Month: May 2018

My Thoughts On Some Racing News Stores

By David G. Firestone

Couple of things this week. Prior to the season, I was upset by the changes made to the Pro Stock category by the NHRA. I’ve been watching the series closely, and, well, I hate to admit it, but the category is much better this year. The win column has much more diversity than it did at this time last year. The point standings are much more varied too.

There is one problem that needs to be addressed. Since the new engine package was introduced in 2016, Dodge has had little success. In fact, since the beginning of the 2016 season, Dodge has ONE WIN in 54 EVENTS! That’s Cleveland Browns bad. I’m really wondering how much longer Dodge will work in Pro Stock before they give up. With a 2-year record that’s actually worse than the Cleveland Browns, I can’t imagine it’s that long.

The other news is the big news coming out of NASCAR. Multiple sources are reporting that The France Family is working with Goldman Sachs to sell NASCAR to a new owner. This is welcome news, if true. Attendance and TV ratings are at all time lows. While NASCAR does have a series sponsor for now for the Cup Series, that isn’t guaranteed for much longer.

As a fan, I’d like to offer some suggestions to NASCAR for helping out the series, and bringing fans back.

First:More access to the drivers.

Drivers aren’t easy to meet at most racing events, if you aren’t willing to purchase an extra pass. Why is this an issue? Well let’s look at ticket prices for the Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland, vs the JEGS Route 66 NHRA Nationals. If you want a ticket to the event, the least that The Overton’s 400 will cost you $30, as opposed to the Route 66 Nationals, which cost $55. Now while that seems like a good price, if you want a pass to meet the drivers at Chicagoland, it will cost you an extra $55, whereas at Route 66, there is no extra charge to walk around the pits and meet drivers. So, I can pay $55 for NHRA general admission, with many chances to meet drivers, or spend $85 and maybe get the chance to meet a driver. Does that make financial sense? Also, drivers should do some more appearances for fans. It’s kind of shocking that there aren’t that many appearances scheduled. I get that drivers are busy, but fans really will trek to meet drivers.

Second:Loosen up the schedule, specifically 1.5 mile tracks.

If you add up all of the races, exhibition included, 1.5 mile tracks make up 12 of 40 events! 1.5 mile tracks make up 30% of all Cup Series events. Above and beyond that, 1.5 mile tracks make up 4 of the 10 events in the Playoffs. I should note that this does NOT include the Fall Charlotte race, as that is being raced on the road course. It should also be noted that of the races on 1.5 mile tracks, 3 of them, Las Vegas, Texas, and Kansas are repeats. Cutting one of those races out of the schedule will not only shorten the season, but could bring back in fans.

Third: Ditch Fanatics and bring back in individual team stores.

Fanatics has become the Walmart of team gear. They move in, force many smaller stores out of competition, and make more money for themselves. This could also be applied to Lionel Collectibles. Lionel has started a “club” where if you want to purchase a die-cast, regardless of the cost of said die-cast, you have to spend $20 on a club membership. Since a lot of NASCAR fans aren’t rich, and might not want to spend $20 for the privilege of buying die-casts, this might not be a good thing. The exculsive seller deal doesn’t really work out well for NASCAR, as they lose sellers, nor does it help the teams, or mom and pop stores. It only works for Fanatics. That’s the reason sports fans hate Fanatics.

In short, I can only wonder if these changes will happen if NASCAR is sold. I hope they do.

Paint Scheme Grades-May 5, 2018

By David G. Firestone

Brad Keselowski #2 Snap-On Ford Fusion-I love red and black as a color scheme, and the relativly simple design works very well. I like this scheme, and I’ll give it an A.

Austin Dillon #3 Coca-Cola Chevy Camaro-Coca Cola has a great shade of red, and the American flag motif used here works very well. It’s a great scheme, and it earns an A.

Matt Kenseth #6 Wyndham Rewards Ford Fusion-The sky and cloud motif works well, and the shade of blue works perfectly with the design. All in all, it’s a great scheme. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Throwback Ford Fusion-The scheme is faithful to the original, but the numbers don’t work well here. Still, it works well, and is worth an A-.

