Tag: NASCAR Cup

Paint Scheme Grades-February 1, 2020

By David G. Firestone

Kurt Busch #1 Monster Energy Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro-I like the Dale Earnhardt based design, and the car as a whole looks great. I can’t give this less than an A.

Ryan Newman #6 Castrol Ford Mustang-Another example of a scheme with nothing really wrong or right with it. It’s a mediocre scheme that earns a C.

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang-I don’t like this. I get what they were trying to do, but I think it’s over designed. F

John Hunter Nemechek #36 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Air Force Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 World Wide Technology Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Jimmie Johnson #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro-Even with the changes, this is still a great scheme. A

Chad Finchum #49 Garrison Homes/Toyota Knoxville Toyota Camry-If the curves on the rear was toned down I would give this a solid A. But I think the curves are over designed so this gets a B+

Christopher Bell #95 Procore Chevy Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 29, 2020

By David G. Firestone

CHIP GANASSI RACING #1

Kurt Busch #1 Monster Energy Chevy Camaro–No change. A

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. C

Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, dark purple with yellow Penske template. F

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 20 #12. F

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro–No Change. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black top, green stripe around number, silver bottom. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, silver replaces black on hood and roof. A

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy Johns Ford Mustang–No change. A-

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, green with white and bacon motif. A

Ryan Newman #6 Castrol Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2019, white, green, red, and black with zig-zag designs. C

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, black with red and yellow bottles and splatter motif. F

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, black with green Camaro stripes and green stripes on sides. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2020 #21. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, reverse color scheme of Shell/Pennzoil. D

Ryan Blaney #12 Dex Imaging Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, the designs on sides have been cleaned up. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, side stripes have been toned down. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #

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

Martin Truex Jr. # Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A

Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. C

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang–No change. A

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang–No change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Hertz Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

GO FAS RACING #32

Corey LaJoie #32 Pala Casino Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, red fade to black. A

Corey LaJoie #32 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, orange waffle design remains but black and red flames have been added. B+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #36

John Hunter Nemechek #36 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang–No change. A

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #37

Ryan Preece #37 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, white, yellow with a series of stripes and designs on sides and front. C

CHIP GANASSI RACING #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Kyle Larson #42 Advent Health Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, green, blue, pink, and silver with cutting edge design on sides. F

RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS #43

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 Air Force Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Darrell Wallace Jr. #43 World Wide Technology Chevy Camaro–No change. C

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, with a white stripe and white designs on rear. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Jimmie Johnson #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, black with cutting edge designs on sides. A

MBM MOTORSPORTS #49

Chad Finchum #49 Garrison Homes/Toyota Knoxville Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, blue and white with curves on sides. B+

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77

Ross Chastain #77 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, same as #42. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, vertical rectangle design. A

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–No change. A

LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Christopher Bell #95 Rheem Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, red, white, and black with stripes. B+

Christopher Bell #95 Procore Chevy Toyota Camry–No change. F

Paint Scheme Grades-January 25, 2020

By David G. Firestone

Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Chevy Camaro-The color scheme works well, it isn’t over designed, and the car looks great. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Mustang-Cleaning up the side really works, and the car goes from an A- to an A.

Corey LaJoie #32 Pala Casino Ford Mustang-I love a good fade, and with a great color scheme, this is a good fade. A

Corey LaJoie #32 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang-I would normally like the addition of flames, but this design is a bit over designed. In addition, the addition of red doesn’t really help. Still, it’s not terrible, so I’ll give it a B+.

Ryan Preece #37 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro-The best way I can describe this scheme is that there’s nothing wrong with this scheme, but nothing right either. I’ll give it a C.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger Chevy Camaro-This looks like a really good scheme, I like the color scheme, and the car as a whole looks great.

