklid. A
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
Michael 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
Michael Annett #46 Pilot/Flying J Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as red Pilot/Flying J, but with patriotic motif. A
Michael Annett #46 St Jude’s Hospital Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white, teal, and red with wave form up the sides. B+
Michael Annett #46 Pilot Throwback Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, skinnier door numbers, vintage pilot logos and vintage striping across bottom. A-
Michael Annett #46 Northland Oil Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, white front and hood, gold and red L stripe with black sides and rear. B+
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
AJ Allmendinger #47 Unwharrie Bank Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, green roof, white sides, with stripe that forms company logo under door number, red bottom. C+
AJ Allmendinger #47 Harris Teeter Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger but with Harris Teeter on hood. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Grilling Beans Chevy SS–No Change. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Crisco/Hungry Jack Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger but with Crisco and Hungry Jack on hood and sides. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Ralph’s/Kingsford Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same as Kroger’s, but with Ralph’s and Kingsford on hood. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Outshine/Drumstick Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Outshine and Drumstick on quarter panels and hood.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger/Clorox/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger, but with Clorox on quarter panels and hood.
AJ Allmendinger #47 Scott’s Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger’s but with Scott’s on the side. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger’s/DiGiorno’s/Scott Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Kroger’s but with DiGiorno’s on hood, and DiGiorno’s and Scott on quarter panels. A
AJ Allmendinger #47 Bush’s Chili Beans Chevy SS–No Change. 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 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
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, black with stars on hood and rear, white, blue, and silver diagonal design up the side. F
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Red Vest Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, red, with blue and white designs up sides F
Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowes Earnhardt Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on Dale Earnhardt’s 1979 Mike Curb Rookie of the Year Scheme. 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 Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue front, fades to lighter blue, and has a bass motif at back. A
Cole Whitt #55 Vydrox Plus Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as #98. A
Cody Ware #55 Carport Empire Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and red designs, on bottom and red roof. A
Reed Sorenson #55 Royal Teak Toyota Camry–No Change. A
Alex Kennedy #55 Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Carport Empire minus the logos. A
Cole Whitt #55 Becker Auto Trailers Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue and red stripes up the sides. B+
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.
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
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Bass Pro Shops, but more the camo is more prominent. F
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto-Owners Insurance Throwback Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, dark blue with some light blue designs on sides, and a light blue roof. C+
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with patriotic motif across sides. C-
Martin Truex Jr. #78 Tanger Outlets Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, black, and green with cutting edge designs up the sides. C-
Marin Truex Jr. #78 Furniture Row/Maaco Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, same as Furnitre Row, but with Maaco on sides. A
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 zigzag line separating black top from red bottom. B-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, same as #93. B-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Hope For Warriors Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, red, white and blue, with a plethora of patriotic designs on sides. F
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Anest Iwata Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, blue front, black rear, silver stripe divides the two. A
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Orange Crush Throwback Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, orange, with blue stripes and throwback logos on sides and top. A
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Science Logic Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2016, light blue with a series of circular designs across sides. D+
Matt DiBenedetto #83 EJ Wade Construction Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with white and orange cutting edge designs on side. B-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Mass Markets Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, white with blue and orange geometrical designs across sides. C-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Vector Security Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, white with red and blue cutting edge design across sides. A
Matt DiBenedetto #83 EJ Wade Construction Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, orange with black cutting edge designs on side. B-
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Mass Markets Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue, teal, orange, and white with a series of stripes on sides. F