Erik Jones #20 XYO Network Toyota Camry-Dark blue with geometric designs could be great or horrible. This is great. The contrasting blue stripe on the bottom works well. All things considered, I’ll give it an A.

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford Fusion-Same scheme as Shell/Pennzoil, same D grade.

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion-Very faithful throwback, and the numbers not only work well with the scheme, but are an improvement over the original. This scheme is getting the A it deserves.

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

Chris Buescher #37 Degree Chevy Camaro-Good color scheme, but the design scheme is very over done, and it just looks awful. This isn’t great, but not horrible, so I’ll give it a B-.

David Ragan #38 Bad Boy Mowers Ford Fusion-Replacing white with black doesn’t really do anything to help this scheme. It’s still awful, just awful in a different way. Since it hasn’t improved, this scheme stays at an F.

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Petty’s Garage Chevy Camaro-Richard Petty’s vintage schemes always look amazing, and this scheme is no exception. It has a great look, and I can’t say anything bad about it. A

Timmy Hill #51 Keen Buildings/Race to Erase Opioids Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as Keen Buildings, same D+ grade.

Reed Sorenson #55 TCL Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a good color scheme will always earn an A.

Cole Whitt #72 1950 Clothing Company Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a good color scheme will always earn an A.

Kasey Kahne #95 Procore Safety Qualified Chevy Camaro-Procore’s scheme works well in just black. This is a great looking scheme, and I can’t say anything bad about it. A

DJ Kennington #96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota Camry-Same scheme as Humboldt Broncos, same A grade.

The Lifeblood of Auto Racing

By David G. Firestone

To say oil is critical to auto racing is like saying that water is the key to life. Without oil, auto racing couldn’t exist as it does today. Crude oil is refined into gasoline, and also into motor oil, which keeps the engine lubricated.

In recent years, NASCAR has started a green program to help their image. This includes recycling, clean energy, and oil recycling. Not long ago, it was discovered that used motor oil can be re-refined into almost anything that crude oil can be refined into. Interestingly, sometimes oil was sold to collectors, as is evidenced by this display of oil from Kyle Busch’s #18 Toyota Camry when he won the 2009 Shelby 427 at Las Vegas.The package is about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide, and contains a card, an ounce of thick motor oil, a COA, and a card. This is one of only 504 ever made. Inside the box is the display which is slightly smaller than the box. It has a small oil drum with a small amount of motor oil. The oil has a thick viscosity, which is needed because of the wear that Cup engines produce during a race. The COA comes in the box, and states that this is #359 of 504.This is an interesting little piece of memorabilia, something that I’ve never seen offered before or since. With NASCAR going green, it seems unlikely that something like this will be offered up again. Since I know that this week’s column was a little thin, so I’m switching gears, and offering up…

Tailgating Time!

NASCAR fans love red meat. That has never been disputed by anybody. While most people simply grill steak, I thought it would be good to make something a little more complex…and tasty. With that, I present:

Steak and Mushrooms

8 Servings

Ingredients:

8 steaks

4 packages pre-sliced baby bella mushrooms

4 cups red wine

2 sticks unsalted butter

16 sprigs of thyme

Kosher salt and pepper

Vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Place a large saute pan on the stove top over medium-high heat.

2. Salt and pepper both sides of your steaks, and then add them to the hot pan.

3. Sear 4-5 minutes until browned, then repeat on the other side.

4. Just before you remove the steaks from the pan, add the thyme springs and butter in there. Let it melt, then take a spoon and baste the tops of the steaks continuously with it.

5. Set the steaks aside on a plate to rest.

6. Put another drizzle of oil in your hot pan and add the mushrooms.

7. Season them with salt and pepper and cook them, tossing occasionally, until they release their water and start to take on some color, about 8 minutes.

8. Add the wine, and let the liquid cook down until thickened.

9. Plate your steaks on top of the crispy green beans, and add mushrooms on top of steak with sauce.

Next week, we look at a vintage pit crew suit.