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 22, 2020

By David G. Firestone

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. C

Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, dark purple with yellow Penske template. F

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 20 #12. F

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro–No Change. B+

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2020, silver replaces black on hood and roof. A

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy Johns Ford Mustang–No change. A-

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, green with white and bacon motif. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

Chase Elliott #9 Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2020, black with green Camaro stripes and green stripes on sides. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2020 #21. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, reverse color scheme of Shell/Pennzoil. D

Ryan Blaney #12 Dex Imaging Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Body Armor Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, the designs on sides have been cleaned up. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, side stripes have been toned down. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #

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

Martin Truex Jr. # Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A

Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. C

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang–No change. A

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang–No change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Hertz Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

GO FAS RACING #32

Corey LaJoie #32 Pala Casino Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, red fade to black. A

Corey LaJoie #32 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, orange waffle design remains but black and red flames have been added. B+

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #37

Ryan Preece #37 Cottonelle Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, white, yellow with a series of stripes and designs on sides and front. C

CHIP GANASSI RACING #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Kyle Larson #42 Advent Health Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, green, blue, pink, and silver with cutting edge design on sides. F

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING #47

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Kroger Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, blue, with a white stripe and white designs on rear. A

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77

Ross Chastain #77 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, same as #42. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, vertical rectangle design. A

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–No change. A

LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Christopher Bell #95 Rheem Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, red, white, and black with stripes. B+

Paint Scheme Grades-January 18, 2020

By David G. Firestone

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

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang-Good color scheme here, and I do like the side designs. The design works well, and gets an A.

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same B+ grade.

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

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

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

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

Kyle Larson #42 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-Bad color scheme, combined with a bad color scheme will ALWAYS earn an F.

Ross Chastain #77 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as #77, same A grade.

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Christopher Bell #95 Rheem Toyota Camry-I think there are too many stripes here. Toning them down would be better. I do like the color scheme, so this gets a B+.

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 15, 2020

By David G. Firestone

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. C

Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, dark purple with yellow Penske template. F

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2019 #12. F

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro–No Change. B+

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2019, silver replaces black on hood and roof. A

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Jimmy Johns Ford Mustang–No change. A-

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Ryan Newman #6 Oscar Meyer Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, green with white and bacon motif. A

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

STEWART HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2019 #21. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2019, reverse color scheme of Shell/Pennzoil. D

Ryan Blaney #12 Dex Imaging Ford Mustang–No change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, side stripes have been toned down. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

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

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A

Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. C

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang–No change. A

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang–No change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Hertz Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

CHIP GANASSI RACING #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Kyle Larson #42 Advent Health Chevy Camaro–New sponsor for 2020, green, blue, pink, and silver with cutting edge design on sides. F

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77

Ross Chastain #77 Advent Health Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2020, same as #42. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, vertical rectangle design. A

Alex Bowman #88 Axalta Throwback Chevy Camaro–No change. A

LEAVINE FAMILY RACING #95

Christopher Bell #95 Rheem Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2020, red, white, and black with stripes. B+

Paint Scheme Tracker-January 8, 2020

By David G. Firestone

TEAM PENSKE #2

Brad Keselowski #2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. C

Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2020, dark purple with yellow Penske template. F

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang–No Change. A

Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2019 #12. F

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Chevy Camaro–No Change. B+

STEWART HAAS RACING #4

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2019, silver replaces black on hood and roof. A

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

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

STEWART HAAS RACING #10

Aric Almirola #10 Smithfield Foods Ford Mustang–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry–No Change. B+

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2020, same as 2019 #21. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2019, reverse color scheme of Shell/Pennzoil. D

STEWART HAAS RACING #14

Clint Bowyer #14 Rush’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang–No change. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2020, side stripes have been toned down. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #18

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry–No change. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

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

Martin Truex Jr. #19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry–No change. B+

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–No change. A

Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry–No change. C

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang–No change. A

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang–No change. A

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. D

Joey Logano #22 AAA Insurance Ford Mustang–No change. D

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 Hertz Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

William Byron #24 Liberty University Chevy Camaro–No change. A

CHIP GANASSI RACING #42

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #88

Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–No Change. A

Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2020, vertical rectangle design. A

Paint Scheme Grades-January 3, 2020

By David G. Firestone

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

Brad Keselowski #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Pirtek Ford Mustang-The Penske template is a finicky template, and yellow and purple doesn’t work well. A bad shade of purple doesn’t help. This is a bad scheme and it earns an A

Brad Keselowski #2 Alliance Truck Parts Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Wabash National Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Wurth Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Brad Keselowski #2 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same F grade.

