Y’all! It’s throwback weekend and I am so excited! This Sunday the “Lady in Black” will go back in time with retro paint schemes from the 1950’s. In the NASCAR world throwback weekend is like Halloween. The cars get a new (actually old) look and even the commentators dress up for the occasion. Even if you don’t watch the entire race I recommend watching the pre-race coverage and the first few laps. If nothing else you’ll get a good laugh out of whatever Michael Waltrip will be wearing!

Let’s look at a few of the throwback paint schemes

First off we have Chase Elliott honoring his late cousin Casey Elliott from the 1993 season. The bright yellow paint will be covering Chase’s no.9 Napa Chevy. Casey was diagnosed with bone cancer and then died in 1996 so this paint scheme will hold a special place in Chase Elliott’s heart.

Next up we have Ty Dillon driving the no.13 Geico Racing Chevy. This is the same exact paint scheme as the 2008 Geico Racing Toyota driven by Mike Wallace. I love this paint scheme because it’s patriotic and it’s an exact match to the 2008 scheme. lt’s not an “old” scheme like the others but I still like it and I’ll be watching out for it on race day.

Joey Logano in the no. 22 Ford Fusion will be throwing it back with the Penzoil design for its 20th anniversary at Darlington. The car will be mirroring the no. 1 Chevy Monte Carlo of Steve Park back in the early 2000’s. Although Joey Lagano isn’t exactly one of my favorite drivers I think we’ll be seeing his car at the front of the field on Sunday.

Even though Kyle Busch is by far my least favorite driver I can admit that his throwback scheme is pretty cool. The no. 18 Toyota Camry skittles paint scheme is a reinterpretation of the no. 36 Pontiac Grand Prix that Ernie Irvan (Also known as “Swervin’ Irvan”) drove during the 1998 Southern 500 at Darlington. The paint scheme will be making a reappearance for the first time in 20 years. This is one of my favorite throwback paint schemes and I’m excited to se it out on the track.

Paul Menard in the no. 21 Ford Fusion will be making a 50th anniversary tribute to Cale Yarborough. Cale drove the no. 21 1968 Mercury Cyclone for the Wood Brothers racing team during the 1968 Southern 500. This paint scheme is one of my favorites because of the history behind it. The Wood Brothers Racing team has always had the same red white and gold paint scheme which makes it easy to spot. Fun fact: the Wood Brothers Racing team was founded in 1950 and is the longest continuously running team the Monster Energy Cup series. 

This “Petty Blue” throwback scheme will be driven by Bubba Wallace in the no. 43 Chevy Camaro. The scheme is a throwback to almost 60 years ago when Richard Petty “The King” drove the no. 43. This scheme is one of the most recognizable paint schemes in NASCAR and it always excites me to see it out on the track. 

Last but certainly not least is my favorite throwback scheme, the no. 24 DuPont rainbow design that was driven by Jeff Gordon. When I saw this paint scheme I screamed! This is my favorite paint scheme that Jeff Gordon has ever raced in and I’m so excited to see it come back. The rainbow will be driven by William Byron in the no. 24 Chevy Camaro. I’ll be watching out for this car on Sunday and I’m hoping it will be towards the front of the field. 

I didn’t go through all of the throwback paint schemes because there are a lot, but these were my favorites. If you can’t tell, I’m really excited for the race on Sunday! I encourage you to tune in Sunday September 2 at 6pm edt on NBCSN. Even if you can’t make it through the whole race watch a lap or two and choose your favorite paint scheme. I’d love to hear your favorites!

XOXO @hellsbelle🖤