Throwback Thursday-1971 #22 Porsche 917K

Dr. Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep 1971 #22 Porsche 917K

The newer version of the Porsche 917K has two large fins on the rear, which help with aerodynamics, and unintentionally made the car look better as a result. Add in the Martini paint scheme which has looked great on every car it has ever been painted on, and you have an amazing looking car. I also like how the door numbers fit the scheme well, and aren’t printed on circles. This is a car that’s worth an A.

Paint Scheme Tracker-May 2, 2018

By David G Firestone

STAR COM RACING #00

Jeffery Earnhardt #00 VRX Racing Simulators Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white with silver and blue cutting edge designs. C

Landon Cassill #00 USFRA.ORG/Starcom Fiber Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, blue with red and silver designs, and red roof. B+

Landon Cassill #00 TW Cable/Superior Essex Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with TW Cable on hood, and Superior Essex on sides. A

Landon Cassill #00 Sparks Energy Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, yellow front, fades to black sides and lightning motif on rear. C+

Landon Cassill #00 Star Com Fiber Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, paint splatter motif on sides has been added. C-

CHIP GANASSI RACING #1

Jamie McMurray #1 GearWrench Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black with green stripes and roof. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black with blue waves on sides. A

Jamie McMurray #1 DC Solar Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, dark blue and white with diagonal stripes. B-

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s/Cessna Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, red and black replaces blue. A

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, red with yellow and black stripe, and yellow design on rear quarter panel bottom. A-

Jamie McMurray #1 Cessna/DC Solar Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, same as McDonald’s, but with black, white, and gray. A

Jamie McMurray #1 Clover Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white front, blue fade with circuit designs across sides. C-

Jamie McMurray #1 McDonald’s Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, same as #42 McDonald’s. B+

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, white and red Penske template. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, white with black outline. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion–No change. A

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

Brad Keselowski #2 Auto Trader Ford Fusion–No Change. D-

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Bruce Halle Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, same as discount tire but with Bruce Halle tribute on hood. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Reese/Drawtite Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, Penske Template with blue and black. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Genuine Draft Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, based on Rusty Wallace’s 1990 MGD Pontiac Grand Prix. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Miller Lite Patriotic Ford Fusion–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Snap-On Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, red with black roof, black stripes on bottom, and black stripe on rear. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon#3 Dow Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black fade to red to black across whole car. A

Austin Dillon #3 AAA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, all red, with white stripe pattern on sides. A

Austin Dillon #3 American Ethanol Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, green front, black rear, white and black waves on sides. C-

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Silastic Silicone Elastomers Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white with liquid motif on front, and yellow field motif on rear. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Killz Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, same as Dow but with Killz logo on sides. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Symbicort Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white with blue and yellow designs across car. C-

Austin Dillon #3 Realtree Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, yellow and blue tye dye on hood, Realtree camouflage on sides, yellow and black curves separating the two. F

Austin Dillon #3 Scooper Cat Litter Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white, light blue, and light yellow with polka dot motif. F

Austin Dillon #3 Coca-Cola Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, red with American Flag motif on sides. A

STEWART-HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Ford Fusion–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy Johns Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, black and white reversed. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Plaid Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, dark blue plaid all over car, gold rear. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1/Busch Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, Mobil 1 front, Busch rear quarter panel. B+

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, black with grey, silver and blue stripes. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Performance Plus Motor Oil Ford Fusion–No change. B-

Trevor Bayne #6 Advocare 25th Anniversary Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, same as regular, but with 25th Anniversary logo on hood. A

Trevor Bayne #6 Ford EcoBoost Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, black replaces red, more toned down, with white rear. B+

Matt Kenseth #6 Wyndham Rewards Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, light blue with white sides and cloud motif. A

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #7

Danica Patrick #7 GoDaddy/Warriors By Danica Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2018, green with white stripes and black rear. A-

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Daniel Hemric #8 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, green with black stripes and black hood. C+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2017, blue with white designs on sides. B+

Chase Elliott #9 Hooters Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, orange back and white front, with Y design across sides. B-

