The Driver Suit Blog

Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 3

This week, Driver Suit Blog Radio has some discussions about the NASCAR charter system, A Paul Newman Racing special from 1971, and the GM EV1.

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 19, 2022

By David G. Firestone

TRACKHOUSE RACING #1

Ross Chastain #1 Advent Health Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, white with blue and yellow designs and watermelon motif. F

TEAM PENSKE #2

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Richmond Ford Mustang–No change. A

Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2022, black with orange and white designs. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Rheem Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, black, red, and white with designs on sides. B+

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5

Kyle Larson #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevy Camaro–No change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Brad Keselowski #6 Fastenal Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, black fade to blue with honeycomb. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Tyler Reddick #8 3Chi Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, white, black, and gold with cutting edge designs. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, designs changed around. B

Chase Elliott #9 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–No change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up, gold added to black. A-

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menarads/Libman Ford Mustang–No change. B

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Ag North America Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, red with black designs on sides. C

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, blue fade to black with honeycomb. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

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

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–No change. C-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

Christopher Bell #20 Rheem Toyota Camry–No change. A

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–No Change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

23XI RACING #23

Bubba Wallace #23 Leidos Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2022, blue with a series of multi-colored designs on sides. C

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–No change. D

STEWART HAAS RACING #41

Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, some black and red added to rear. A-

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Erik Jones #43 FOCUSfactor Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, dark blue and green with designs on sides. D-

Erik Jones #43 U.S. Air Force Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, based on a green B-29. A

23XI RACING #45

Kurt Busch #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry–No change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 SweetLeaf Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, blue with leaf and dot motif. C

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, white and blue switched, sides cleaned up. A

MBM MOTORSPORTS #66

Timmy Hill #66 Bumper.com Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, white with blue, pink and red hill motif with car. C

TRACKHOUSE RACING #99

Daniel Suarez #99 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, much more stripes and designs added. F

Daniel Suarez #99 Commscope Chevy Camaro–No change. F

Paint Scheme Grades-January 15, 2022

By David G. Firestone

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

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–Changing the design doesn’t make the scheme better, nor does it makes it worse. B

Bubba Wallace #23 Leidos Toyota Camry–The great color scheme is ruined by the awful design scheme. They cancel each other out, and this gets a C.

Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–I like the new rear design, it adds to the look. A-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 SweetLeaf Chevy Camaro–Getting rid of the dot design will earn this scheme an A, but with it, this scheme is taken down to a C.

Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 2

Episode 2 features some insights into the end of Chip Ganassi’s NASCAR program, and a review of the little-known Kenny Rodgers NASCAR movie Six Pack from 1982.

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 12, 2022

TEAM PENSKE #2

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Richmond Ford Mustang–No change. A

Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2022, black with orange and white designs. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Busch Light Ford Mustang–No Change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Brad Keselowski #6 Fastenal Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, black fade to blue with honeycomb. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, designs changed around. B

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menarads/Libman Ford Mustang–No change. B

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Ag North America Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, red with black designs on sides. C

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, blue fade to black with honeycomb. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

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

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–No change. C-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–No Change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

23XI RACING #23

Bubba Wallace #23 Leidos Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2022, blue with a series of multi-colored designs on sides. C

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–No change. D

STEWART HAAS RACING #41

Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, some black and red added to rear. A-

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Erik Jones #43 FOCUSfactor Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, dark blue and green with designs on sides. D-

23XI RACING #45

Kurt Busch #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry–No change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 SweetLeaf Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, blue with leaf and dot motif. C

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, white and blue switched, sides cleaned up. A

TRACKHOUSE RACING #99

Daniel Suarez #99 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, much more stripes and designs added. F

Paint Scheme Grades-January 8, 2022

By David G. Firestone

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

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang-It’s a smooth design, it isn’t over done, and it has a great color scheme. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Fastenal Ford Mustang-The fade looks great, the honeycomb works well, and the car looks amazing. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menarads/Libman Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same B grade.

