NASCAR Paint Schemes of the Week: Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway
On Sunday, the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is going to decide the regular season champion and 16-driver field for the NASCAR Playoffs. With this being such a big weekend, there are special paint schemes for us to go through.
This race is not usually the regular season finale. But for this season, thanks to the Olympic break, it is. That means drivers will have to navigate The Lady in Black, and hope that they are able to make it to the finish line.
The Track Too Tough to Tame is back and she will be unforgiving. Drivers will have to earn everything on the track and be willing to risk it all. Let’s get into some paint schemes.
Ross Chastain No. 1 Busch Retro Chevy
The Trackhouse Racing and Busch Light partnership could not be going any better. Ross Chastain is back with the best car on the track once again.
Now, I don’t have any favorites this weekend as far as drivers go, but this car has to sit in Victory Lane, right? Busch Retro Chevy gets the top score, it’s perfect. 10/10.
Austin Dillon No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevy
Despite not having a ticket to the playoffs, Austin Dillon does have a win on the season. He is also going to the Southern 500 in this great-looking Chevy.
Toys for Tots is teaming up with Dillon and RCR. It looks like a fun scheme that should look even better on the track and under the lights.
Denny Hamlin No. 11 Flying 11 Sports Clips Toyota
Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 team are honoring a legend this week. Hamlin is sporting the “Flying 11” number design on his Sports Clips Toyota.
The design is in honor of Roy Hendrick, a local short track legend at Hamlin’s home track. There, at Southside Speedway, is where Hamlin learned to race and he looked up to icons like Hendrick. Great design. 9/10.
Chase Briscoe No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford
HighPoint.com knows how to dress for The Lady in Black. Won’t notice much of a Darlington stripe if your car is already black, right?
Chase Briscoe is on his way to JGR next season, but he still has moments to create with Stewart-Haas. He’s got a good design for the Southern 500. 8/10.
Michael McDowell No. 34 Colortech Ford
This car is bright and it really caught my eye. Maybe not the most amazing paint scheme ever, but it is pleasing to look at. Sometimes that is enough.
McDowell will have to have the race of his career in order to win the Southern 500 and make the NASCAR Playoffs. Nothing is ever impossible in the NASCAR Cup Series. 7.5/10.
Jon Hunter Nemechek No. 42 Mobil 1 Toyota
Mobil 1 and Toyota have joined forces this season for the anniversary of the performance motor oil brand. John Hunter Nemechek has one of my favorite schemes of the week this week.
Mobil 1 hopped on board the 42 car. This thing looks slick. It will look even better when the sunsets and the lights come on. 8.5/10.
Tyler Reddick No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota
No Jordan Brand this week but his Airness is still making an appearance on the No. 45 car. Upper Deck has put MJ, Tiger Woods, and Wayne Gretzky on the hood of this Toyota.
As Tyler Reddick searches for his first-ever regular season championship, he will have three GOATs on board with him, including his boss. No pressure, right? 9/10.
Timmy Hill No. 66 W Ford
The Paul brothers keep sticking their toes into the NASCAR world. Logan Paul’s PRIME hydration sponsors Kyle Larson. Now, Jake Paul’s W personal care brand for men is making an appearance with Timmy Hill.
When I see this, it fills my nose with the smell of AXE circa 2011. Hopefully, W keeps Hill fresh all night in the Southern 500. 7.5/10.