Chase Elliott #9 Sun Energy Chevy Camaro–No change. F

Chase Elliott #9 Kelly Blue Book Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, blue with white diagonal side and cutting edge design. C

Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Chevy SS–New scheme for 2018, green with small black stripes on bottom. A

Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Baja Bast Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, same as Mountain Dew, but silver replaces gold. A

STEWART-HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2018, black and white with slash patterns on sides. A

Aric Almirola #10 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, silver replaces green. A

Aric Almirola #10 Go Bowling Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, similar to 2017 Stenhouse scheme, wood has replaced red on sides, and design has been toned down. A-

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No change. B-

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Freight Toyota Camry–No change. B-

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry–No change. B-

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Office Toyota Camry–No change. B-

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Duracel/Menard’s Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, yellow with narrow stripes. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Dex Imaging Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, Penske template, white front, red rear. A

Ryan Blaney #12 PPG Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, blue front, white rear, horizontal paint drip motif across car. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Peak/Menard’s Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, new Menard’s template with Peak on hood. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Pennzoil Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, yellow with silver and white wave design on sides. B-

Ryan Blaney #12 Carlisle Tools Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, Penske template with gold and white. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018. white roof and hood, red sides with sublimated triangles with a black stripe near front wheel. B+

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Libman Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, new Menard’s template with Libman on hood. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Richmond Water Heaters Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, new Menard’s template, with Richmond Water Heaters on hood. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Fleetwood RV Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, same as Red Cross, but with Fleetwood RV on sides. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, based on Dave Blaney’s 2003 Jasper Engines Ford. A-

GERMAIN RACING #13

Ty Dillon #13 Twisted Tea Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Ty Dillon #13 Geico Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, similar scheme to 2017, but some cutting edge designs replace stripe on sides. C

Ty Dillon #13 Geico Millitary Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, similar scheme t0 2017, but with some changes to the front. F

STEWART-HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, yellow front, red stripe, black rear. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Haas CNC Ford Fusion–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Fusion–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 CSU One Cure Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, side stripes are cleaner. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Haas Demo Days Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, same as Hass, but with Haas Demo Days on hood. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Wix Filters Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2018, black with sublimated Wix filters logos, with a series of bright yellow stripes on sides. F

Clint Bowyer #14 Ford NASCAR Hall of Fans Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, black, with  white hood and roof, and a series of blue, silver, and white designs on sides. C-

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #15

Ross Chastain #15 Low T Center Chevy Camaro–No change. F

Ross Chastain #15 Championship Machinery Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, blue, white, and yellow brush stroke motif across car. C-

Ross Chastain #15 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, black, with white and blue letters. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fastenal Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, blue with white and black diagonal stripes across sides. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Fusion–No change. B-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Ford Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, black front, with red and black stripes across sides. F

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 Sunny D Ford Fusion–No change. F

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Almond Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2018, red, white and blue with large stripes on sides. F

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Caramel Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Skittles Sweet Heat Toyota Camry–No change. A

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No change. F

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Flavor Vote Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, same as M&M’s, but with the choices that can be voted for on quarter panel. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Daniel Suarez #19 Stanley Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2017, yellow with a series of gray and black cutting edge designs on sides. D-

Daniel Suarez #19 Arris Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2018, orange replaces silver on quarter panel. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Peak Toyota Camry–No change. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Arris Ruckus Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2018, solid orange with white and black numbers and letters. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Coca Cola Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2018, red with white Coca Cola stripe across sides. A

Daniel Suarez #19 Stanley Tools Racing For Miracles Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, black and yellow cow motif with tape measure on sides. B-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A

Erik Jones #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2018, black with red bottom. A

Erik Jones #20 Circle K Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2018, slightly different design, with shorter stripes, and logo adjustments. A

Erik Jones #20 SportClips Toyota Camry–New sponsor for 2018, same as 2017 #11. C-

Erik Jones #20 Sirius/XM Toyota Camry–No change. B+

Erik Jones #20 XYO Network Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2018, dark blue with geometric designs on sides, and light blue stripe on bottom. A

WOOD BROTHER RACING #21

Paul Menard #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion–No change. A

Paul Menard #21 Menard’s Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, same as #12. A