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Ag North America Ford Mustang-It’s got a good color scheme, but boy oh boy, is the design scheme way over done. There is too much going on here for it to be good. The two cancel each other out, and this gets a C.

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang-*The fade looks great, the honeycomb works well, and the car looks amazing. A

Kyle Busch #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same C- grade.

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry-Cleaning up the sides gives this car a much better look. A

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

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang-Cleaning up the sides gives this car a much better look. A

Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang-Cleaning up the sides gives this car a much better look. A

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same D grade.

Erik Jones #43 FOCUSfactor Chevy Camaro-The color scheme is bad, and the design scheme is bad, so this isn’t a good scheme. The only good thing I can say is that the light blue stripes look good. D-

Kurt Busch #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro-Changing the color and cleaning up the sides gives this car a much better look. A

Daniel Suarez #99 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevy Camaro-Adding these new elements, stripes, and designs takes a decent scheme to an awful scheme. F

Driver Suit Blog Radio Episode 1

On the debut episode of Driver Suit Blog Radio, our intrepid host discusses Formula 1 television ratings, and reviews The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Local Forecast – Slower by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3988-local-forecast—slower
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Bossa Antigua by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3454-bossa-antigua
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Porch Swing Days – slower by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4234-porch-swing-days—slower
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 5, 2022

By David G. Firestone

TEAM PENSKE #2

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Richmond Ford Mustang–No change. A

Austin Cindric #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Gear Wrench Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2022, black with orange and white designs. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Brad Keselowski #6 Fastenal Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, black fade to blue with honeycomb. A

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menarads/Libman Ford Mustang–No change. B

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Chase Briscoe #14 Mahindra Ag North America Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2022, red with black designs on sides. C

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, blue fade to black with honeycomb. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

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

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–No change. C-

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Harrison Burton #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–No Change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

Joey Logano #22 AAA Southern California Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2022, sides cleaned up. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–No change. D

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Erik Jones #43 FOCUSfactor Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2022, dark blue and green with designs on sides. D-

23XI RACING #45

Kurt Busch #45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry–No change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, white and blue switched, sides cleaned up. A

TRACKHOUSE RACING #99

Daniel Suarez #99 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2022, much more stripes and designs added. F

2021 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 2020:

1-Stewart-Haas Racing# 14 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 21 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 4.00

2-Rick Ware Racing #28 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 1

GPA: 4.00

3-B.J. McLeod Motorsports #55 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 1

GPA: 4.00

4-Beard Motorsports #62 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 1 of 46

Number of Schemes: 1

GPA: 4.00

5-Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 7 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 3.79

6-Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 18 of 46

Number of Schemes:

GPA: 3.65

7-Hendrick Motorsports #9 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 39 of 46

Number of Schemes: 7

GPA: 3.61

8-Kaulig Racing #16 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 2 of 46

Number of Schemes: 5

GPA: 3.60

9-Joe Gibbs Racing #19 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 34 of 46

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 3.55

10-Rick Ware Racing #51 Chevy Camaro/Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 29 of 46

Number of Schemes: 4

GPA: 3.50

11-23XI Racing #23 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 19

GPA: 3.49

12-Wood Brothers #21 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 10 of 46

Number of Schemes: 17

GPA: 3.41

13-Front Row Motorsports #34 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 45 of 46

Number of Schemes: 9

GPA: 3.33

14-Richard Childress Racing #3 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 23 of 46

Number of Schemes: 18

GPA: 3.31

15-Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 17 of 46

Number of Schemes: 13

GPA: 3.31

16-Hendrick Motorsports #5 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 39 of 46

Number of Schemes: 9

GPA: 3.29

17-Rick Ware Racing #52 Chevy Camaro/Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 5 of 46

Number of Schemes: 24

GPA: 3.28

18-Team Penske #12 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 9 of 46

Number of Schemes: 18

GPA: 3.13

19-MBM Motorsports #13 Ford Mustang/Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 6

