Category: paint scheme grades

Paint Scheme Grades-June 11, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Atlas Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 #BuschLightPolite Ford Mustang-It’s a nice look, good colors used, and it isn’t over designed. A

Tyler Reddick #8 Sheetz Chevy Camaro-Too many designs, a shade of blue that is too bright, and you have an F designs.

Aric Almirola #10 Built Ford Proud Ford Mustang-I think the color is good, but it’s too over designed. I’ll give this a B.

Parker Kligerman #15 Scott Credit Union Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Gold Fish Casino Slots Chevy Camaro-Teal and yellow isn’t a great combo, and with the somewhat over designed scheme, this gets a B.

Zane Smith #17 Acronis Ford Mustang-A great fade with a great set of cubes, and it isn’t over designed. A

Kyle Busch #18 Snickers Toyota Camry-Much improved over last year, this is a smooth and simple design, so this gets an A.

Harrison Burton #21 Ford/DAV Ford Mustang-Getting rid of some of the designs would work better. This gets a B+

Ty Dillon #42 Chevrolet Military Appreciation Chevy Camaro-This has a decent color scheme, and a puzzling design scheme. I don’t get what they are trying to do here. I’ll give this a C.

Kaz Grala #50 SEGI TV Chevy Camaro-I like the color scheme. The design scheme is awful. This scheme earns a D.

Josh Bilicki #77 Zeigler Auto Patriotic Group Chevy Camaro-It doesn’t add or subtract from the scheme, so this gets a C.

Josh Bilicki #77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro-It’s not much, but it’s still an improvement. C+

Paint Scheme Grades-June 4, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Cardell Cabinetry Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro-I like this look, it isn’t over done, this looks great! A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Patriotic Ford Mustang-Pick a theme! White works, patriotic works, the rear design works, but this is just a jumbled mess! This gets a C.

Brad Keselowski #6 Kohler Generators Patriotic Ford Mustang-This is beyond over designed, and none of it works. The top clashes with the bottom, and the RFK Racing template doesn’t work. This is awful! F

Corey LaJoie #7 The USO Chevy Camaro-The front is awful, the rear works, so this gets a C.

Tyler Reddick #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Patriotic Chevy Camaro-I can’t say that adding the blue at the bottom helps or hurts the scheme, so this gets the same A from last year.

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Patriotic Chevy Camaro-This color scheme works so much better than the NAPA colors, it takes the scheme from a B to an A.

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Patriotic Ford Mustang-New design, still awful. D

Ryan Blaney #12 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang-This looks much better without the Penske template. It does need to be cleaned up a bit, so this gets a B.

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Edge Ford Mustang-The side designs are over done, and the color scheme is blah. This gets a C-

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Patriotic Ford Mustang-This is a good look, that isn’t overdone, so this gets an A.

Ryan Preece #15 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang-If the car was either plain green or a patriotic motif, this would work better. This gets a C.

Noah Gragson #16 Charlotte Knights Chevy Camaro-NPick a theme! Pinstripe works, baseball works, the rear design works, but this is just a jumbled mess! This gets a C.

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Patriotic Toyota Camry-Nothing really changes in terms of the grade. A

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Patriotic Toyota Camry-Nothing really changes in terms of the grade. A

Michael McDowell #34 Fr8 Auctions Patriotic Ford Mustang-The camo is darker, but this is still awful. F

Todd Gilliland #38 Boot Barn Patriotic Ford Mustang-The camo takes a D- scheme down to an F scheme.

Cole Custer #41 Chicken Cock Whiskey Ford Mustang-Not a bad look. It has a great color scheme, and a good look. A

Erik Jones #43 FocusFactor Patriotic Chevy Camaro-It’s not pixel camo, it’s just pixels, which makes this scheme just that much worse. F

Erik Jones #43 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevy Camaro-I like the color scheme, but the design scheme is horrible. It’s over designed. The two cancel each other out, and this gets a C.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Reese’s Chevy Camaro-This is one of the rare few instances where the 2021 Kroger template works better. This is horrible, and irredeemable! F.

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Patriotic Chevy Camaro-A good color scheme with a good design scheme will always earn an A.

BJ McLeod #78 B’laster Ford Mustang-The only good thing I can say here is that I like the shade of red used. D-

Paint Scheme Grades-May 28, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Keystone Light Ford Mustang-It’s a unique look, that isn’t over designed, and that will always earn an A.

Kevin Harvick #4 #BuschBacon Ford Mustang-The shade of blue works, the bacon works, this whole scheme works, this gets an A.

Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Patriotic Chevy Camaro-Much cleaner design this year, and it looks great! A

Tyler Reddick #8 Guaranteed Rate Chevy Camaro-This cleaner look is much better, and earns an A as a result.

