The NASCAR Cup Series has featured no shortage of incredible paint schemes over the decades. This trend has only continued with the move to vinyl and the introduction of new generations of drivers.
Some schemes highlighted alcohol, while others focused on restaurants or breakfast cereal. Honestly, the companies were less important than the overall designs that showed off the artistic talent in NASCAR.
With thousands of schemes to pick from, making a list of only five could seem overwhelming. However, the following list features some designs that have stood the test of time and even inspired throwback schemes.
NASCAR’s Most Iconic Paint Schemes
Dale Earnhardt Sr., No. 3 GM Goodwrench Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
The late seven-time NASCAR champion had no shortage of memorable schemes. His blue and yellow Wrangler car and his star-spangled Olympic scheme come to mind.
However, none have topped the iconic black-and-silver GM Goodwrench scheme, which matched the Intimidator nickname. No NASCAR driver wanted to see this particular car bearing down on them from behind to make a pass or rattle their cage.
Earnhardt used this design while winning numerous races and titles for Richard Childress Racing. It was also the scheme on the No. 3 Chevrolet when he finally won the Daytona 500 in 1998.
Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Like Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon had several memorable schemes during his time with Hendrick Motorsports. This includes the Pepsi designs he used in the 2000s.
But only one of Gordon’s schemes inspired a nickname.
The most iconic look of Gordon’s career was the Sam Bass-designed DuPont scheme that he used when he first entered into NASCAR. The bright colors and unique design led to his team becoming known as the Rainbow Warriors.
Gordon won three of his Cup championships while using the rainbow scheme, but it eventually went away. New sponsors joined the fold, new designs featured flames, and then DuPont became Axalta.
However, Axalta did bring this scheme back one time in 2015, during Gordon’s final full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Alan Kulwicki, No. 7 Hooters AK Racing Ford
The 1992 season was incredibly memorable for Alan Kulwicki, who ran and drove for AK Racing.
He controlled the No. 7 Ford Thunderbird featuring a distinct white and orange Hooters scheme and used it to win two races. This car had an orange base, brown numbers, and a white top. A black stripe ran the length of the car and separated the colors.
Kulwicki’s car also featured a different brand on the front bumper. Instead of “Thunderbird,” it said, “Underbird.” This represented his status as an underdog in the championship race.
Kulwicki put this Hooters scheme on display while erasing a nearly 300-point deficit during the final stretch of the season with pure consistency.
Kulwicki, who tragically died in a 1993 plane crash, went from third to first in the standings over the final six weeks of the season. He passed Bill Elliott and won the title by a mere 10 points.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 8 Budweiser Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet
Like his father before him, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had one scheme that became more memorable than the rest in his career.
This scheme was bright red. It featured Budweiser logos on the hood and sides. This was the scheme Dale Jr. used from 1999-2007 while driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc.
He took this scheme to victory lane five times at Talladega, and he ran a throwback version of it during his time at Hendrick Motorsports.
This Budweiser scheme is so closely associated with Dale Jr. that he brought it back for a Late Model race at Florence Motor Speedway last season.
Rusty Wallace, No. 2 Miller Genuine Draft Team Penske Pontiac
Rusty Wallace showcased multiple Miller schemes during his Hall of Fame career. None became more famous than Midnight, chassis PRS-009.
This black-and-gold Miller Genuine Draft scheme made its debut on Wallace’s Pontiac during the 1992 season. He took the car to victory lane at Richmond Raceway in September. He then scored eight of his 10 wins in 1993 behind the wheel of Midnight.
The 1994 season marked Midnight’s final race. The car was reskinned as a Ford Thunderbird, but it remained dominant. Wallace scored four more wins with this black-and-gold scheme before Team Penske retired it.
Wallace still used black-and-gold Miller schemes after the 1994 season. However, the official Midnight no longer headed to the track.