Category: paint scheme grades

Paint Scheme Grades-May 3, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Jockey Chevy Camaro-It’s a good look, with a great color scheme, and that will always earn an A.

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Quaker State Ford Mustang–Kyle Busch #8 Nicokick Chevy Camaro-Pastel is NOT a good look for race cars, and the design really doesn’t help. F

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Jack Link’s/Dollar Tree Toyota Camry-When done right, plaid can work well, as exampled here. A

Erik Jones #43 Massey Motor Freight Toyota Camry-Not a bad look, but a downgrade from last year. B

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 NOS Energy Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

Cody Ware #51 Arby’s/AC Barbecue Sauce Ford Mustang-Black and smoke works, the red roof works, all of this works. A

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Celsius Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

Anthony Alfredo #62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevy Camaro-These changes really don’t improve or detract in any way, so it’s still a B.

Michael McDowell #71 GUNK Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

BJ McLeod #78 Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster Chevy Camaro-There are too many designs and too many colors for this to be anywhere near good, so this gets an F.

Daniel Suarez #99 Wendy’s Frosty Chevy Camaro-This scheme is in the running for worst scheme of the year. It’s going to take a lot to beat this one. Too many colors, and too many stripes and designs. F

Paint Grades Tracker-April 19, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Corey LaJoie #01 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

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

Austin Cindric #2 Snap On Ford Mustang-Not bad, but last year’s scheme is better. A-

Noah Gragson #4 Rural King Ford Mustang-Nothing really wrong here. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Kroger/Oscar Mayer/Rustik Oven Ford Mustang-The color works, the design works, this scheme looks great. A

Justin Haley #7 NationsGuard Chevy Camaro-The gray is pointless, and the car is a bit over design. C

Ty Dillon #10 Okuma Chevy Camaro-The blue is a tad over designed, but otherwise it looks great. A-

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

AJ Allmendinger #16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy Camaro-This is a good, solid look, nothing wrong here. A

Jesse Love #33 C4 Energy Chevy Camaro-Get rid of the snowflakes, and this would be perfect. A-

Zane Smith #38 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-I love this scheme, as it reminds me of the old Michael Waltrip Racing Aaron’s scheme. A

Ryan Preece #60 Boost by Kroger Ford Mustang-Pink is an awful color for a race car, and this shade of pink is the worst. F

Josh Bilicki #66 Manscaped Ford Mustang-The blue camo is just awful, and the car looks hideous as a result. F

Carson Hocevar #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #7, same A grade.

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Safety Culture Chevy Camaro-Last year’s scheme was bad, this is just as bad. Too over designed, with too many colors. F

Paint Scheme Grades-April 12, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light Fishing Chevy Camaro-I like the fishing motif, and the car looks great! A

Austin Cindric #2 Freightliner Throwback Ford Mustang-If I had a favorite non-Goodwrench Dale Sr scheme, it would be this one. No disrespect for Wrangler, but this is so much better! Unless something better comes along, this is my pick for Throwback of the Year! A

Noah Gragson #4 Beef-a-Roo Throwback Ford Mustang-I like the look, and I think Mom ‘n’ Pops should make a NASCAR comeback. A

Kyle Larson #5 HendrickCars.com Throwback Chevy Camaro-I can’t really knock this scheme, but I have too much love for the 1990’s Kellogg’s scheme. This is great, so this gets an A.

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Seven Critical Areas Ford Mustang-As much as I like the concept, I think the oil on the posts just looks odd. I’d also love to see a car colored like fresh motor oil. This gets a B, but with work, it would get an A.

Chase Elliott #9 UniFirst Chevy Throwback Camaro-As a scheme it’s fine, but as a throwback it falls flat. It’s too different from the original. I’ll give this a C.

Ty Dillon #10 Beaver Street Fisheries Throwback Chevy Camaro-I love the look, it’s a very faithful throwback, and I love the CHEVY on the hood! A

Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Throwback Toyota Camry-A good, faithful throwback, and the look works well. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menards/Dutch Boy Throwback Ford Mustang-A little too different from the original scheme, in terms of colors and design. It’s not bad, but far from perfect. B

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Outdoors Throwback Ford Mustang-A little too different from the original scheme, in terms of colors and design. It’s not bad, but far from perfect. B

Josh Berry #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Throwback Ford Mustang-Another amazing throwback, this one an Indy 500 winner that transfers well to NASCAR. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell Pennzoil Throwback Ford Mustang-This is a scheme that doesn’t get a lot of love, but boy do I love this! A

William Byron #24 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro-As much as I liked the original scheme, I, like a lot of fans, felt that Jeff should have raced the original rainbow warriors scheme. Still, this is really good. A

Austin Hill #33 United Rentals Chevy Camaro-Not better, not worse, just awful. F

Todd Gilliland #34 Ruedebusch Throwback Ford Mustang-It’s obscure, but it’s faithful, and it looks good. A

Zane Smith #38 Long John Silver’s Throwback Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Cole Custer will drive the No. 41 Haas Automation Throwback Ford Mustang-I never really liked the Spencer Target schemes, they used a bit too much white for my taste. That said, it’s still a decent look, so it gets a B.