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield #BuschBacon Ford Mustang-The beer motif clashes with the rest of the scheme. It’s still good, just a bit of a downgrade. B+

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

Chase Briscoe #14 Magical Vacation Planner Ford Mustang-These are two elements that together would earn an A, but since the clash, this gets a C.

JJ Yeley #15 Diagnostic Imaging Centers Ford Mustang-A great look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Bubba Wallace #23 Dr. Pepper Dark Berry Toyota Camry-The shade of blue works, the stripe works, this just works. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Patriotic Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same Bk grade.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Viva Chevy Camaro-I like the shade of blue, the dots and stripes work, and it isn’t over designed. A

Cody Ware #51 Nurtec ODT Military Salutes Program Chevy Camaro-The pixel design doesn’t really distract from the scheme so it gets an A.

Landon Cassill #77 Shelton Energy Solutions Chevy Camaro-I think it is a bit over designed, but it does have a solid color scheme, so it gets a B+.

BJ McLeod #78 Circle B Diecast Ford Mustang-I don’t like the stars, nor do I like the stripe. The stars are pointless, and the stripe could be a solid white. Still, this isn’t bad so this gets a B.

Paint Scheme Grades-May 21, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Monster Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light #ForTheFarmers Ford Mustang-The shade of green is awful, and the car is way too over designed. F

Corey LaJoie #7 Garner Trucking Inc. Chevy Camaro-Great color scheme with an awful design scheme will always earn a C.

Aric Almirola #10 Renegade Insurance Ford Mustang-There are a few too many shades of white here. I’d like this more with only one shade. I fell this is too cluttered. B+

Noah Gragson #16 Chevrolet Chevy Camaro-The design is a little too cluttered, and the gray is pointless. It’s not horrific, so I’ll give it a B-

Chris Buescher #17 Castrol Ford Mustang-I like metallic silver, the stripes work, it isn’t over designed, and the car looks great! A

Joey Logano #22 Verizon Ford Mustang-I love this look! A great fade with a great color scheme is awesome! This is a great scheme! A

Kurt Busch #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-To say that this car is needlessly over designed is an understatement. Too much going on, and it doesn’t look good. F

Josh Bilicki #77 Ukrainian American Coordinating Council Chevy Camaro-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

B.J. McLeod #78 General Formulations Ford Mustang-Too over designed for my taste. Add in a bad shades of green and blue, and you have an F scheme.

Paint Scheme Grades-May 14, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy Camaro-I loved this scheme back in the day, and I love this now! A

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Libman Throwback Ford Mustang-Replacing the red with green really takes this scheme down. Factor in that they replaced Kodak’s yellow with a much worse shade and you have a B- scheme.

Austin Dillon #3 Huk Performance Fishing Chevy Camaro-This is an example of a great scheme getting better! This looks great, and gets an A.

Brad Keselowski #6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods/Haas Automotion Throwback Ford Mustang-Great look, very faithful, no complaints here. A

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Throwback Toyota Camry-This scheme earned an A in 2016, and it earns an A today.

JJ Yeley #15 Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Throwback Ford Mustang-This scheme earned an B+ in 2015, and it earns an B+ today.

Daniel Hemric #16 AG1 by Athletic Greens Chevy Camaro-Decent color scheme with a mediocre design scheme will earn a C.

AJ Allmendinger #16 Andy’s Frozen Custard Chevy Camaro-A bad color scheme with a horrible design scheme will always earn an F.

Christopher Bell #20 SiriusXM Throwback Toyota Camry-Good color scheme, but I think the design is over done. Still, it isn’t bad, so I’ll give it a B-

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Throwback Ford Mustang-I like the faithful look, and the great color and design scheme works well. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Money Lion Toyota Camry-The color scheme is decent, but not only is the design scheme bad, but it clashes a bit with the color scheme. All things considered, this gets a D.

William Byron #24 RAPTOR Chevy Camaro-The white is not a good look, and clashes with the rest of the car. One of the other would work. Still, this isn’t awful, so this gets a B+

Ty Dillon #42 Petty/GMS Throwback Chevy Camaro– a faithful throwback, with a great look, and that earns an A.

Ty Dillon #42 Ferris Mowers Throwback Chevy Camaro-Great color scheme, great design scheme, everything looks good. A

Erik Jones #43 FocusFactor Throwback Chevy Camaro-It’s a faithful throwback, with a great look, and that earns an A.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger/Nature Valley Chevy Camaro-Horrible color scheme, and over designed, need I say more? F

Cody Ware #51 Nurtec ODT Throwback Chevy Camaro-I liked this back in the day, and I like this now. Great scheme, no complaints. A

B.J. McLeod #78 Throwback Ford Mustang-It’s a great look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Daniel Suarez #99 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy Camaro-I loved this scheme back in the day, and I love this now! A

Rating The 2022 Throwback Paint Schemes

By David G. Firestone

There will be no Driver Suit Blog Radio this week. This is for good reason. With the 2022 Darlington Throwback race behind us, I’m going to rate the throwbacks as I do each year, so let’s get started!

