For the second straight year, NASCAR is holding an official Throwback Weekend coinciding with the Sprint Cup and XFINITY series races at Darlington Speedway.
The gist, for those who don’t recall: As the Cup Series takes to Darlington for the Southern 500, one of the more tradition-laden weekends of the season, a majority of its teams are running throwback paint schemes to go along with the festivities, which will also include a portion of the NBC broadcast being called by veteran announcers Ken Squier and Ned Jarrett alongside Dale Jarrett.
It seems, as the now-official nature of the weekend continues from year to year, that more and more teams get into the spirit — so much so that it’s extending to the XFINITY Series, where multiple teams are presenting their own schemes for the Saturday afternoon race.
It can all be a little overwhelming, quite frankly. Not that it’s a poor idea and concept by any stretch of the imagination — it gives even more prominence to what’s already considered one of the better weekends of the NASCAR season. But keeping up with each and every paint scheme, knowing what’s being honored, even finding one’s own driver in a sea of unfamiliar color combinations? (Hey, keep the spotters in your thoughts this weekend, y’all.)
So, for those of us who don’t have such a steel-trap memory that we can remember each and every dedication and special scheme this weekend, here’s a little cheat sheet.
Sprint Cup Series
Jamie McMurray: Bill Elliott’s McDonald’s Mac Tonight scheme from the 1990s
ICYMI: Here's @jamiemcmurray #throwback #MacTonight scheme for @TooToughToTame! #TraditionContinues pic.twitter.com/on3zbtwR55
— CGR NASCAR Teams (@CGRnascar) August 16, 2016
Brad Keselowski: retro scheme honoring the Miller Lite beer cans of the early 1970s
https://t.co/NYC5S78GSt#DarlingtonBestInShow #NASCARThrowback @joeylogano @keselowski pic.twitter.com/DXw4N1UFKd
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) August 31, 2016
Austin Dillon: Richard Childress Racing’s Piedmont-sponsored cars, 1980s
FLASHBACK '83// When you're in the business of racing…it's a racey business.#NASCAR #NASCARThrowback #riskybusiness pic.twitter.com/UbyxNz7BZn
— RCR (@RCRracing) August 31, 2016
Kevin Harvick: Cale Yarborough’s No. 11 Busch Beer car
She is ready to go! ?? @BuschBeer @TooToughToTame #Southern500 pic.twitter.com/tJwT01MVxt
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) August 31, 2016
Kasey Kahne: Terry Labonte’s JD Stacy-owned No. 44 car, 1980s
Unveiled my @LiftMaster throwback scheme for @TooToughToTame with Texas Terry #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/J6LetG1eTA
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) August 24, 2016
Trevor Bayne: Mark Martin’s No. 6 Valvoline car, 1990s
PRE-ORDER: @Tbayne6 2016 Advocare Mark Martin Darlington Throwback! Order now @PlanBSales! https://t.co/NidpTQIhCs pic.twitter.com/1D3K3N8EUR
— NASCAR DIECAST FANS (@DiecastFans) April 27, 2016
Regan Smith: Alan Kulwicki’s No. 7 Hooters car
NEW: @ReganSmith 2016 Nikko Darlington Special Chevy SS 1/64! Order now at @PlanBSales!https://t.co/7owTZYhCiG pic.twitter.com/w1pxYuZhmC
— NASCAR DIECAST FANS (@DiecastFans) August 24, 2016
Danica Patrick: Retro scheme using traditional colors of sponsor Nature’s Bakery
Here's another rendering of what an old-school program would look like w/ our drivers today. ?#NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/yG36QAIbdu
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) August 30, 2016