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Dollar Tree Throwback Toyota Camry-This is a scheme where the new colors work so much better than the old ones! I like the old colors, but the new colors are better. A

Erik Jones #43 Advent Health Throwback Toyota Camry-Even though I think there are better Petty STP schemes, this is a faithful replica, so this gets an A.

Tyler Reddick #45 McDonald’s Toyota Camry-The bun works so much better than the fries. The car looks better. A

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Throwback Chevy Camaro-It’s simple, but effective, and faithful, so this gets an A.

Burt Myers #50 C3 Chevy Camaro-It has the potential to be good, but there is a little too much going on. It’s not awful, but not good. C

Cody Ware #51 Jacob Construction Throwback Ford Mustang-Cat schemes can be hit or miss, but this is a hit. A

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Country Crock Ford Mustang-It’s simple, it’s bold, it’s unique, and it looks good. A

Casey Mears #66 HitchGo Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Michael McDowell #71 Delaware Life Chevy Camaro-Not better, not worse, just meh. C-

Daniel Suarez #99 Quaker State Chevy Camaro-Not better, not worse, just meh. C

Ranking The 2025 Throwbacks Schemes So Far…

By David G. Firestone

Well, the throwback race is behind us, and, as pre the usual, I will rank the throwback schemes from best to worst. Let’s go!

1-Austin Cindric #2 Freightliner Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Dale Earnhart’s 1979 Daytona 500 Rod Osterlund Racing #2 Buick. A

If I had a favorite non-Goodwrench Dale Sr scheme, it would be this one. No disrespect for Wrangler, but this is so much better! Unless something better comes along, this is my pick for Throwback of the Year! A

2-Kyle Larson #5 HendrickCars.com Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, based on Terry Labonte’s 2001 #5 Kellogg’s Chevy. A

I can’t really knock this scheme, but I have too much love for the 1990’s Kellogg’s scheme. This is great, so this gets an A.

3-JJ Yeley #44 Wawa Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, based on Bill Elliot’s 1989 Coors Ford Thunderbird. A

A good look, very faithful, this gets an A.

4-Ty Dillon #10 Beaver Street Fisheries Throwback Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2025, based on Patty Moise’s 1989 Daytona #45 Beaver Street Foods Buick. A

I love the look, it’s a very faithful throwback, and I love the CHEVY on the hood! A

5-Noah Gragson #4 Beef-a-Roo Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, Based on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 1996 #31 Mom ‘n’ Pops Chevy. A

I like the look, and I think Mom ‘n’ Pops should make a NASCAR comeback. A

6-Joey Logano #22 Shell Pennzoil Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Cale Yarborough’s #11 Holly Farms Poultry Oldsmobile. A

This is a scheme that doesn’t get a lot of love, but boy do I love this! A

7-Josh Berry #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Jim Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis 500 winning #82 Lotus powered by Ford. A

Another amazing throwback, this one an Indy 500 winner that transfers well to NASCAR. A

8-Todd Gilliland #34 Ruedebusch Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Based on Ray Fox’s #3 Royal Dodge Dodge Charger. A

It’s obscure, but it’s faithful, and it looks good. A

9-John Hunter Nemechek #42 Dollar Tree Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, based on Joe Nemechek’s 1997-1998 #42 Bell South Mobility Chevy. A

This is a scheme where the new colors work so much better than the old ones! I like the old colors, but the new colors are better. A

10-Erik Jones #43 Advent Health Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, based on John Andretti’s 1998 STP scheme. A

Even though I think there are better Petty STP schemes, this is a faithful replica, so this gets an A.

11-William Byron #24 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, based on Jeff Gordon’s final race #24 Chevy. A

As much as I liked the original scheme, I, like a lot of fans, felt that Jeff should have raced the original rainbow warriors scheme. Still, this is really good. A

12-Cody Ware #51 Jacob Construction Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Ward Burton’s 1999-2003 Caterpillar schemes. A

Cat schemes can be hit or miss, but this is a hit. A

13-Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Throwback Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, based on Carl Edwards’ #99 Office Depot Ford. A

A good, faithful throwback, and the look works well. A

14-Alex Bowman #48 Ally Throwback Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, based on Jimmie Johnson’s 2012 Southern 500 winning #48 Lowe’s Chevy. A

It’s simple, but effective, and faithful, so this gets an A.

