Tag: nos energy

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 Scheme Tracker-April 30, 2025

By David G. Firestone

RICK WARE RACING #01

Corey LaJoie #01 DuraMax/Take 5 Oil Change Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, black with red stripes. B

Corey LaJoie #01 AirMedCare Network Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, blue and white with stripes. A

Corey LaJoie #01 Schluter Systems Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, black with orange shapes. A

TRACKHOUSE RACING #1

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Ross Chastain #1 Kubota Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, red stripe fade to black stripe fade to red. B

Ross Chastain #1 Trackhouse Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, gray and yellow with a series of designs. F

Ross Chastain #1 Moose Fraternity Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light For the Love of Texas Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, white with blue mountains and star. B

Ross Chastain #1 Kubota Orange Days Sales Event Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, black rear extended. C+

Ross Chastain #1 Choice Privileges Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, design changes, more black and gray added. F

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light Fishing Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, blue with fishing motif across whole car. A

Ross Chastain #1 Busch Light Flannel Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Ross Chastain #1 Jockey Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, back to the patriotic stripes. A

TEAM PENSKE #2

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

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

Austin Cindric #2 Autotrader Ford Mustang–No change. A

Austin Cindric #2 Freightliner/eCascadia Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, dark blue with a series of designs. D

Austin Cindric #2 Menards/Delta Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, Menard’s template with black. A

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

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang–No change. A

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Jack Links Beef Jerky Ford Mustang–No change. A

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

Austin Cindric #2 Snap On Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, white with red and black designs. A-

Austin Cindric #2 Menard’s/Quaker State Ford Mustang–No change. C

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #3

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Mobility Science Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

Austin Dillon #3 Titan Risk Solutions Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white with red sides. A

Austin Dillon #3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, camo and black. F

Austin Dillon #3 Get Bioethanol Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Austin Dillon #3 BREZTRI Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Austin Dillon #3 Dow Mobility Science Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #4

Noah Gragson #4 MillerTech Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, white, black, blue and yellow with lightning motif. C

Noah Gragson #4 Zep Ford Mustang–No change. A

Noah Gragson #4 Rush Truck Centers Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, some changes to the stripes. A

Noah Gragson #4 TrueTimber Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with camo and stripes. F

Noah Gragson #4 TitleMax Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, blue with red and white designs, B

Noah Gragson #4 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #34. C

Noah Gragson #4 Beef A Roo Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, white, and yellow, with some designs. A

Noah Gragson #4 A&W Root Beer Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, some design changes. B

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

Noah Gragson #4 Rural King Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, red with white and green stripes. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #5

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

Kyle Larson #5 Valvoline Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, some slight changes. B

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

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #6

Brad Keselowski #6 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, green and white with red stripes and designs. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Kroger Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, white with blue rear. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Consumer Cellular Ford Mustang–No change. A-

Brad Keselowski #6 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Fastenal Body Guard Ford Mustang–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Kroger/Cottonelle Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, blue and white with stripes. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang–No change. A

Brad Keselowski #6 Castrol Seven Critical Areas Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, black with oil motif. B

Brad Keselowski #6 Kroger/Oscar Mayer/Rustik Oven Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, red and black. A

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #7

Justin Haley #7 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevy Camaro–No change. A-

Justin Haley #7 Gainbridge Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, sides changed. C

Justin Haley #7 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, white with blue and red stripe. A

Justin Haley #7 NationsGuard Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white with black and green, with gray designs. C

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #8

Kyle Busch #8 Lucas Oil Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Kyle Busch #8 Rebel Bourbon Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, black with barrel motif. A

Kyle Busch #8 Bank OKZ Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white front, red and blue stripe, black rear. A-

Kyle Busch #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy Camaro–No change. A-

Kyle Busch #8 zone Premium Nicotine Patches/QuikTrip Chevy Camaro–No change. A-

Kyle Busch #8 BetMGM Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Kyle Busch #8 Bank OZK Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white, red, gray and black with stripes. A-

Kyle Busch #8 Nicokick Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with pastel designs. F