1-Daniel Suarez #99 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1998 Coca Cola scheme from the NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi – Coca-Cola 500. A

2-Ross Chastain #1 Coca Cola Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Dale Earnhardt Jr’s 1998 Coca Cola scheme from the NASCAR Thunder Special Motegi – Coca-Cola 500. A

3-Kurt Busch #45 McDonald’s Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, based on Bill Elliott’s 1996 McDonald’s Ford Thunderbird. A

4-William Byron #24 AXALTA Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Jeff Gordon’s AXALTA scheme. A

5-Cody Ware #51 Nurtec ODT Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Mike Stefanik’s 1998 #51 Burnham Chevy Monte Carlo. A

6-Ty Dillon #42 Petty/GMS Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Lee Petty’s 1959 Daytona 500 winning Oldsmobile. A

7Erik Jones #43 FocusFactor Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Richard Petty’s 1959 Daytona 500 Oldsmobile. A

8-Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Mark Martin’s 1993 Ford Thunderbird. A

9-Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Tim Richmond’s All-Star Racing No. 0 Pontiac. A

10-Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, based on Denny’s 2016 Daytona 500 winning Toyota. A

11-Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, based on Elliot Sadler’s 1998 M&M’s Pontiac Grand Prix. A

12-Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Logano’s first midget car. A

13-Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods/Haas Automotion Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Sam Rodriguez’s sprint car. A

14-Corey LaJoie #7 Staking Pennies Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Marty Robbins #777 Plymouth Belvedere. A

15-Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Tony Stewart’s 2001 Target Indy Car. A

16-B.J. McLeod #78 Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on McLeod’s 2004 Super Late Model Series car. A

17-Harrison Burton #21 DEX Imaging Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Jeff Burton’s #99 Exide Batteries Ford Taurus from 2000. A-

18-Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Jason Leffler’s NetZero scheme. A-

19-JJ Yeley #15 Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Clint Bowyer #15 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camry. B+

20-Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on Jimmy Means’ #52 NAPA Ford Thunderbird. B

21-Brad Keselowski #6 Socios.com Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Mark Martin’s 2004 Viagra reverse Ford Taurus. B

22-Chris Buescher #17 Socios.com Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Matt Kenseth’s 2004 DeWalt Ford Taurus. B

23-Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Libman Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on Rusty Wallace’s 2005 Kodak Dodge. B-

24-Christopher Bell #20 SiriusXM Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, based on Bell’s 2017 Truck Series championship season. B-

25-Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem “Chasing a Cure” Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, based on the 2011-2012 Rheem Chasing a Cure scheme that ran during October. F

Next Week, Driver Suit Blog Radio returns!!!

Paint Scheme Grades-May 7, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Worldwide Express Chevy Camaro-It’s much too over designed, and the shades of blue don’t work. F

Ross Chastain #1 Pitbull Tour Chevy Camaro-I love the color scheme, but I hate the design scheme, so this gets a C.

Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Throwback Chevy Camaro-Another great throwback that could win Throwback of the Year. This is a great and classic look. A

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield/Weis Ford Mustang-The new designs take the A- scheme down to a B+ because they are a bit overdone.

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Small Business Toyota Camry-I think the blue is a tad over done, but otherwise, this is a great scheme. A-

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

Ryan Preece #15 United Rentals Ford Mustang-The black isn’t needed here, and the stripe is a bit over done. It’s not terrible, so I give it a B.

Daniel Hemric #16 Majestic Steel Chevy Camaro-Get rid of the red on the front, and this is a solid A scheme. With the silver, this gets an A-.

Todd Gilliland #38 The Pete Store Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Cole Custer #41 Autodesk/HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Kurt Busch #45 McDonald’s Throwback Toyota Camry-Yes! Yes! A Thousand Times Yes! You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to see this throwback! Unless something better comes along, this will probably win Throwback of the Year! A

BJ McLeod #78 Superior Logistics Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Paint Scheme Grades-April 30, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Moose Fraternity Chevy Camaro-I like this, it’s a great look, and the color scheme works, so this gets an A.

Ross Chastain #1 Jockey Chevy Camaro-This is a great look, and I can’t complain. A

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Sylvania Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem “Chasing a Cure” Throwback Ford Mustang-Not only is this not a faithful scheme, its also a Pinkwashing scheme. F

Corey LaJoie #7 RAZE Energy Chevy Camaro-This is the worst color combo I have seen in a long time. Add in a horrible design, and you have an F scheme.