Paul Menard #21 OmniCraft Auto Parts Ford Fusion–No change. A

Paul Menard #21 Menard’s/Dutch Boy Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, new Menard’s template with Dutch Boy on the hood. A

Paul Menard #21 Menard’s/FVP Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, new Menard’s template with FVP. A

Ryan Blaney #21 Motorcraft Quick Lane Ford Fusion–No change. A

Paul Menard #21 Quaker State Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, greed with gold and white curve design on sides. B-

TEAM PENSKE #22

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

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

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change. A

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

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion–No change. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil/Autotrader Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, same as Shell/Pennzoil, but with Autotrader on sides. D

BK RACING #23

Gray Gaulding #23 EarthWater Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2018, white replaces black, complex gray, orange, and blue designs on sides. F

Gray Gaulding #23 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, white with red and black numbers. A

Gray Gaulding #23 Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, black sides, white hood and roof. A

Gray Gaulding #23 Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2018, white with red and green designs on sides. C-

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2017, blue with flame motif across whole car. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2017, blue with red flames on front. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, white letters replace red ones. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #31

Ryan Newman #31 Granger Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Ryan Newman #31 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No change. B-

Ryan Newman #31 Liberty National Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, green front, rear and roof, blue sides. F

Ryan Newman #31 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, red top, yellow stripes, black bottom. C-

Ryan Newman #31 Chevy Accessories Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, white with metal designs on sides. A

Ryan Newman #31 eBay Motors Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white front, fade to blue, wave designs on sides. A

Ryan Newman #31 Liberty National Patriotic Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, American flag motif with green numbers. A-

Ryan Newman #31 Childress Vineyard Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black, with curve on sides, and sublimated building design on sides. A

GO FAS RACING #32

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2017, red, with slight wave formation across sides. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 The Hurricane Heist Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, dark blue thunderstorm motif. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Can Am/Wholey Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, slight design change, with Wholey logo on quarter panel. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Crowdfunded Ford Fusion-New scheme for 2018, white with a series on logos on the sides. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Plan B Sales Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, white with pink outlines and fan names across car. F

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Superior Logistics Ford Fusion–New sponsor for 2018, white with red and blue diagonal stripes on sides. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Keen Parts/Corvette Parts Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, based on Jeff Burton’s 2000 Exide scheme. A

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops/Speedco Ford Fusion–No change. A

Michael McDowell #34 K-Love Ford Fusion–No change. A

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

Michael McDoewll #34 K-Love Ford Fusion–No change. A

Michael McDowell #34 A&W Ford Fusion–No change. A

Michael McDowell #34 Love’s Truck Stops/Roller Bites Ford Fusion–No change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #37

Chris Buescher #37 Kleenex Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, blue with silver and white cutting edge designs. C

Chris Buescher #37 Louisiana Hot Sauce Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with red and yellow fire design on sides. A

Chris Buescher #37 Natural Light Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, red cutting edge designs have been added. B-

Chris Buescher #37 Scott Towels Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, red sides with stripes, white front and rear. B+

Chris Buescher #37 Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with sublimated leaf designs across car. A

Chris Buescher #37 Bush’s Best Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, red with white designs on sides. A

Chris Buescher #37 Degree Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, red, white, and blue with a series of shapes of the sides. B-

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

David Ragan #38 Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, blue with black and white stripe, and red bottom. A

David Ragan #38 FR8 Auctions Ford Fusion–No change. F

David Ragan #38 MDS Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018 all white with MDS logos on sides and hood. A

David Ragan #38 1000 Bulbs Ford Fusion–No change. D+

David Ragan #38 MDS Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, white roof, blue and orange stripe across bottom. A

David Ragan #38 The Pete Store Ford Fusion–No change. A

David Ragan #38 Bad Boy Mowers Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, black replaces white. F

STEWART-HAAS RACING #41

Kurt Busch #41 State Water Heaters Ford Fusion-No change. B+

Kurt Busch #41 Monster Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Kurt Busch #41 Haas/Monster Ford Fusion–No Change. A

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Automation Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, red fade to black. A