15-Zane Smith #38 Long John Silver’s Throwback Ford Mustang–No change. A

Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

16-Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Outdoors Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Rick Ferkel’s #0 sprint car. B

A little too different from the original scheme, in terms of colors and design. It’s not bad, but far from perfect. B

17-Cole Custer will drive the No. 41 Haas Automation Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Jimmy Spencer’s 2001 #41 Target Dodge. B

I never really liked the Spencer Target schemes, they used a bit too much white for my taste. That said, it’s still a decent look, so it gets a B.

18-Ryan Blaney #12 Menards/Dutch Boy Throwback Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, based on Dave Blaney’s 2006 Dollar General 300 winning #32 Haas Avocados Chevy. B

A little too different from the original scheme, in terms of colors and design. It’s not bad, but far from perfect. B

19-Chase Elliott #9 UniFirst Chevy Throwback Camaro–New scheme for 2025, based on Ken Schrader’s 1994 #25 Kodiak Chevy. C

As a scheme it’s fine, but as a throwback it falls flat. It’s too different from the original. I’ll give this a C.

Paint Scheme Grades-April 5, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Choice Privileges Chevy Camaro-They took a bad scheme, and made it worse. F

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–Noah Gragson #4 A&W Root Beer Ford Mustang-The new design isn’t as good as last years, less is more, so this goes from an A to a B.

Ty Dillon #10 Mark III Employee Benefits Chevy Camaro-A good look. Good color scheme, and the car isn’t over designed. A

AJ Allmendinger #16 Black’s Tire Chevy Camaro-The fade works, the tire tread and white aren’t needed. It’s not terrible, so it gets a B.

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger/Old El Paso Ford Mustang-A good look, not over done, and it has a great color scheme. A

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Outdoors Toyota Camry-The grass motif looks odd with this scheme, and it looks forced. It takes an A scheme down to a C.

Todd Gilliland #34 Colortech Ford Mustang-Not better, not worse, just meh. C

Riley Herbst #35 Lucy Breakers Toyota Camry-Whatever is going on near the numbers is hard to see, the text is way too small, and the black is very off putting, as compared to the rest of the scheme. C

Zane Smith #38 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

JJ Yeley #44 PCNY Chevy Camaro-Pink is not a good color for race cars, and add to the fact that the car is somewhat over designed, and this gets an F.

Casey Mears #66 Coble Enterprises Ford Mustang-Not only is this a great scheme by itself, but it so much better than last year’s scheme, so this gets an A.

Michael McDowell #71 Rockingham Speedway Chevy Camaro-As much as I like this, I do think the mountains are a tad over designed. A-

Paint Scheme Grades-March 29, 2025

By David G. Firestone

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

Kyle Busch #8 Bank OZK Chevy Camaro-The gray isn’t really needed, otherwise this is a great scheme. A-

Ty Dillon #10 Sea Best Seafood Chevy Camaro-This shade of yellow does not work well, and the rough designs aren’t good. It’s not awful, so it gets a B

Denny Hamlin #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota Camry-Great color scheme, great design scheme, nothing wrong here! A

Ryan Blaney #12 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang-The yellow and green are a real downgrade, and this goes from a B to a C.

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger/Farm Rich Ford Mustang-I loves me a good fade, and this is a good fade! A

Josh Berry #21 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang-The dot take looks good, and the color scheme is great. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry-I don’t know why I love fish scale motifs, but I do, and this is a great one! A

Cole Custer #41 Autodesk/HaasTooling Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-Another great fade! I love the color scheme, and the black works well too! A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 betr March Madness Chevy Camaro-I think the blue isn’t really needed, but this isn’t bad at all. A

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Unrivaled League Chevy Camaro-I really hate many of Ally’s schemes, but this is awesome! Great color scheme, and not over designed, this gets an A.

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Jockey Chevy Camaro-Bold and simple with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Paint Scheme Grades-March 22, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Mobility Science Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

Noah Gragson #4 Beef A Roo Ford Mustang-Not a bad look, good color scheme, and a good design scheme gets an A.

Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ty Dillon #10 Sea Best Seafood Chevy Camaro-Cutting back on the designs takes this scheme from a B to an A.

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

Chris Buescher #17 Smith’s/Dasani Ford Mustang-A good, unique, and bold look. It isn’t over designed, so this gets an A.

Chase Briscoe #19 Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic Toyota Camry-I love the fish scale motif, it looks good, and it get an A.

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ultra Premium Ford Mustang-A smooth look, good color scheme, this gets an A.