Denny Hamlin: Budweiser schemes of Junior Johnson-owned cars, 1980s
Check out the @JoeGibbsRacing No. 11 #Camry #Darlington Throwback @dennyhamlin will drive Labor Day wknd. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/lQAOCjfrfJ
— Sport Clips Haircuts (@SportClips) August 10, 2016
Casey Mears: Smokey Yunick, 1960s
?: @CJMearsGang Geico
?: Smokey Yunick 1966
?: @TooToughToTame pic.twitter.com/fOHafYxrEE
— RPM Visuals (@RPMVisuals) August 29, 2016
Tony Stewart: Bobby Allison’s Coca-Cola-sponsored No. 12
Stylin' & Profilin'! We dig those No. 14 #NASCARThrowback crew uniforms. ? #Southern500 pic.twitter.com/aeY6ecvSDx
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) September 1, 2016
Clint Bowyer: Benny Parsons’ No. 72
Another look at the @5hourenergy paint scheme @ClintBowyer is running this weekend at @TooToughToTame #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/E28RtIvrmT
— HScott Motorsports (@Team_HSM) August 30, 2016
Greg Biffle: Hooters-sponsored NASCAR teams
New team. Same tradition! #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/bMhHHxqDKB
— Hootie (@Hooters) September 1, 2016
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.: Darrell Waltrip’s No. 17
NEW: @StenhouseJr 2016 Fastenal Darlington Special Ford Fusion! Order now at @PlanBSales!https://t.co/Rdu8rMgQJu pic.twitter.com/gMMOQLqWgN
— NASCAR DIECAST FANS (@DiecastFans) August 31, 2016
Kyle Busch: Interstate Batteries No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing
#NASCARThrowback is here! Don't forget to order your JGR #Throwback merchandise here!
➡️: https://t.co/2rGqDjgicQ pic.twitter.com/vRUqG4heZZ
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) August 30, 2016
Carl Edwards: Tony Stewart’s Home Depot-sponsored No. 20
#NASCARThrowback is here! Don't forget to order your JGR #Throwback merchandise here!
➡️: https://t.co/2rGqDjgicQ pic.twitter.com/vRUqG4heZZ
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) August 30, 2016
Matt Kenseth: Tide-sponsored NASCAR teams
Two words: Tide Ride #NASCARthrowback pic.twitter.com/hvKB4DxPZI
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 1, 2016
Ryan Blaney: David Pearson’s No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing
Paying tribute to past but looking toward the future. https://t.co/ZCag61m00A #NASCARThrowback @woodbrothers21 pic.twitter.com/MGNToZIi5t
— Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing (@MQL_Racing) August 31, 2016
Joey Logano: Shell-sponsored NASCAR teams
Learn more about the #NASCARThrowback schemes and other DLC available for #NASCARHeat: https://t.co/cmPpVxONx0 pic.twitter.com/5V3841JE5O
— NASCAR Heat (@NASCARHeat) September 1, 2016
David Ragan: Dr. Pepper’s advertising from late ’70s
Vote for David & the #23 @drpepper @TooToughToTame throwback paint scheme at https://t.co/9YqLg60Ext pic.twitter.com/MFgp7zW43w
— David Ragan Inc (@dRagan_updates) August 22, 2016
Chase Elliott: Scheme based on 1960s NAPA delivery trucks
Check out @chaseelliott's @NAPARacing #NASCARThrowback ride and gear for this weekend @TooToughToTame! pic.twitter.com/Flwl5WsABV
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 1, 2016
Paul Menard: Al Unser, Jr. and Valvoline
Who has the best #NASCARthrowback paint scheme, you ask? We think it’s @RCR27PMenard! Vote: https://t.co/YaWG7Hn9hS pic.twitter.com/zh3uH60vLD
— Valvoline (@Valvoline) August 19, 2016
Josh Wise: Dale Earnhardt’s No. 30 ARMY car