GPA: 3.00

20-Front Row Motorsports #36 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 27 of 46

Number of Schemes: 1

GPA: 3.00

21-Team Penske #2 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 24 of 46

Number of Schemes: 16

GPA: 2.98

22-Stewart-Haas Racing# 4 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 14 of 46

Number of Schemes: 19

GPA: 2.92

23-Live Fast Motorsports #78 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 15 of 46

Number of Schemes: 22

GPA: 2.90

24-MBM Motorsports #66 Ford Mustang/Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 40 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 2.88

25-Front Row Motorsports #38 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 19 of 46

Number of Schemes: 13

GPA: 2.85

26-Joe Gibbs Racing #20 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 32 of 46

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 2.82

27-Hendrick Motorsports #48 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 35 of 46

Number of Schemes: 5

GPA: 2.80

28-Rick Ware Racing #15 Chevy Camaro/Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 6 of 46

Number of Schemes: 26

GPA: 2.73

29-Rick Ware Racing #53 Chevy Camaro/Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 16 of 46

Number of Schemes: 25

GPA: 2.71

30-Team Penske #33 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 3

GPA: 2.70

31-JTG Daugherty Racing #37 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 38 of 46

Number of Schemes: 27

GPA: 2.69

32-Spire Motorsports #77 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 25 of 46

Number of Schemes: 21

GPA: 2.68

33-StarCom Racing #00 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 31 of 46

Number of Schemes: 19

GPA: 2.68

34-Chip Ganassi Racing #42 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 26 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 2.67

35-Stewart-Haas Racing #10 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 22 of 46

Number of Schemes: 13

GPA: 2.62

36-Roush Fenway Racing #6 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 36 of 46

Number of Schemes: 22

GPA: 2.56

37-Joe Gibbs Racing #11 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 11 of 46

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 2.51

38-Stewart-Haas Racing #41 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 46 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 2.50

39-Roush Fenway Racing #17 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 44 of 46

Number of Schemes: 13

GPA: 2.49

40-Chip Ganassi Racing #1 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 13 of 46

Number of Schemes: 6

GPA: 2.28

41-Spire Motorsports #7 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 20 of 46

Number of Schemes: 15

GPA: 2.18

42-Richard Childress Racing #8 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 41 of 46

Number of Schemes: 24

GPA: 2.14

43-Team Penske #22 Ford Mustang

Rank Last Year: 43 of 46

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 2.04

44-JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: 12 of 46

Number of Schemes: 25

GPA: 1.77

45-Gaunt Brothers Racing #96 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 28 of 46

Number of Schemes: 7

GPA: 1.53

46-Trackhouse Racing #99 Chevy Camaro

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 10

GPA: 1.26

Next Year, Driver Suit Blog Radio takes over, AND Wheel Reviews returns!

2021 Paint Scheme Leaderboard Part 3-Toyota

By David G. Firestone

The 2021 Paint Scheme Leaderboard rolls on, this week, it’s the Toyota teams time to shine!

1-Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 3 of 8

Number of Schemes: 15

GPA: 3.65

2-Joe Gibbs Racing #19 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year:6 of 8

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 3.55

3-23XI Racing #23 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 19

GPA: 3.49

4-MBM Motorsports #13 Ford Mustang/Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: N/A

Number of Schemes: 6

GPA: 3.00

5-MBM Motorsports #66 Ford Mustang/Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 8 of 8

Number of Schemes: 8

GPA: 2.88

6-Joe Gibbs Racing #20 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 5 of 8

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 2.82

7-Joe Gibbs Racing #11 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 2 of 8

Number of Schemes: 11

GPA: 2.51

8-Gaunt Brothers Racing #96 Toyota Camry

Rank Last Year: 4 of 8

Number of Schemes: 7

GPA: 1.53

Next week, the Grand Finale!