Bubba Wallace #23 U.S. Air Force Toyota Camry-Gray and black works well, the design isn’t too intricate, and I like this look. A

Riley Herbst #35 SunnyD Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #47, same F grade.

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Backstreet Boys Toyota Camry-Too many colors, and too many designs. This gets an F.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Real American Beer Camaro-A good color scheme, and I like the design. A

Cody Ware #51 Evel Knievel-Parts Plus Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Katherine Legge #78 Droplight Chevy Camaro-The cutting edge on the sides is over done, but this isn’t bad. B

Paint Scheme Grades-March 15, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Kubota Orange Days Sales Event Chevy Camaro-The additional black and smaller lettering really doesn’t work as well. It takes a solid B scheme down to a C+.

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

Noah Gragson #4 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #34, same C grade.

Kyle Busch #8 zone Premium Nicotine Patches/QuikTrip Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Ty Dillon #10 Hybrid Light Chevy Camaro-Great color and design scheme, this gets an A.

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

Chris Buescher #17 Fry’s/Thomas’/Philadelphia Ford Mustang-A great look, the new design looks great! The new orange works, and the stripes and blue look amazing! This gets an A.

Josh Berry #21 eero Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

Josh Berry #21 Freightliner Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #2, same D grade.

Todd Gilliland #34 Frontline Enterprises Inc. Ford Mustang-Gray and white is not a good color scheme, and the whole car is over designed. F

Zane Smith #38 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #34, same C grade.

Cole Custer #41 Haas/Andy’s Frozen Custard Ford Mustang-Not bad, but a tad too over designed, and I REALLY hate the dots, they take away from the scheme. B

Tyler Reddick #45 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry-Same scheme as #23, same C grade.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Ram Self Storage Chevy Camaro-I like red and gold, but this is so over designed, it’s just horrible. D-

Alex Bowman #48 Ally/Best Friends Chevy Camaro-Major downgrade from last year. I’m not too fond of orange and blue, and while I like the dogs, it can’t save this scheme. D

Cody Ware #51 Mighty Fire Breaker Ford Mustang-If this was the debut scheme, it would get an A, but when compared to last year’s scheme, this is just an A-.Mustang,Ford,Mustang,Toyota Camry,Toyota,Camry,

Paint Scheme Grades-March 8, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light For the Love of Texas Chevy Camaro-I like the color scheme, but I think the design is a bit over done. B

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

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

Bubba Wallace #23 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry-Too many colors, and car is over designed. Not bad, not good, just meh. C

Riley Herbst #35 Chumba Casino Toyota Camry-Too many colors, they don’t work well with the black design, and the car looks awkward. F

Zane Smith #38 TitleMax Ford Mustang-Same scheme as #4, same B grade.

Cole Custer #41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Pye Barker Fire & Safety Chevy Camaro-Getting rid of the purple and green flames would take this scheme to an A, but they look so bad, this gets a B.

Erik Jones #43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Rate Chevy Camaro-The red and gray on the sides take what would have been a solid A scheme down to a C.

Michael McDowell #71 Gainbridge Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #7, same C grade.

BJ McLeod #78 HitchGo Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Paint Sheme Grades-March 1, 2025

By David G. Firestone

Corey LaJoie #01 AirMedCare Network Ford Mustang-I love this scheme as it reminds me of the old Mark Martin early 1990’s Valvoline scheme. A

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

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Delta Ford Mustang-A smooth look with a great color scheme will always earn an A.

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

Noah Gragson #4 TitleMax Ford Mustang-A little over designed, and I think red would work better as the primary color. Not bad, gets a B.

Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Denny Hamlin #11 Yahoo! Toyota Camry-Mediocre color scheme and a mediocre design always gets a C.

Ryan Blaney will driver the No. 12 BodyArmor Zero Sugar Ford Mustang-I love a good fade, and this is a good fade. The stripe works well too!

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

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry-Either side across the whole car would work, but the combo just looks off. Colors are good, this gets a C.

Todd Gilliland #34 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-Not bad, not great, just meh. C

Zane Smith #38 City of Refuge Ford Mustang-Ugly design, and awful colors will always earn an F.

Cole Custer #41 3D Systems Ford Mustang-I like the blue, and the design is smooth. A

Tyler Reddick #45 Xfinity Mobile Toyota Camry-A great look, great color scheme, great design scheme, this gets an A.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls-Too over designed, and too many colors. F

Cody Ware #51 Arby’s Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A- grade.

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Gevalia/Entenmann’s Ford Mustang-A good simple look, a good simple color scheme, a solid A grade.

Michael McDowell #71 Group 1001 Chevy Camaro-I HATE THIS COLOR SCHEME! The design scheme isn’t great either. This gets an F.