Corey LaJoie #7 Staking Pennies Throwback Chevy Camaro-This is a very faithful replica of a unique car. It looks good, and gets an A.

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Throwback Chevy Camaro-I like throwbacks, but this isn’t as accurate, and the original one isn’t great. Still, it’s not terrible, so I give it a B.

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield/iHop Ford Mustang-The changes don’t add or subtract from the overall scheme, so it stays at a C scheme.

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Tractors Throwback Ford Mustang-This is a scheme that should have been on a stock car, but it wasn’t. It’s also a faithful replica, so it gets an A.

David Ragan #15 Envision Ford Mustang-Too many colors, too many designs, looks awful, gets an F.

Harrison Burton #21 DEX Imaging Throwback Ford Mustang-I think the original was a little overdone, but this is a faithful replica, so this gets an A-.

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

William Byron #24 AXALTA Throwback Chevy Camaro-This is a great scheme, it has a great look, and it gets an A.

Cole Custer #41 Feeding America/Wow Wow Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Throwback Ford Mustang-While it’s a faithful replica, I did think the original was over designed, so I’ll give this an A-

Greg Biffle #44 Morehouse College Chevy Camaro-This is a good look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Noah Gragson #62 Wendy’s Chevy Camaro-I think that the blue and white section is a tad over done, so this gets an A-

BJ McLeod #78 Motorsport Games Ford Mustang-The changes don’t add or subtract from the overall scheme, so it stays at a F scheme.

Paint Scheme Grades-April 23, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Corey LaJoie #7 Drydene Performance Products/DuraMAX Chevy Camaro-I like this design, but it’s a slight downgrade from last year. B+

Tyler Reddick #8 3Chi Chevy Camaro-Reversing the colors makes the car look better. A

Chase Elliott #9 Kelly Blue Book Chevy Camaro-What an upgrade! The white with minimal stripes look is amazing! This gets an A!

Ryan Blaney #12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

JJ Yeley #15 Georgia Strong/JAG Metals LLC Ford Mustang-I like the look, it has a great color scheme, and it has a great design. A

Noah Gragson #16 Chevy Truck Month Chevy Camaro-The color scheme is decent, minus the gray. The car is way too over designed, so I’ll give it a C-

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Throwback Toyota Camry-I loved the scheme back then, and I love the scheme now! This gets an A!

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Chevy Camaro-I hate the color scheme here, and the design scheme doesn’t do it any favors. This is just awful. F

Cole Custer #41 Jacob Construction/Haas Tooling Ford Mustang-That stripe that extends into really takes away from a solid look, and takes the scheme down to a B-

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Throwback Chevy Camaro-This might be one of the best throwback schemes this year! It’s accurate, and based on a great car. A

Justin Allgaier #77 Brandt Chevy Camaro-A great color scheme with a terrible color scheme will always earn a C.

Josh Williams #78 Alloy Employment Services Ford Mustang-Get rid of the non blue section on the bottom, this gets a solid A. With it, this scheme gets a scheme. A-

Paint Scheme Grades-April 16, 2022

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 GoPro Chevy Camaro-I like the look, I like the color scheme, and this gets an A.

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Moen Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Brad Keselowski #6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang-I’m not sold on this new template, but this color scheme works well enough. B

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Spirals Ford Mustang-Red and black is a great color scheme, and the design scheme works well. A

Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota Camry-I like the toned down sides, and the car has a smoother look. A

JJ Yeley #15 Nabor Force Ford Mustang-Good color scheme, not over designed, great look, gets an A.

JJ Yeley #15 Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Christopher Bell #20 Yahoo! Toyota Camry-The dark blue is pointless, and I think the car is a bit over designed. B+

Michael McDowell #34 WISE-EV Ford Mustang-I HATE THIS COLOR SCHEME! This is a terrible color scheme. The light colors clash with the black, and the car is over designed. F

Todd Gilliland #38 Cross Country Adjusting Ford Mustang-I think the car is over designed, and the color scheme is mediocre. This is just bland, and it gets a C.

Kurt Busch #45 McDonald’s/Money Lion Toyota Camry-Too many contrasting designs, both color and design give this a cluttered look. I can’t defend this, so I won’t.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Louisiana Hot Sauce Chevy Camaro-This isn’t really that bad, but when compared to the 2021 scheme, it’s a huge downgrade. This gets a C.

B.J. McLeod #78 Epilepsy Foundation Ford Mustang-I loves me a good fade, and this is a good fade. This works well, and it gets an A.

Daniel Suarez #99 GoPro Chevy Camaro-I like the look, I like the color scheme, and this gets an A.