Another sneak peek! #tmg #joshwise #incrediblebank #southern500 https://t.co/IXTQHlLErQ pic.twitter.com/erNEhnwzZZ
— Key Motorsports (@KMS30PR) September 1, 2016
Ryan Newman: Ricky Rudd’s 1983 Richard Childress Racing car
.@RyanJNewman brings an old school classic back to the track to honor @RCRracing. https://t.co/oHvHuIee6C pic.twitter.com/V5Cd5vZpLR
— Darlington Raceway (@TooToughToTame) August 31, 2016
Jeffrey Earnhardt: Wrangler-sponsored NASCAR teams
Our @KeenParts car @JEarnhardt1 is driving is pretty cool this week. #BojanglesSo500 #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/OxMKtX8zhO
— Wally Rogers (@walr2772) August 31, 2016
Chris Buescher: Love’s Travel Stops aesthetic, early 1980s
#NASCAR fans, vote the No. 34 Love’s Ford throwback scheme for Darlington’s Best in Show! https://t.co/8GC18y2VI7 pic.twitter.com/vz9it8DMUc
— Love's Travel Stops (@LovesTravelStop) August 30, 2016
Landon Cassill: JD McDuffie
Check out @landoncassill's scheme for @TooToughToTame in honor of J.D. McDuffie. (via Landon Cassill) pic.twitter.com/HytYAlR7qU
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 23, 2016
Kurt Busch: Retro Haas scheme
Excited to see this baby on the track at @TooToughToTame !!! pic.twitter.com/UzvyI46PFI
— Tony Gibson (@TonyOldman41) September 1, 2016
Kyle Larson: Eddie Cheever’s open-wheel ride when Target first sponsored Chip Ganassi Racing
There's still time to vote for a #TeamGanassi scheme as your favorite #NASCARthrowback. VOTE https://t.co/nWB9el2GHv pic.twitter.com/xffBFTKNNT
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) August 31, 2016
Aric Almirola: Richard Petty’s No. 43
We think the No.43 @STPracing #NASCARThrowback Ford takes the cake but you decide!
Vote: https://t.co/3X8DR3MmYK pic.twitter.com/ptAe7amwFc— Richard Petty Motorsports (@RPMotorsports) September 1, 2016
Brian Scott: Not participating
Michael Annett: Retro Pilot Travel Centers scheme
The 1970's era @PilotFlyingJ throwback car will be on track @TooToughToTame at 1:30 pm/ET on Friday. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/GJjDERQdZR
— PFJRacing (@PFJRacing) August 31, 2016
AJ Allmendinger: Bruce Hill’s No. 47
Bruce Hill joins @AJDinger and team for #NASCARThrowback @TooToughToTame. More info here: https://t.co/W10zRqfmFr pic.twitter.com/1up7KDCJaV
— JTG Daugherty Racing (@JTGRacing) September 1, 2016
Jimmie Johnson: David Pearson/Dale Earnhardt
In the words of Rod Stewart: "Do ya think I'm sexy?" If so, go vote for @JimmieJohnson!https://t.co/ylC60ZJE1g pic.twitter.com/PA7xcu7nt7
— Ally Racing (@allyracing) September 1, 2016
Reed Sorenson: Not participating
Martin Truex, Jr.: Retro scheme for Auto-Owners Insurance’s 100th anniversary
How 'bout this? #NASCARthrowback #AORacing pic.twitter.com/Ett51oVl32
— Auto-Owners (@AutoOwnersIns) August 16, 2016
Matt DiBenedetto: Orange Crush scheme
KEEP THE VOTES COMING –> https://t.co/kQOTZ8aI6E #ImAPepper pic.twitter.com/8yiugv4UJk
— BK Racing (@Team_BK23) September 1, 2016
Jeff Gordon: Buddy Baker’s No. 28
"I was a big Buddy Baker fan and knowing that…" -> https://t.co/Kb7Pig1pdu. #GrayGhost88 #NASCARThrowback #TeamJG pic.twitter.com/Ax7zviPpqS
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) September 1, 2016
Michael McDowell: Richard Childress’ No. 3
https://twitter.com/ThriventRacing/status/771012688285569025
Cole Whitt: LeeRoy Yarbrough’s No. 98
XFINITY Series
Elliott Sadler: Citi Financial throwback scheme
Introducing @Elliott_Sadler's @OneMainRacing #NASCARThrowback for @TooToughToTame!
