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.
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