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #9

Chase Elliott #9 UniFirst Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, green with yellow and red stripe on bottom. A

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, gold replaces white. A

Chase Elliott #9 LLumar Window Film Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, red with designs. A-

Chase Elliott #9 Amazon Prime Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, blue with white designs. A

Chase Elliott #9 Kelly Blue Book Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Chase Elliott #9 NAPA Chevy Camaro–No change. A

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

KAULIG RACING #10

Ty Dillon #10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with red trim and sublimated designs. B

Ty Dillon #10 Sea Best Seafood Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, red and black with red and white stripes. B

Ty Dillon #10 Hybrid Light Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with diagonal yellow stripe. A

Ty Dillon #10 Sea Best Seafood Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, red and black with red and white stripes. A

Ty Dillon #10 Sea Best Seafood Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, red and yellow with rough designs. B

Ty Dillon #10 Mark III Employee Benefits Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, darker blue, and white stripe in center. A

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

Ty Dillon #10 Okuma Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with white and blue cutting edge designs. A-

JOE GIBBS RACING #11

Denny Hamlin #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota Camry–No change. B+

Denny Hamlin #11 National Debt Relief Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, JGR 11 template with patriotic elements. C

Denny Hamlin #11 Yahoo! Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, dark blue, and light blue, with white designs. C

Denny Hamlin #11 Progressive Insurance Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, blue with a white section. A

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

TEAM PENSKE #12

Ryan Blaney #12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Discount Tire Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Wabash Ford Mustang–No change. A-

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Cardell Cabinetry Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang–No change. B

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Great Lakes Flooring Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Peak Ford Mustang–No change. B+

Ryan Blaney #12 BodyArmor Zero Sugar Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, gray fade to black with red stripe. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Duracel Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Wurth Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Blaney #12 Dent Wizard Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, yellow and green stripes added. C

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

Ryan Blaney #12 Menard’s/Richmond Ford Mustang–No change. A

RICK WARE RACING #15

Tim Brown #15 Dairi-O/Jerry Hunt/Hayes Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, red with blue and white stripe. A

KAULIG RACING #16

AJ Allmendinger #16 Campers Inn RV Chevy Camaro–No change. B

AJ Allmendinger #16 Celsius Chevy Camaro–No change. B

AJ Allmendinger #16 Action Industries Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

AJ Allmendinger #16 Black’s Tire Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, white front, blue fade to black with tire tread pattern. B

AJ Allmendinger #16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, same as #10 but green replaces red. A

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #17

Chris Buescher #17 Fastenal Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, some designs and blue roof added. A

Chris Buescher #17 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang–No change. A

Chris Buescher #17 Travel Centers of America Ford Mustang–No change. B+

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, blue front half, white rear half. A

Chris Buescher #17 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang–No change. A

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger/Tree Top Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, red top green bottom, white hood. A

Chris Buescher #17 Fry’s/Thomas’/Philadelphia Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, new orange, more blue added, curved stripe replaced with straight stripe. A

Chris Buescher #17 Smith’s/Dasani Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, teal. A

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger/Farm Rich Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, green fade to white. A

Chris Buescher #17 Kroger/Old El Paso Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, yellow with red roof and sublimated designs. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #19

Chase Briscoe #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, some slight changes. C

Chase Briscoe #19 Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, fish scale motif across whole car. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #20

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

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, sides cleaned up. A

Christopher Bell #20 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, white and black reversed. D

Christopher Bell #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, black with red wave design. A

Christopher Bell #20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No change. F

Christopher Bell #20 DEWALT/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry–No change. F

Christopher Bell #20 DeWalt Outdoors Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, yellow with black roof, and grass motif. C

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

WOOD BROTHERS RACING #21

Josh Berry #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, red. A

Josh Berry #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, red and blue stripe added on bottom. A

Josh Berry #21 eero Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, blue. A

Josh Berry #21 Freightliner Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, same as #2. D

Josh Berry #21 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, white dot fade to red, dot fade to black. A