➡️ https://t.co/8tG7F3uqoc pic.twitter.com/Db61Zx3SFo
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) August 30, 2016
Paul Menard, Ty Dillon, Brandon Jones and Brendan Gaughan: Retro-inspired schemes
We're bringing a full fleet of #retro looks for Saturday's @NASCAR_XFINITY race at @TooToughToTame. #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/GIlEwYc7zu
— RCR (@RCRracing) September 1, 2016
Ross Chastain: Joe Henry Thurman’s No. 4 (here)
Darrell Wallace, Jr.: Mark Martin’s Folgers No. 6
Then and now @BubbaWallace @TooToughToTame this weekend. Be there, I can't wait. pic.twitter.com/GK44wf6bAD
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) August 31, 2016
Justin Allgaier: Throwback Brandt’s scheme
Introducing the @BrandtRacing #NASCARThrowback for @TooToughToTame!
➡️ https://t.co/aRpS0dcVrx pic.twitter.com/P5cQJnIX60
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) August 23, 2016
Blake Koch: Mountain Dew-sponsored No. 11
.@LFRacingTeam family photo ? #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/hb4O5Px6qi
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) September 1, 2016
Ryan Reed: Bobby Allison, 1970s
.@roushfenway will honor @sambassartist with a decal on @driverRyanReed's @NASCAR_XFINITY ride at @TooToughToTame. https://t.co/i9ttZhlZIG
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 31, 2016
Dakoda Armstrong: Davey Allison’s No. 28
https://twitter.com/JGLRacing/status/771098196936359936
Ryan Sieg: Dale Jarrett’s No. 88
Lookin' good, @RyanSiegRacing! #NASCARthrowback ?: https://t.co/2Vre9eriFd pic.twitter.com/vMov1alUKE
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) August 29, 2016
Kyle Larson: Marty Robbins’ No. 42
Marty Robbins will ride w/ @KyleLarsonRacin on #ENEOSracing throwback in the #SportClips200. https://t.co/uuwdaWpwFB pic.twitter.com/6RQMyTCCr6
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) August 25, 2016
Jeremy Clements: Buck Baker’s No. 87
Jeremy Clements ready for the weekend pic.twitter.com/7ChwGx80rb
— anthony sanders (@bigascg) August 31, 2016
Joey Gase: Car owner Jimmy Means’ No. 52
Here is our @AgriSupply hot rod for this weekend at @TooToughToTame! #NASCARThrowback #nascar pic.twitter.com/b3xMbWv0zm
— Joey Gase Racing (@JoeyGaseRacing) August 31, 2016
Derrike Cope: Cope’s Daytona 500-winning No. 10
? ? ?
Views from all angles.#NASCARthrowback pic.twitter.com/LQrjDzuKZE
— Derrike Cope (@DCopeRacing) August 22, 2016
Mike Harmon: Neil Bonnett
Eye Candy: Mike Harmon Racing will run a Neil Bonnett tribute car in this weekend’s @NASCAR_XFINITY race. #NASCSR pic.twitter.com/Tr8whKRz6p
— Alex Herbst (@AlexHerbst25) August 30, 2016
David Starr: AJ Foyt
NASCAR Star David Starr to Pay Special Honor to Racing Legend AJ Foyt! https://t.co/pluPvWZG4d via @starr_racing #nascar #nra PLZ RT
— Joe the Plumber (@RealJTP) September 1, 2016
Garrett Smithley: Charlie Blanton
The #0 of @GarrettSmithley will honor Charlie Blanton with his @TooToughToTame paint scheme. pic.twitter.com/ymLeiJRrzt
— RPM Visuals (@RPMVisuals) September 1, 2016
Ryan Preece: Butch Lindley (here)
Ray Black, Jr.: Car owner Bobby Dotter
Excited to honor my owner Bobby Dotter's 1992 race winning Jeno's Pizza Oldsmobile at @TooToughToTame!! ? #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/joMGjxFJPL
— ray black (@RayBlackJr) August 26, 2016
Rutherford is the managing editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2015 after serving on the editing staff for two years. At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
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