Kurt Busch #41 Mobil 1/Haas CNC Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, same as Mobil 1, with silver, and Haas CNC on sides. A

Kurt Busch #41 Haas Throwback Ford Fusion–New scheme for 2018, based on Kurt’s sharpie scheme from 2003. A

CHIP GANASSI RACING #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, blue with white and lighter blue stripes. A

Kyle Larson #42 DC Solar Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, same design as #1, but with colors reversed. B-

Kyle Larson #42 DC Solar Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, blue and white with sunburst motif on sides. D-

Kyle Larson #42 McDonald’s Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, similar to #1 but black replaces yellow on quarter panel. B+

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Click N Close Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2017, dark blue with Click N Close. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Air Force Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, same as 2017, but with black stripe across bottom. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 STP Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, red sides, blue hood and roof, with some silver designs on borders. A-

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 NASCAR Racing Experience Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, blue sides, white hood and roof. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white front, blue rear. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Farmer John Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018 red front and hood, dark blue rear. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Food Lion Feeds Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, blue sides, white hood and roof, yellow stripes on sides. A-

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Petty’s Garage Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2018, based on Petty’s STP schemes. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

AJ Allmendinger #47 Kroger Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, white with blue and red stripes on sides. B-

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s Pro Services Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black with gray outlines. A

RICK WARE RACING #51

Justin Marks #51 Keens Buildings Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with orange, gray, and white designs on sides. D+

Justin Marks #51 Harry’s Razors Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, blue, orange, and white sunbeam design. C+

Cole Custer #51 Haas CNC Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, same as #14, but white replaces black. A

Harrison Rhodes #51 Davis Roofing Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white with red and black vertical stripes. A

Timmy Hill #51 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, red with stripes on hood and roof. A

Timmy Hill #51 Bubba Burger Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black with fire motif on sides. A

Harrison Rhodes #51 Custom Aircraft Cabinets Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, orange with white designs on sides. D+

Harrison Rhodes #51 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, plain black with white and red numbers. A

Harrison Rhodes #51 Industrial Construction Experts Inc. Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with white stripes across hood and roof, yellow and blue lettering, and designs on sides. B-

Timmy Hill #51 Keen Buildings/Race to Erase Opioids Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, same as Keen Buildings, but with Race to Erase Opioids on sides. D+

PREMIUM MOTORSPORTS #55

Joey Gase #55 Nevada Donor Network Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with orange and blue designs on sides. A-

Reed Sorenson #55 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, same as Nevada Donor Network, but without logos. A-

JJ Yeley #55 Adirondack Tree Surgeons/Overdose Awareness Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, green with forest motif on sides, black hood. D-

Reed Sorenson #55 VIP Racing Experience Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Reed Sorenson #55 TCL Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, all black with TCL logos on sides, and hood. A

BEARD MOTORSPORTS #62

Brendan Gaughan #62 Beard Oil/South Point Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white front, yellow curve, black rear. A

MBM MOTORSPORTS #66

Mark Thompson #66 Phoenix Air Ford Fusion–No change. A

TRI STAR MOTORSPORTS #72

Corey LaJoie #72 Schluter Systems Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black replaces all white designs. C-

Mark Smith #72 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, black with red and white stripe across bottom. A

Cole Whitt #72 So Cal Chevy Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, same as last year, but with gold stripe across bottom. A

Mark Smith #72 Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, black with white stripe across bottom. A

Cole Whitt #72 Rinnai Chevy SS–No change. B+

Cole Whitt #72 1950 Clothing Company Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black, with 1950 Clothing Company logo on hood. A

FURNITURE ROW RACING #78

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Bass Pro Shops/5-Hour Energy Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2018 black with orange designs on sides. C-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 5-Hour Energy/Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2018 black with red designs on sides. C-

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. A

Martin Truex Jr. #78 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, large A logo replaces smaller logo on hood. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Alex Bowman #88 Nationwide Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2017, blue with white designs on sides. B+

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black with blue,red,white,and yellow cutting edge designs across sides. F

Alex Bowman #88 Llumar Window Film Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, white with red and green designs on sides. B+

RICKY BENTON RACING #92

David Gilliland #92 Carquest/Black’s Tire Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, white with black and blue wave on sides, black roof. C-

