Category: paint scheme grades

Paint Scheme Grades-March 4, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Scheme Grades-February 25, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Scheme Grades-February 18, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

Riley Herbst #15 SUNNYD Ford Mustang-Even with these new design change, it’s still and ugly, over designed mess. F

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

Christopher Bell #20 Sirius/XM Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Justin Haley #31 Celsius Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Zane Smith #36 Wellcare Ford Mustang-I like the design, but the teal is too light, it takes an A scheme down to a B

Zane Smith #38 Ambetter Health Ford Mustang-Dark blue is better than teal, and the overall look is better. A

Conor Daly #50 BitNile Chevy Camaro-I love a good fade, and the splatter design works well. This gets an A.

Ty Gibbs #54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

BJ McLeod #78 Power Slap/Rumble Ford Mustang-I will keep my disgust for Power Slap at bay here, I will only talk about the scheme. Its good, a bit over designed, but not bad. B+

Paint Scheme Grades-February 11, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Jockey Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ross Chastain #1 Worldwide Express/Advent Health Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Ross Chastain #1 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Austin Cindric #2 Freightliner/eCascadia Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Get Bioethanol Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

Brad Keselowski #6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang-The cleaned up look is much better than last year. A

Corey LaJoie #7 Animal Control Chevy Camaro-A smooth look, and a great color scheme, earns an A.

Kyle Busch #8 3Chi Chevy Camaro-A very rare instance of a great scheme being made better! A

Chase Elliott #9 Hooters Chevy Camaro-Black is a good base color for a race car, and the orange designs work well. A

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

Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota Camry-The new look is a bit of a downgrade from last year, I think the new designs are a tad over done. A-

Denny Hamlin #11 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

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

JJ Yeley #15 CW & Sons Infrastructure Ford Mustang-The color scheme is good, and I like the design, so this gets an A.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Nutrien Ag Solutions Chevy Camaro-Good shade of green, nice designs, and the car looks great. A

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Christopher Bell #20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #11, same F grade.

Bubba Wallace #23 DoorDash Toyota Camry-While I like the new shade of red, the design needs some work, as it is very much a downgrade from last year. C

Justin Haley #31 Cirkul Chevy Camaro-Good shade of green, nice designs, and the car looks great. A

Noah Gragson #42 Sunseeker Resort Chevy Camaro-I like the new red slightly more than last year. D-

Erik Jones #43 Allegiant Chevy Camaro-Nothing really changes here. A

Tyler Reddick #45 MoneyLion Toyota Camry-Nothing really changes here either. C-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Food4Less/Velveeta Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Cody Ware #51 Biohaven Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year’s Nurtec, same A grade.

Ty Gibbs #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #11, same F grade.

Austin Hill #62 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ty Dillon #77 NASCAR Fan Rewards Chevy Camaro-I like the color scheme, but the design scheme is over designed. B

B.J. McLeod #78 Celsius Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Daniel Suárez #99 Jockey Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Paint Scheme Grades-February 4, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Scheme Grades-January 28, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Scheme Grades-January 21, 2023

By David G. Firestone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paint Scheme Grades-January 14, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang-No real change, neither better or worse. B+

Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Paint Scheme Grades-January 7, 2023

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Kubota/Onx Homes Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

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

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

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

Brad Keselowski #6 Elk Grove Manufacturing and Technology Expo Ford Mustang-I think the car is a bit too over designed. It’s not bad, but it can be toned down. B

Corey LaJoie #7 The Jessie Rees Foundation Chevy Camaro-I think the teal isn’t needed, and the car is a little over designed, so this gets a C

Kyle Busch #8 Alsco Uniforms Chevy Camaro-The adding of black doesn’t work, and takes the whole scheme down to a B+. Without the black, this gets an A.

Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro-With the sides cleaned up, this gets an A!

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

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

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

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

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

Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Chris Buescher #17 Pala Casino Resort and Spa Ford Mustang-Even a smooth design can’t be saved with a horrid color scheme like this!. D

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Chris Buescher #17 Fifth-Third Bank Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-The changes do not change the grade, it’s still a C- scheme.

Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro-I like this new look, the color and design work, so this gets an A.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro-Cleaning up the front is a massive improvement! This goes from an F to a C.