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

TEAM PENSKE #22

Joey Logano #22 Hunt Brothers Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, more stripes added. D

Joey Logano #22 Auto Trader Ford Mustang–No change. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, red added to sides. A

Joey Logano #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, red fade to yellow, fade to red. A

Joey Logano #22 Pennzoil Ultra Premium Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, yellow with white designs. A

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

23XI RACING #23

Bubba Wallace #23 Leidos Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, white with blue rear and sublimated designs. A

Bubba Wallace #23 McDonald’s Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, fries changed to a different pattern. B+

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, blue with gray splatter front, gray with blue splatter on rear. C

Bubba Wallace #23 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, white and red with black and gray designs. C

Bubba Wallace #23 U.S. Air Force Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, gray and black B-2 design. A

Bubba Wallace #23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, rainbow tarpon motif. A

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #24

William Byron #24 RAPTOR Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, green, black, and silver, with a series of designs. F

William Byron #24 Axalta Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, blue replaces white. A

William Byron #24 HP Chevy Camaro–No change. A-

William Byron #24 Valvoline Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, same as #5, but blue replaces teal. A

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

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING #33

Austin Hill #33 United Rentals Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, Some slight changes. F

Jesse Love #33 C4 Energy Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with red stripe and snowflakes. A-

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #34

Todd Gilliland #34 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Mustang–No change. A-

Todd Gilliland #34 Grillo’s Pickles Ford Mustang–No change. A

Todd Gilliland #34 Ruedbusch Development and Construction Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, sides cleaned up. A

Todd Gilliland #34 Gener8tor Skills Accelerator Ford Mustang–No change. A

Todd Gilliland #34 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang–No change. C

Todd Gilliland #34 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, blue with white, green, and light blue curves. C

Todd Gilliland #34 Frontline Enterprises Inc. Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, white and gray designs. F

Todd Gilliland #34 Colortech Ford Mustang–New sponsor for 2025, wave replaces many of the spots. C

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

23XI RACING #35

Riley Herbst #35 Monster Energy Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, black with yellow stripe. A

Riley Herbst #35 Chumba Casino Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, black with green, yellow, orange and blue designs. F

Riley Herbst #35 SunnyD Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, same as #47. F

Riley Herbst #35 Lucy Breakers Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, white with designs and black on rear. C

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS #38

Zane Smith #38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, black with green flame designs. C

Zane Smith #38 Benebone Ford Mustang–No change. A

Zane Smith #38 City of Refuge Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, blue, purple and green with designs. F

Zane Smith #38 TitleMax Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #4. B

Zane Smith #38 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #34. C

Zane Smith #38 Long John Silver’s Ford Mustang–No change. C

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

Zane Smith #38 Aaron’s Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, blue with white stripes, and logos. A

JR MOTORSPORTS #40

Justin Allgaier #40 Traveller Whiskey Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white with orange and red stripe across bottom. A

HAAS FACTORY TEAM #41

Cole Custer #41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, red with a series of designs. F

Cole Custer #41 3D Systems Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, dark blue with lighter blue curves. A

Cole Custer #41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang–No change. A

Cole Custer #41 Haas/Andy’s Frozen Custard Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, blue with yellow and red designs on sides. B

Cole Custer #41 Autodesk/HaasTooling Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, white front, black rear. A

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

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB #42

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry–No change. A

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Pye Barker Fire & Safety Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, white with green wave, and green and purple flames. B

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Backstreet Boys Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025,various shades of blue and white with sublimated designs. F

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

John Hunter Nemechek #42 Jack Link’s/Dollar Tree Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, red plaid. A

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB #43

Erik Jones #43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, red with red vertical stripes. A

Erik Jones #43 Advent Health Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, blue and white with multi-colored stripes. B+

Erik Jones #43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry–No change. A

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

Erik Jones #43 Massey Motor Freight Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, red with a series of silver designs. B

NY RACING #44

JJ Yeley #44 Green River Whiskey Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, green with red roof and stripe. A