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

Kevin Harvick #4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-Silver replacing black on the hood and roof is a good look, and is an improvement.  A

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

Tyler Reddick #8 Caterpillar Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

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

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang-Reversing the colors doesn’t help the Penske template. It’s still a D scheme.

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

Clint Bowyer #14 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

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

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang-The toned down stripes look much better, and the car goes from a B- to a B+.

Kyle Busch #18 M&M’s Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

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

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

Erik Jones #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Erik Jones #20 Stanley Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same C grade.

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Menards/Maytag Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Matt DiBenedetto #21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

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

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

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

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

Kyle Larson #42 Credit One Chevy Camaro-Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Alex Bowman #88 Cincinnati, Inc. Chevy Camaro–Same scheme as last year, same A grade.

Alex Bowman #88 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–I like this new design. It’s much less cluttered, and the color scheme works very well with the design scheme. I give this an A.

Paint Scheme Grades-October 7, 2017

By David G. Firestone

Derrike Cope #00 Starcom Fiber Chevy SS-It’s a bit too ambitious, even for a good fade. It isn’t terrible, but they tried to do too much with this design. I typically like fades, but this one is too overdone. C

Danica Patrick #10 Warriors In Pink Ford Fusion-Well, Pinktober is upon us, which means pink for breast cancer. If you haven’t figured out that this whole thing is a scam, then I can’t help you. I’m going to continue my tradition of calling out this scam by giving an automatic F to any pink car in October, starting with this one.

Corey LaJoie #23 Freshbeards Toyota Camry-Plain black with white logos is a great look, which will always earn an A.

Ryan Newman #31 Childress Vineyards Chevy SS-It’s a decent design scheme, though it is a bit over done. The color scheme is good, so I’ll give it a B.

Ryan Newman #31 Wastemasters Recycling Chevy SS-See above. B+

David Ragan #38 The House.com Ford Fusion-Great color scheme, great design scheme, great look! A

Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Sharkbite Plumbing Solutions Chevy SS-New sponsor for 2017, same as Lowe’s, but with Sharkbite Plumbing Solutions on sides. F

BJ McLeod #51 Donnie Neuenberger Foundation Chevy SS-I get what they are trying to do here, but the fact is that the car is just a tad over designed, The wave pattern could work if it was a bit simpler, but it’s a decent, scheme, worth a B+.

Brett Moffitt #83 Hikvision Toyota Camry-BK Racing seems to pride itself on over-designing their cars, and this design is no exception. The color scheme is good, but the car is so needlessly over designed that it can’t save the scheme from an F.

Paint Scheme Grades-September 30, 2017

By David G. Firestone

Austin Dillon #3 Chevy Accessories Chevy SS-Same scheme as #31, same A grade.

Reed Sorenson #15 Ol’ Hick Hickory Pellets Chevy SS-It’s a smooth look with a good color scheme, no complaints here! A

Daniel Suarez #19 Comcast Business Toyota Camry-Same scheme as last year, same D- grade.

Matt Kenseth #20 Sirius/XM Toyota Camry-While it still needs work, it’s much better than the #77! the color scheme is better, as is the design scheme. I’ll give it a B+.

Corey LaJoe #23 Schroth Racing Toyota Camry-It’s an ugly, over designed mess, with a bad color scheme, specifically, the shades of yellow used. It’s hurting my eyes, so I’m going to give it the F it deserves.

Chase Elliott #24 NAPA Brakes Chevy SS-New scheme for 2017, same as NAPA but with BRAKES on sides. A

Matt DiBenedetto #32 Ford Eco-Boost Ford Fusion-Its got a good color scheme, but in terms of design, it is over designed. I don’t like amount of stripes, and the lack of red doesn’t help. It’s still a decent scheme, and it earns a C-.

Gray Gaulding #55 Wind River Toyota Camry-This scheme would work with if the green on the front were used as the scheme OR the fade were used, but the combination of the two looks awkward and forced. It just doesn’t look good, and it earns an F.

Brett Moffitt #83 Super Donut Toyota Camry-Everything I said about the #23 applies here, but the addition of red just makes this worse. F