Matt DiBenedetto #83 NASCAR Heat Evolution Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, black with orange cutting edge designs on sides. D
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Cosmo Motors Pink Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2016, pink elements replace black and red elements. F
Matt DiBenedetto #83 Scorpyd Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, white with red and black cutting edge designs on sides. D-
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
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Nationwide Patriotic Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, blue front with stars and stripes motif, red and white waving stripe motif across sides. A
Alex Bowman #88 Axalta/Service King Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, same scheme as Axalta but with Service King on sides. A
Alex Bowman #88 Axalta/Hendrick Auto Group Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Axalta, but with Hendrick Auto Group on quarter panels. A
Alex Bowman #88 Mountain Dew Camo Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same basic design as Mountain Dew Patriotic but with hunting camo. F
Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Axalta/University of Michigan Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, based on Michigan’s football helmet design. A
BK RACING #93
Matt DiBenedetto #93 Dustless Blasting Toyota Camry–No Change. B-
Ryan Ellis #93 Science Logic Toyota Camry–No Change. D+
Dylan Lupton #93 Bell Brothers/Elk Grove Toyota Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, blue with white circular designs across car. C-
Matt DiBenedetto #93 Union Bank Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2015, red, green, and white with a series of cutting edge designs on side. F
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-
Ty Dillon #95 BVT/Blake’s Snow Shack Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, similar in design to Cheerios, but with black extending up to roof on door numbers, as well as part of quarter panel. B+
Ty Dillon #95 Nexteer Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red front, red, white, and black stripe across sides, black rear. A
Michael McDowel #95 Thrivent Financial Patriotic Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, black hood with American flag motif across sides and roof. A
Michael McDowell #95 Malware Bites Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, dark blue front with lighter blue circuit board motif across sides. B+
Ty Dillon #95 Chevy Summer Selldown Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white, with red and green sunburst style designs on sides. B-
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Richard Childress Throwback Chevy SS-New Scheme for 2016, same as Richard Childress’ Kansas Jack scheme from the 1970’s. A
Ty Dillon #95 Death Wish Coffee Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with sublimated design on sides. A
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial/Donatello Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, comic book motif across whole car with Donatello, and Thrivent Financial on hood and sides. F
Michael McDowell #95 Rat Rods Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, rusted light blue motif. A
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Financial Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, red, gray, silver, and white with a series of wave designs. C+
Michael McDowell #95 Thrivent Builds Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, white, with red and denim curves up sides. A
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
Cole Whitt #98 Vydrox Plus Chevy SS–No Change. A
Cole Whitt #98 RTIC Coolers Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as RTIC but blue replaces black. A
Cole Whitt #98 Speed Stick Reversed Chevy SS-New scheme for 2016, same as Speed Stick but with the colors reversed. A
Cole Whitt #98 Carolina Skiff Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with white Carolina Skiff logos on sides and hood. A
Cole Whitt #98 Carolina Skiff Throwback Chevy SS–New scheme for 2016, based on LeeRoy Yarbrough’s 1969 Southern 500 Ford Torino. A
Cole Whitt #98 Moen Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with blue and red stripes across bottom. A
Cole Whitt #98 Standard Plumbing Supply Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2016, black with red stripe across bottom, Standard Plumbing logos on sides and hood. A
Reed Sorenson #98 Harrah’s Casino Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2016, black with silver accents. A
ROUSH-FEWNAY RACING #99
Ryan Reed #99 Lilly Diabetes Ford Fusion-New team for 2016, red background, white and silver stripes across sides. C+
My Thoughts On Auto Racing Logo Creep
By David G. Firestone
I was going to finish this at the end of the year. I wanted to do a list of driver suit manufactures in NASCAR, the NHRA, F1, and IndyCar. Then, this last week, Paul Lukas wrote an interesting article for his ESPN page about what he has termed “logo creep.” Logo creep is when the uniform manufacturer places a small logo on said uniform in such a way that it’s clear to anyone watching the game who made the uniform.
When it comes to auto racing, the logo creep has been a part of the uniform since the 1960’s. At the tail end of 1966, Nomex was becoming the go-to material for driver suits, and the suit manufacturers wanted to put their logos on drivers, since that would increase sales. This usually was in the form of a small patch on the sleeve. This was the standard design for decades, then the shoulder epaulet became a prime spot for a sponsor logo, and that’s when driver suit manufacturers realized that they could add their logos to the epaulet. Which is the current design used today.
I’ve compiled a list of drivers in NASCAR, IndyCar, The NHRA, and Formula One, and I’m going to list them by suit manufacturer. I will also add information about the manufacturer.
