20 Years of Valvoline Paint Schemes

Some of the top drivers in NASCAR have run with Valvoline on their hoods. The oil maker has been a stalwart sponsor since NASCAR's early days. (Fun fact: Valvoline was in the winning car in the first American car race back in 1895.) But over the past 20 years, their paint schemes just haven't kept up with their preeminence in racing.

Neil Bonnet's 1989 scheme (top left) features a bold V stretching across the hood with "Valvoline" set in all caps. The logo and name sit atop the a body, with the back of the car featuring the name knocked out of a dark background. This was iconic design visible at high speeds, and set the style that would define their look for the next 15 years. Mark Martin's scheme from '93 (top right) continues the tradition, but with Valvoline set in upper- and lower-case. The car number on the door now falls on the dark background. The next paint job (middle left) is my favorite of all the Valvoline schemes, with the V transcending its role of simple logo to become a forceful design element. The V allows the car to retain it's earlier characteristics of light front/dark rear and allows for instant recognition on the track. Mark Martin wheeled this scheme into Victory Lane four times during the 1995 campaign.

In 2002 Johnny Benson sat behind the wheel of the #10 (middle right) with its much-neutered design. The earlier precedents are retained, but handled poorly. The swoops along the side and the smaller V on the hood detract from the overall impact. The incredible shrinking hood logo continues in the bottom row (2008 and 2009), with Valvoline's presence on the hood diminishing with each iteration. At this rate, A.J. Allmendinger's signature above the door will be larger than the logo on his hood. Also lost is the light front/dark rear concept that had long been part of the car's identity. This year's design looks like they just plain forgot to paint the sides of the car.

When companies are paying upwards of $20 million a year to carry their message on the hood of front-running car, you have to take full advantage of the space you have. We happen to think Valvoline's dropping the ball here. Duckpin would be happy to step in and sponsor the car instead.

Anyone have $20 million they'd like to part with?