20 Paint Schemes That Made NASCAR Cars Look Like Rolling Art
These iconic paint schemes turned NASCAR race cars into high-speed masterpieces.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
In NASCAR, a great paint scheme isn’t just eye candy. It becomes part of the sport’s identity. From bold sponsor logos to sleek custom designs, these liveries made fans turn their heads every time they hit the track. Here are 20 unforgettable paint jobs that made race cars look like pure art in motion.
1. Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Black No. 3 GM Goodwrench
BWard 1997 on Wikimedia Commons
Sleek, simple, and intimidating—the matte black finish became a symbol of dominance. The silver accents popped under the lights, making it instantly recognizable.
2. Jeff Gordon’s Rainbow Warrior DuPont Chevy
Darryl Moran on Flickr
Bright, bold colors wrapped around Gordon’s No. 24, catching eyes and creating a merchandising goldmine. The rainbow scheme became iconic in the ’90s.
3. Rusty Wallace’s Miller Genuine Draft Black & Gold
James Phelps on Wikimedia Commons
The combo of glossy black and metallic gold radiated class and power. This was a fan favorite during Wallace’s peak years.
4. Bill Elliott’s Coors Melling Red No. 9
Mike Traverse on Wikimedia Commons
The fire-engine red and chrome touches made this car glow on TV. It was as aggressive visually as it was on track.
5. Terry Labonte’s Kellogg’s Corn Flakes No. 5
us44mt on Wikimedia Commons
Bright yellow base, colorful cereal graphics—this car was practically a moving billboard. Kids loved it, and adults couldn’t miss it.
6. Mark Martin’s Valvoline Red, White & Blue
Darryl Moran on Flickr
Patriotic and clean, Martin’s Ford had that polished, all-American racer vibe. The tri-color layout was sharp and memorable.
7. Darrell Waltrip’s Tide Ride
us44mt on Wikimedia Commons
That blazing orange No. 17 turned every race into a detergent commercial in the best way possible. Tide’s bold branding stood out like no other.
8. Davey Allison’s Texaco Havoline Black & Red
us44mt on Wikimedia Commons
This livery blended menace and elegance perfectly. The angular star and bold lines gave it an edge that matched Allison’s fierce driving.
9. Kyle Petty’s Hot Wheels Pontiac
Darryl Moran on Wikimedia Commons
It looked like a toy come to life, which made it awesome. Vibrant blues, flames, and bold graphics screamed childhood nostalgia.
10. Bobby Labonte’s Interstate Batteries Green Lightning
MrMiscellanious on Wikimedia Commons
This scheme flashed with electric green energy. It wasn’t just fast—it looked like it was powered by lightning bolts.
11. Alan Kulwicki’s Hooters No. 7 Ford
Jay Bonvouloir on Flickr
Orange, white, and bold—this underdog car became a champion’s chariot. The scheme stood out without being overdone.
12. Dale Jarrett’s UPS “What Can Brown Do for You?” Car
Bo Nash on Flickr
UPS brown never looked cooler than on Jarrett’s No. 88. It was a branding masterclass that somehow worked on the racetrack.
13. Sterling Marlin’s Coors Light Silver Bullet
Freewheeling Daredevil on Wikimedia Commons
The slick silver sheen made this car shimmer under the sun. It gave off serious Terminator vibes. Coors Light nailed the “cool factor.”
14. Ricky Rudd’s Tide “Flame” Scheme
Darryl Moran on Flickr
The updated Tide car came with fire graphics and a little more attitude. Rudd’s version had a flair that turned heads.
15. Tony Stewart’s Home Depot Orange No. 20
Torrey Wiley on Wikimedia Commons
That unmistakable orange livery became Stewart’s signature during his rise. The boldness of the design matched his aggressive style.
16. Michael Waltrip’s NAPA Blue & Yellow
Dave Hogg on Wikimedia Commons
This fan-favorite scheme’s primary colors met perfect balance. The sharp yellow flashes across navy blue made it easy to spot.
17. Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 GM Goodwrench Tribute Car
Freewheeling Daredevil on Wikimedia Commons
When Harvick stepped into Earnhardt’s seat, the paint scheme said it all—respect and legacy. The subtle changes marked a new era while honoring the past.
18. Kenny Irwin Jr.’s #28 Texaco Havoline—Silver Bullet Edition
Darryl Moran on Flickr
A silver remix of the classic black Texaco car, it dazzled under the lights. It was sharp, modern, and sleek as anything on the track.
19. Jeff Burton’s Exide Batteries Purple & Black
Darryl Moran on Flickr
Bold purple made this ride look mean and electric. Burton’s success made it a staple of late ‘90s NASCAR.
20. Carl Edwards’ Aflac Duck Car
James Willamor on Flickr
The Aflac duck cartoon added charm, but the icy blue tones made this livery really pop. It mixed corporate cool with a racing edge.