Timothy Peters #92 Advance Auto Parts Ford Fusion-New sponsor for 2018, red with black roof, and Ricky Benton Racing design on sides. B+

LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Kasey Kahne #95 Procore Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, black, white, and orange with cutting edge designs across whole car. F

Kasey Kahne #95 Procore Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2018, same as earlier scheme, white and black reversed. F

Kasey Kahne #95 Procore/Habitat for Humanity Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, same as Procore, but with Habitat for Humanity on sides and hood. F

Kasey Kahne #95 WRL Contractors Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2018, blue is the primary color, with lighter blue patches on sides. B+

Kasey Kahne #95 Procore Safety Qualified Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, black with darker black designs. A

GAUNT BROS RACING #96

DJ Kennington #96 Lordco Toyota Camry–No change. C-

DJ Kennington #96 Northern Provincial Pipelines LTD Toyota Camry–No change. A

DJ Kennington #96 Gordon Brothers Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2018, blue wave pattern on sides, and blue roof, white on sides. B-

DJ Kennington #96 Humbolt Broncos Tribute Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, red roof and stripe on sides. white stripe across side, Humboldt Broncos logo on hood, Gaunt Brothers Racing on sides. A

DJ Kennington #96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2018, same as Humboldt Broncos, but with Gaunt Brothers Racing on hood. A

My Thoughts on the ARCA Announcement

By David G. Firestone

In an article I did on a Frank Kimmel pit crew suit last year, I said this about ARCA: “Founded in 1953 in Toledo, Ohio the Midwest Association for Race Cars or MARC was created by John Marcum, who, at one point, was working with Bill France Sr. as an official in NASCAR. It operated from 1953 to 1964 as MARC, when it changed to the Auto Racing Club of America, or ARCA. Though an independent stock car organization, ARCA has had a long partnership with NASCAR.

While many racing fans see ARCA as a minor league racing organization, it has a dedicated fan base, and a dedicated series of drivers and teams. With a decent television contract, and good sponsorship, the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menard’s has solid backing and will be a part of American auto racing for years to come.”

That’s what I thought at the time. However, that has changed drastically. On Friday, it was announced that NASCAR has bought out ARCA. ARCA, especially The ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards will continue until 2019 in its current format, but will change in 2020, though no changes have yet been announced.

ARCA President Ron Drager said during the press conference: “Our position in the industry over all these years, 67 years, has been really intertwined with NASCAR. Before there was a NASCAR, before there was an ARCA, there was a relationship between the Marcum and France families. And over all these years and over all this period of time, we at ARCA have been fortunate to carve out a spot in the industry and to be able to be a constructive part of our sport. I think this is really just coming back full circle to where things started out. This provides ARCA with sustainability. We’re all looking toward the future and trying to figure out where we need to be and how best to stabilize and come together to make the sport stronger. I think a coming-together is a good way to do it.”

This is not a good thing at all. ARCA’s fans are upset, and justifiably so. The ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menard’s will go from independent promotion which provides an alternative for stock car drivers who can’t get a ride in NASCAR to just another NASCAR series. Everything that differentiated ARCA from NASCAR, and made ARCA unique will disappear, and ARCA will become nothing more than another set of NASCAR driver development series.

While NASCAR is celebrating, this is a bad day for stock car racing. NASCAR has pretty much monopolized the American stock car racing market. The only major national competitor to NASCAR has been bought out, and the rest of American stock car sanctioning bodies don’t have the strength to take NASCAR on. I’m wondering if this could lead to antitrust lawsuits. I can’t believe that this merger doesn’t constitute a monopoly. It may, I can’t understand how it wouldn’t.

If I am an ARCA driver, I’m really worried right now. If NASCAR is going to use ARCA as a developmental series, where is my place in ARCA? That isn’t a minor issue. There are drivers who have raced their entire careers in ARCA, and now they might not have a place in the new ARCA. This is not a minor issue. Drivers getting forced out by this merger have no place to go. This whole deal is awful, and I hope that all involved realize that.