ADIDAS
INDYCAR
NASCAR
You wouldn’t expect Adidas to make firesuits, but they have a racing lineage going back to 1974. According to raceboot.com: “Adi Dassler developed the very first “fireproof” race boot in 1974. Legend has it that Adi acquired a Brabham Formula 1 racing car to understand the environment in which a racing driver operates. He placed the experimental shoes in the foot well of the racing car and then set fire to it. The exercise was repeated more then 30 times to identify weaknesses and make improvements to his race boots.
During the late 1970s through to the early 90s, the Monza become the most successful race boot produced by Adidas to date . Indeed it was the choice of champions including Mario Andretti, Walter Röhrl, Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna.” They have also had Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski wearing Adidas branded uniform products, though at least one of Junior’s driver suits was actually made by Simpson.
The latest trend in auto racing uniforms is athletic apparel companies making auto racing uniforms. Adidas was ahead of the curve on this. It’s also interesting to note that Adi Dassler founded Adidas in Germany after a family feud which led to his older brother Rudolph leaving to found Puma in 1978. We’ll cover Puma in a few minutes.
Something that’s going to come up multiple times is how many athletic show companies that make driver suits don’t sell manufacturer direct, choosing instead to sell via third party sites. Raceboot.com is the Adidas site, and they have a lot of interesting driver uniform information. It’s worth a read.
Adidas likes to use what can be described as a strapless epaulet. There are sponsor logos in place, but no visible strap. The logo creep is in the standard place.
AIR JORDAN*
NASCAR
I’ve added the asterisk, since I have not been able to figure out if Denny’s suit is actually made by Nike, or if, like the Earnhardt suit above, it’s made by someone else, and branded as Air Jordan. I’m thinking it may be made by Simpson, for two reasons. First, the Earnhardt suit above is made by Simpson, and branded as Adidas. Second, after some looking, I’ve been able to determine that Denny’s pit crew is wearing Simpson branded suits. Furthermore, the theory that it’s a Simpson made suit makes sense, since unlike every other manufacturer, Nike doesn’t sell firesuits or auto racing gear in any capacity. Taking all of this into consideration, I’m going to say it’s most likely a Simpson made suit with Air Jordan branding.
The shoulder epaulets are standard strap design, but with no loops on the end of the epaulet, near where the arm gusset is. The logo is, instead, sewn directly into the suit, just next to the armpit.
ALPINESTARS
F1
Valtteri Bottas, Romain Grosjean, Esteban Gutierrez, Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Felipe Massa, Jolyon Palmer, Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz Jr
NASCAR
Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Danica Patrick
Alpinestars started as a ski boot maker in 1963, but quickly realized that it would be better and more profitable to make motorcycle racing boots. After a series of successful riders had a lot of decent success in Alpinestars boots, the company shifted focus to making motorcycle racing gear. Eventually, they shifted to more forms of auto racing, including Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCar in the late 2000’s.
Like Adidas, Alpinestars is very big on using strapless epaulets. The strap used to have some function, in that it was supposed to be used to pull an incapacitated driver out of a burning car. With the new safety features in race-cars, this risk has been significantly decreased over the years, so now epaulets are more aesthetic than functional.
IMPACT!
INDYCAR
NASCAR
Landon Cassill, Reed Sorenson, Martin Truex Jr., Josh Wise
NHRA
Jack Beckman, Antron Brown, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Tommy Johnson Jr., Shawn Langdon, Leah Pritchett, Tony Schumacher,
Founded by Bill Simpson after leaving Simpson Race Products following Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death in 2001, Impact has had a decent amount of drivers wearing their products. Their logo creep consists of a small logo beneath the shoulder epaulet, and a reverse Z logo on the sleeve.
KAPPA*
NASCAR
Like Air Jordan, I’m not convinced it’s made by Kappa, but more likely a Simpson made suit with a Kappa branding. In this case, they don’t have their logo anywhere on the shoulders, but rather on the front, and on the neck.