JJ Yeley #44 PCNY Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, pink, black, and white with a series of designs. F

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

23XI RACING #45

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025 white with black rear. A

Tyler Reddick #45 Nasty Beast Toyota Camry–No change. C

Tyler Reddick #45 Xfinity Mobile Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, blue and white with vertical diagonal divisions. A

Tyler Reddick #45 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, same as #23. C

Tyler Reddick #45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, white fade to blue with black curve. A

Tyler Reddick #45 McDonald’s Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, similar to #23, but with bun motif. A

HYAK MOTORSPORTS #47

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 SunnyD Ford Mustang–No change. F

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls-New sponsor for 2025, yellow with red, silver, and white with numerous cutting edge designs. F

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Rate Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, red roof and bottom, white middle with red and gray stripes. C

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Ram Self Storage Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, red, and gold with a series of stripes. D-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 Real American Beer Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, red, white, and blue with paint designs. A

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 betr March Madness Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with blue and basketballs, A-

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 NOS Energy Chevy Camaro–No change. B

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS #48

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Financial Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, blue, pink, and purple, with designs. F

Alex Bowman #48 Ally/Best Friends Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, blue and orange with a series of designs, and dogs. D

Alex Bowman #48 Ally Unrivaled League Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, blue with drawings. A

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

TEAM AMERIVET #50

Burt Myers #50 Citrusafe Cleaners/Pinnacle Financial Partners Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with white sides. A

Burt Myers #50 C3 Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, red with white and black with sublimated designs. C

RICK WARE RACING #51

Cody Ware #51 American Red Cross Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, white front, red stripes, blue rear. A

Cody Ware #51 Parts Plus/Jacob Construction Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, white front, white rear, some stripes under number. A

Cody Ware #51 Arby’s Ford Mustang–No change. A-

Cody Ware #51 Mighty Fire Breaker Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, vertical stripes replace flames and trees. A-

Cody Ware #51 Evel Knievel-Parts Plus Ford Mustang–No change. A

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

Cody Ware #51 Arby’s/AC Barbecue Sauce Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, black with smoke motif and red roof. A

JOE GIBBS RACING #54

Ty Gibbs #54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry–No change. A

Ty Gibbs #54 Saia Toyota Camry-New sponsor for 2025, white and red with stripes. A

TRICON GARAGE #56

Martin Truex Jr. #56 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry-New scheme for 2025, same as #19, black replaces camo, and color changes. C

ROUSH-FENWAY RACING #60

Ryan Preece #60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Preece #60 Castrol Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #6. A

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, blue with white rear. A

Ryan Preece #60 Consumer Cellular Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #6. A-

Ryan Preece #60 Esperion Therapeutics Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #6. A

Ryan Preece #60 Mohawk Northeast Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, sides cleaned up. A

Ryan Preece #60 Fastenal Ford Mustang–No change. A

Ryan Preece #60 Castrol/Travel Centers of America Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, Castrol front with blue rear roof. C

Ryan Preece #60 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #6. A

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Gevalia/Entenmann’s Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, yellow with blue roof. A

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Country Crock Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, wood motif with white roof. A

Ryan Preece #60 Boost by Kroger Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, pink with white. F

Ryan Preece #60 Kroger/Celsius Ford Mustang-New scheme for 2025, same as #16. B

BEARD MOTORSPORTS #62

Anthony Alfredo #62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white, gray, and yellow with designs. B

Anthony Alfredo #62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, some minor changes. B

GARAGE 66 #66

Chandler Smith #66 QuickTie Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, white with teal and red cutting edge designs. B

Garrett Smithley #66 Veterans Ranch Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, patriotic motif across car. C

Casey Mears #66 Coble Enterprises Ford Mustang–New scheme for 2025, black with orange and white stripes. A

Casey Mears #66 HitchGo Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, same as Coble Enterprises. A

Josh Bilicki #66 Manscaped Ford Mustang-New sponsor for 2025, black with blue camo. F

