Kyle Larson honoring Terry Labonte with iconic 'Tony the Tiger' Kellogg's throwback scheme for Darlington

In less than two weeks, NASCAR heads to Darlington Raceway for throwback weekend. Several throwback schemes have already been unveiled, with Kyle Larson being the latest to reveal his inspired by Terry Labonte.

Labonte, who previously drove the No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports, teamed up with Larson at Darlington on Wednesday to show off Larson’s ride for this year’s spring race at The Lady in Black. The scheme pays homage to Labonte’s special “Tony the Tiger” Kellogg’s car he drove in 2003.

Kyle Larson and Terry Labonte unveil Darlington throwback with Labonte’s 2003 car that inspired Larson’s car for next week. ⁦@NASCARONFOX⁩ pic.twitter.com/UVUFIiANsZ

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 26, 2025

This paint scheme is Grrreat 😉

Terry Labonte’s iconic winning ‘03 paint scheme is making a comeback at the very track where he took his final victory lap. 🔥

All the #NASCARThrowback details: https://t.co/2luZ7MojBt pic.twitter.com/w3LK2wVSEM

— Hendrick Automotive Group (@HendrickCars) March 26, 2025

“Hendrick has had a lot of success at Darlington, and so have I,” Labonte said. “Some of my most meaningful wins were at this track, so to be here and have my car be part of their 75th anniversary celebrations is really special. And to have Kyle Larson drive ANOTHER one of my schemes is awesome. It’s going to be so fun to watch this car hit the track again.”

Kyle Larson going with another Terry Labonte inspired scheme at Darlington

Last year at Darlington, Larson’s throwback scheme was a nod to Labonte’s classic Kellogg’s scheme from his 1996 Cup Series championship-winning season. That scheme won Darlington’s fan vote for best throwback scheme. This year’s will surely be a contender.

Larson will look to drive the car to Victory Lane at Darlington. The 2021 Cup champion has performed well at The Track Too Tough to Tame, winning the 2023 Southern 500. Larson has three runner-up finishes at Darlington. He is off to fast start this season, winning this past Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami.

When it comes to Darlington, this scheme has been a winner. Labonte won the 2003 Southern 500, his 22nd and final Cup victory.

“I didn’t know how we were going to be able to top last year, but this is a super fun scheme to do it! I’ve always been a big fan of Terry, and we had so much fun last year, having him at the track and everything, so that makes it even more special to add to that and do another one of his famous schemes,” Larson said.

“Plus, the tiger stripes and neon are super nostalgic. I think everyone will enjoy seeing this on track. It has technically already won at Darlington, so hopefully that’s good luck for us and we can put it in Victory Lane!”