Josh Bilicki #78 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

2022 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 4-The Grand Finale

By David G. Firestone

Well, all the votes have been counted, and the final Paint Scheme Leaderboard is complete. Without further ado, the final post of 2022:

1-Team Penske #22 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:43 of 46

Number of Schemes:8

GPA:4.00

2-NY Racing #44 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:5

GPA:4.00

3-Joe Gibbs Racing #11 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:37 of 46

Number of Schemes:9

GPA:3.85

4-Hendrick Motorsports #9 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:7 of 46

Number of Schemes:8

GPA:3.75

5-Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:6 of 46

Number of Schemes:14

GPA:3.71

6-MBM Motorsports #55 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:3 of 46

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:3.70

7-Team Penske #12 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:18 of 46

Number of Schemes:21

GPA:3.65

8-Team Hezenberg #27 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:4

GPA:3.50

9-Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:5 of 46

Number of Schemes:9

GPA:3.51

10-Joe Gibbs Racing #20 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:26 of 46

Number of Schemes:6

GPA:3.33

11-Rick Ware Racing #51 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:10 of 46

Number of Schemes:6

GPA:3.33

12-Hendrick Motorsports #5 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:16 of 46

Number of Schemes:3

GPA:3.33

13-Richard Childress Racing #33 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:3.30

14-Stewart-Haas Racing #41 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:38 of 46

Number of Schemes:14

GPA:3.02

15-Richard Childress Racing #3 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:14 of 46

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:3.30

16-Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing #6 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:36 of 46

Number of Schemes:16

GPA:3.15

17-Stewart-Haas Racing #14 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:1 of 46

Number of Schemes:9

GPA:3.15

18-Rick Ware Racing #15 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:28 of 46

Number of Schemes:27

GPA:3.09

19-Team Penske #2 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:21 of 46

Number of Schemes:16

GPA:3.04

20-Kaulig Racing #16 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:8 of 46

Number of Schemes:18

GPA:3.01

21-Richard Childress Racing #8 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:42 of 46

Number of Schemes:10

GPA:3.00

22-Wood Brothers #21 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:12 of 46

Number of Schemes:8

GPA:2.96

23-Stewart-Haas Racing #4 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:22 of 46

Number of Schemes:18

GPA:2.90

24-Hendrick Motorsports #48 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:27 of 46

Number of Schemes:7

GPA:2.86

25-Beard Motorsports #62 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:4 of 46

Number of Schemes:2

GPA:2.85

26-Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing #17 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:39 of 46

Number of Schemes:11

GPA:2.78

27-Front Row Motorsports #34 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:13 of 46

Number of Schemes:11

GPA:2.76

28-Joe Gibbs Racing #19 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:9 of 46

Number of Schemes:8

GPA:2.71

29-23XI Racing #45 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:14

GPA:2.70

30-JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:44 of 46

Number of Schemes:25

GPA:2.66

31-23XI Racing #23 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:11 of 46

Number of Schemes:14

GPA:2.64

32-Stewart-Haas Racing #10 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:35 of 46

Number of Schemes:8

GPA:2.96

33-Richard Petty Motorsports #42 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:12

GPA:2.61

34-Kaulig Racing #31 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:3

GPA:2.57

35-Live Fast Motorsports #78 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:23 of 46

Number of Schemes:28

GPA:2.56

36-Spire Motorsports #77 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:32 of 46

Number of Schemes:14

GPA:2.30

37-Front Row Motorsports #38 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:25 of 46

Number of Schemes:17

GPA:2.25

38-Trackhouse Racing #1 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:2.21

39-Spire Motorsports #7 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:41 of 46

Number of Schemes:19

GPA:2.08

40-The Money Racing Team #50 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:2

GPA:2.00

41-MBM Motorsports #66 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year:24 of 46

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:2.00

42-Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:15 of 46

Number of Schemes:7

GPA:1.90

43-Trackhouse Racing #99 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:46 of 46

Number of Schemes:13

GPA:1.53

44-Team Hezenberg #26 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:0.00

GPA:1

45-Trackhouse Racing #91 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year:N/A

Number of Schemes:1

GPA:0.0

With that, 2022 is over, and we will start back up next week, and next year!