OMP
F1
INDYCAR
Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Spencer Pigot
NASCAR
Based in Genoa, Italy, OMP has been in the auto racing uniform business since 1973, having had many Formula One legends run OMP suits. It took some time for OMP to make it into American auto racing, but OMP has somewhat of a foothold in the American auto racing market. OMP uses a somewhat larger epaulet, with the logo creep designed similarly to Impact.
PUMA
F1
Lewis Hamilton, Daniil Kvyat, Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel
INDYCAR
Helio Castroneves, Juan Pablo Montoya, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power
NASCAR
Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano
Unlike their rivals Adidas, Puma didn’t really didn’t get into the auto racing uniform market until very recently. As could be expected for a German-based team, Puma started with Formula one, and then branched out. Their logo creep is similar to Denny Hamlin’s Air Jordan suit, with the Puma logo sewn directly into the suit, instead of the epaulet. It is a simple, smooth look. I do miss the curve designs that Puma used in 2014.
Like Adidas, Puma won’t direly sell to customers, rather, they prefer to use third party websites to sell their racing gear. I’m not against that, but it doesn’t exactly send a message of confidence that you can go to Puma’s website, and buy any of their products except their auto racing gear.
SIMPSON RACE PRODUCTS
NASCAR
Michael Annett, Trevor Bayne, Greg Biffle, Alex Bowman, Jeb Burton, Matt DiBenedetto, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, David Ragan, Tony Stewart, Cole Whitt, JJ Yeley
NHRA
Brittany Force, Courtney Force, John Force, Robert Hight, Tim Wilkerson
Once the king of American auto racing uniforms, Simpson Race Products has lost a lot of their relevancy in recent years, as most of the new manufacturers enter the American market. Simpson is credited with introducing Nomex to driver suits in 1966. Their logo creep is interesting, in that they use two different logos. The older box Simpson logo is still used on the T epaulets, and on some of the newer strapless epaulets. The newer Simpson S logo is used on the strapless epaulets as well. For some reason, there doesn’t seem to be any consistency between what logos are used where. I’m also noticing that unlike the other manufacturers, Simpson uses a variety of different epaulet designs as well.
SPARCO
F1
Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Rio Haryanto, Pascal Wehrlein
INDYCAR
Mikhail Aleshin, Sebastien Bourdais, Matt Brabham, Max Chilton, Scott Dixon, Jack Hawksworth, James Hinchcliffe, Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimball, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal
NASCAR
AJ Allmendinger, Aric Almirola, Chris Buescher, Austin Dillon, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Paul Menard, Ryan Newman, Brian Scott
Clearly the most popular driver suit manufacturer in the big leagues of auto racing, Sparco has been in the game since 1977. First introduced to NASCAR in 2004 by Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton, Sparco has consistently grown in both driver popularity, and expose. Sparco has used the T-shaped epaulets since the beginning, and the Sparco logo is on the front of the epaulet, next to the armpit. Their Formula One suits eschew the shoulder logos, instead choosing to place them on the legs.
STAND 21
NHRA
Alexis DeJoria, Richie Crampton, Doug Kalitta, Morgan Lucas, JR Todd, Steve Torrence, Del Worsham,
Based in Dijon, France, Stand 21 was founded in 1970 by Yves Morizot. They are one of the larger custom-made suit makers in the world. Though their biggest customers are in the NHRA as of right now, they are still very well-known. They prefer to use a strapless epaulet, and a 21 logo on the shoulder epaulets.
I’ve also begun to notice a new trend in the big leagues of auto racing. Formula One aside, more and more teams are beginning to let drivers pick which driver suit manufacturer to wear. While the drivers get to choose, pit crews are assigned a specific manufacturer for their pit crew suits. Since crew members can get rotated from one team to another, this makes logistical sense.
It does seem that epaulet designs and logo creep are evolving at a much quicker pace than years back. I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for auto racing logo creep.
The Driver Suit Blog 
