The Top 10 Most Iconic Paint Schemes in NASCAR Cup History

The Top 10 Most Iconic Paint Schemes in NASCAR Cup History

An Article by Brian Cotnoir

I’ve talked about the Best Paint Schemes in Cup History, I’ve talked about the Best Paint Schemes in Xfinity History, and now today I’d like to present you the 10 Most Iconic Paint Schemes in NASCAR Cup History.

10.) Citgo, Wood Brothers Racing

The Wood Brothers are one of the oldest teams in NASCAR, and in the late 80’s early 90’s they left quite the impression on NASCAR fans with the Citgo Paint Scheme which was piloted by drivers Dale Jarret, Morgan Shepherd, and Michael Waltrip.  Citgo eventually left the wood brothers and sponsored Jeff Burton at Roush Racing, but it was a truly iconic sponsor with that famous number twenty-one

9.)   Skoal Bandit, Harry Gant

Harry Gant earned the nickname “Mr. September” when he won 4 straight Winston Cup Races (and two Busch Series) races in September of 1991, and he did it all behind the wheel of the Iconic Skoal Bandit race car.  That green and white #33 car was one of the most noticeable cars on the track during the Winston Cup years.

8.)  The Tide Ride, (Various Drivers and Teams)

Although Tide has sponsored different drivers on multiple teams, that Iconic Orange, Yellow, and white paint scheme has remained largely unchanged (except for different numbers).

7.)  The “Underbird”, Alan Kulwicki

Hooters has been with NASCAR on and off for almost 30 years, and they’ve sponsored a number of drivers, but probably none more famous or successful than 1992 Winston Cup Champion, Alan Kulwicki.  Maybe it was the combination of orange and white or maybe it was that iconic #7, but this was one great and iconic paint schemes

6.)  Kodak, Morgan-McClure Racing

This may come as a shocker to the kids, but there was a time when a phones only purpose was to make phone calls and they did not feature a camera.  Back then you needed a camera and you needed to put film in the camera and have it developed at a store or a photo booth.   The king of film was Kodak film, and over the years they sponsored the Morgan-McClure Racing #4 team for almost 2 decades.  The Kodak paint scheme visited victory lane at the Historic Daytona 500 3-times (once with Ernie Irvan in 1991, and twice with Sterling Marlin in 1994-95).  This car was also a top contender for wins at Talladega Superspeedway, and was easily one of the most iconic paint schemes of the 1990’s.

5.)  Interstate Batteries, Joe Gibbs Racing

Interstate Batteries has been a sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing ever since it’s inaugural season, and has been featured on Gibbs #18 cars through 4 different full-time drivers and three different automotive manufacturers, but no matter who piloted it (with the exception of JJ Yeley), it managed to find victory lane in the Daytona 500 with Dale Jarret, the Brickyard 400 * won the 2000 NASCAR championship with driver Bobby Labonte.

4.)  Lowes, Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson powered the #48 Lowes Chevy to 5 consecutive championships (seven overall) and 83 Career Cup Series Victory.  It’s a shame that they no longer sponsor him, but there was no doubt that in the early 2000’s if you were a NASCAR driver you were following this car a lot.

3.)  STP, Richard Petty

Al thought Richard Petty one a majority of his races in his iconic Petty Blue #43, I feel like more people today remember when the car added a bit of orange and became the iconic STP car that he won many races and multiple Daytona 500 with, including his record 200^th career cup victory.

2.)  The Rainbow Warrior, Jeff Gordon

The Most Iconic Paint Scheme of the 90’s.  Driver Jeff Gordon helped bring NASCAR into the American mainstream and elite with his #24 Rainbow Warrior Paint Scheme.  Although the Dupont/Axalta paint scheme changed later in Gordon’s career he still managed to win his first 2 Daytona 500’s and first three championships while piloting the Rainbow Warrior Paint Scheme.

1.)  GM Goodwrench, Dale Earnhardt Sr.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.  Dale Earnhardt Sr. Car #3, “The Man in Black”.  This is the car that cemented Dale Earnhart Sr. as “The Intimidator”, and you did not want to see his car in your rearview mirror.

My Other Paint Scheme Articles

Best NASCAR Cup Series Paint Schemes

Best Busch/Nationwide/Xfinity Series Paint Schemes