Ranking the Best Throwback NASCAR Paint Schemes
NASCAR has a lock on the throwback business.
As a tribute to the fans who vocally express their appreciation for the old days, many teams will run retro paint schemes in an effort to reach out to the fans, as well as bring back a bit of nostalgia for the teams involved. The ensuing result is a combination of "old school" and "new cool," which has benefited everyone.
The following is a list of the best throwback paint schemes run in NASCAR.
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2006 Aaron's 499
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During the 2006 Aaron's 499 at Talladega, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 8 Chevy sported an all-black paint scheme with silver trim as a tribute to his father. Although Junior wasn't the only Dale Earnhardt Incorporated driver sporting the scheme, his Budweiser Chevy was the best-looking car on the track.
His results weren't as great, as a spin and a blown engine relegated him to 31st despite leading eight laps.
9. Rusty Wallace, 2005 USG Sheetrock 400
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In the midst of his final season as a NASCAR driver, 1989 Winston Cup champion Rusty Wallace gave a little something back to the fans at Chicagoland Speedway when he ran a black and gold Miller Genuine Draft scheme in homage to his early-'90s run with Roger Penske.
Qualifying 33rd, Wallace made the most of his day by finishing 12th.
He ended his last season as a driver by making the Chase for the Nextel Cup and finishing eighth in the points.
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2010 Subway Jalapeno 250
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If there is any driver who has true respect for NASCAR's early years, it is Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Time and time again, Junior has expressed admiration of all things old school in the sport, so it comes as no surprise that he has sported more throwback paint schemes than anyone else.
Paying tribute to his father's '80s Wrangler Jeans colors, Junior took the No. 3 for one more ride at Daytona during the July Nationwide race in 2010.
He rocketed to the front and took the win over Joey Logano.
7. Jeff Gordon, 2009 Aaron's 499
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Despite having a good-looking Pepsi Challenger throwback scheme at Talladega in 2009, Jeff Gordon wasn't able to find any glory in the No. 24 Chevy, as he was swept up in an early wreck. He was only able muster a 37th-place finish despite starting 14th.
6. Mark Martin, 2011 Sprint Cup All-Star Challenge
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Despite having an otherwise forgettable 2011 season, Mark Martin's subtle tribute to Tim Richmond was memorable all the same. Granted, he was driving the Farmer's Insurance Chevy instead of the Folger's Chevy, but the red finish and old-school font of the No. 25 was appealing for those who are truly nostalgic.
5. Jamie McMurray, 2003 EA Sports 500
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Jamie McMurray was already having a stellar rookie season in 2003.
It came as no surprise when the driver of the No. 42 put this Davey Allison-inspired machine on the outside of the front row. The paint scheme was put in place to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Allison's passing in July of 1993 at Talladega.
McMurray led 20 laps but finished 16th that day.
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2008 Dodge Challenger 500
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. began his first season with Hendrick Motorsports alternating between Amp Energy and National Guard paint schemes.
Amp Energy is a subsidiary of Mountain Dew, so at Darlington in May, he sported a throwback Mountain Dew scheme as part of Mountain Dew's "Old School vs. New Cool" promotion.
Earnhardt had a strong run that night, starting second and leading 35 laps before finishing fourth.
3. Brad Keselowski, 2012 Irwin Tools 500
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Despite running throwback Miller Lite colors at Bristol in August of 2012, Brad Keselowski wasn't able to pull off a three-peat at Bristol. Instead, the current driver of the Blue Deuce found himself in the wall midway through the race.
He finished 30th despite starting second.
Keselowski had the last laugh, though, as he narrowly won the 2012 Sprint Cup championship over Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson.
2. Mark Martin, 2005 NEXTEL All-Star Challenge
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In what was supposed to be his final year behind the wheel of a Cup car, Martin ran a series of throwback paint schemes from different periods in his tenure with Jack Roush. With livery reminiscent of former sponsors Stroh's Light and Folgers, it was in his Valvoline color scheme from the '90s that he cruised to Victory Lane at Charlotte during the All-Star Race.
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2006 3M Performance 400
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. collaborated with primary sponsor Budweiser in 2006 to run this No. 8 tribute to his grandfather, Ralph. The result was one of the best-looking throwback schemes in recent memory to grace the field at Michigan in June of 2006.
Despite the race being called for rain after 129 laps, Junior managed to lead three laps and finished third after starting sixth.
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