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #71

Michael McDowell #71 B’laster Chevy Camaro–No change. D-

Michael McDowell #71 Workforce Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, dark blue with light blue and white stripes. C

Michael McDowell #71 Go Bowling Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, similar to last year, more designs added. B

Michael McDowell #71 Group 1001 Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, gray, teal and green with designs. F

Michael McDowell #71 Gainbridge Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, same as #7. C

Michael McDowell #71 Rockingham Speedway Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with white mountain designs, A-

Michael McDowell #71 Delaware Life Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, similar to #77, but with some changes. C-

Michael McDowell #71 GUNK Chevy Camaro–No change. B+

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS #77

Carson Hocevar #77 MINER Chevy Camaro–No change. C

Carson Hocevar #77 Delaware Life Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, some slight changes and a red stripe added. C-

Carson Hocevar #77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy Camaro–No change. C

Carson Hocevar #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, same as #7. A

LIVE FAST MOTORSPORTS #78

BJ McLeod #78 HitchGo Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black. A

BJ McLeod #78 Chevy Camaro–No change. A

Katherine Legge #78 Droplight Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, green and black with cutting edge designs. B

BJ McLeod #78 Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, black with multi-colored roller coaster motif. F

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB #84

Jimmie Johnson #84 Carvana Toyota Camry–New scheme for 2025, black with stripes. B

TRACKHOUSE RACING #87

Connor Zilisch #87 Red Bull Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, dark blue with white rear. A

TRACKHOUSE RACING #88

Shane van Gisbergen #88 WeatherTech Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, solid stripes replace dual stripes on sides. A

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Red Bull Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, same as #87, but with red rear. A

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Trackhouse Chevy Camaro-New scheme for 2025, blue and yellow with a series of designs. D-

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Jockey Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, red and white stripes. A

Shane van Gisbergen #88 Safety Culture Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, lighter blue, some design changes. F

TRACKHOUSE RACING #91

Hélio Castroneves #91 Wendy’s Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, blue with designs. B

TRACKHOUSE RACING #99

Daniel Suarez #99 Freeway Insurance Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, blue with green and white. A

Daniel Suarez #99 Quaker State Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2024, green stripes changed. C

Daniel Suárez #99 Choice Privileges Chevy Camaro–New scheme for 2025, some slight changes. F

Daniel Suarez #99 Wendy’s Frosty Chevy Camaro-New sponsor for 2025, white with multi-colored stripes across car. F

Aspects of the Current Helmet Design

By David Firestone

As I mentioned in the last post, the SFI/FIA Certifications on current helmets are located on the HANS anchors. I also discussed the advancements in helmets over the last 12 years in my post on the evolution of helmets. But what makes the current helmet design so effective? Let’s take a look at one.mcdonalds-1

This example is an Impact! Air Vapor helmet worn by either Regan Smith in 2005 or Jason Keller in 2006. It was used in the Nationwide Series for Team Rensi Motorsports, founded by former McDonald’s Executive Sam Rensi. It carried a McDonald’s sponsorship.mcdonalds-4

It was made by Impact! Race Products in Brownsburg, Indiana. Impact has a unique history. After Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death in 2001, Bill Simpson, who had founded Simpson Race Products resigned after NASCAR had blamed Earnhardt’s death partially on a seat belt failure. He had a one year non-compete contract with Simpson, and after that expired, he went to found Impact. Because Bill Simpson was a race driver, he understood the needs of drivers, and both Simpson and Impact followed that philosophy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features of this helmet.

This is an Air Vapor helmet, used by a number of drivers on the NASCAR circuit. It is made out of a carbon composite material, which is both lightweight and very durable. It has been custom painted with McDonald’s colors and some very cool “ghost skulls.” The helmet has a number of unique curves, and grooves designed to help air flow around the helmet and keep the visor fog-free.mcdonalds-6

The visor is much narrower than older Simpson models, and the gold tint is shading for the visor. The Impact strip across the top does not obstruct the driver’s vision at all, as it covers the area of the visor over the opaque section of the helmet.mcdonalds-10 mcdonalds-12 mcdonalds-8

The Microphone equipment is still present and in good condition. The microphone is one of the most critical safety features, as spotters are mandatory at every race, and they tell the driver everything going on around them. The driver can also tell the crew chief what, if anything, needs to be done to the car during pit stops. The telephone cord-style cable plugs into the seat, and the seat is connected to the electrical system in the car.

Finally, the ventilation intake is located on the top of the helmet. This is connected to a hose, which in turn is connected to a “hot box” mounted in a window behind the driver. The hot box has a gas scrubber on it, which cleans up the air, and cools it before blowing it on the driver. Considering that the driver compartment can reach temperatures of over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, this is a critical piece of equipment. Older models, like this Ted Musgrave model from 1996, have the intake located on the side. However, since the HANS device became mandatory, the intake has moved to the top to accommodate the device.musgrave4

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Now on to paint schemes…

Nationwide Series schemes first…

Ryan Reed #16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang Good color scheme, red white and black is always a good choice, but the design on the side is confusing to look at. If the design next to the front wheels is removed, I could give it a better grade, but with that design it gets a C.

Kyle Busch #54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry I like matte black, and simple designs in race cars, so this design is one of my favorites. I can’t give this scheme anything less than an A

Steven Wallace #66 Richard Tocado Ford Mustang Great scheme…only way this could be any better is if the lettering, numbers and stripes were in gold, like Rusty’s 1990’s MGD scheme…A grade.

Johanna Long #70 Foretravel Motor coaches Chevy Camaro A very solid scheme with a great color scheme, great design, and an A grade…very solid!

Now on to the Sprint Cup Schemes

Dave Blaney #7 Florida Lottery Chevy SS The color scheme is mediocre, with too many light colors and not enough dark. The lettering is just awful, and the car number looks like something that a small town driver would use, not a Sprint Cup driver would. I’ll be generous and give this scheme a D+

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #17 NOS Energy/Valvoline NextGen Ford Fusion I love this scheme. Orange and blue is a great scheme to work with, there is not a lot of needless design on the sides, the lettering and numbers look good. So this scheme gets an A. Ricky’s Valvoline NextGen scheme is the same as the Nationwide Series car Trevor Bayne drives, and it gets the same A grade.

Kevin Harvick #29 Rheem Chevy SS Yet more proof that red white and black is a great color scheme. I’m not a fan of the curvy design on the nose that leads to the stripes, but as good as this scheme is, it is a flaw I will overlook. Though I’m not a fan of the ads on the roof, again I’ll overlook that. The black on white numbers are a unique twist, that gives the car a cleaner look. Final Grade: A

Terry Labonte #32 C&J Energy Sources Ford Fusion If there were no contingency decals present, I would think this is just a black and white picture. Silver is a great color for cars, and the black white and silver scheme works well in most applications, but this scheme just falls flat. Final Grade C-…just too meh to be good.

JJ Yeley #36 Accell Construction/Golden Corral/United Mining Equipment Chevy SS Three schemes here, first the Accell Construction scheme, which uses a great color scheme, but the side design is just brutal to look at. The Golden Corral scheme is great, with a great color and simple design schemes, and is amazing to look at. The United Mining Equipment scheme has a good color scheme. The stripes are bad, but I like the coal design on the doors and roof. Accell Construction gets an F, Golden Corral gets an A, and United Mining Equipment gets a B

David Ragan #38 Love’s Truck Stops Ford Fusion The only bad thing I can say about this scheme is I don’t like the back bumper design. Other than that, great color scheme and reasonably simple design. Final Grade: B+

Carl Edwards #99 Subway/Kelloggs Ford Fusion The green stripes look more like seaweed, and ruin what could have been a great scheme. The Kellogg’s/Cheez It’s scheme is way too cartoonish to be taken seriously, so both schemes get an F grade.