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Thursday, November 04, 2010

The most wonderful time of the year.

Each year around this time NASCAR fans get a glimpse at the the liveries next year's season. I love this time of year, I love getting that sneak peek at what I can expect to see on the track as a fan, and as a designer, I love seeing how the teams and sponsors will be visually representing themselves in the coming year.

Need to make a statement
First and foremost, a paint-scheme needs to stand out on the track while still representing the brands that adorn it. That can be a difficult task given the some primary sponsors and their primary branding. UPS, Schwans, and Gander Mtn. are a few brands that have colors that don't necessarily scream "fast", but do they need to? Along with representing the companies that support the teams, the schemes also need to be able to move merchandise. From die-casts to shirt, hats, and other apparel, the NASCAR souvenir business is "kind of a big deal".

The look of the car has to appeal to fans both on the track and on themselves. The look from the car also is applied to the team hauler, firesuits, hats and other team apparel and promo material. It needs to work. It also needs to work with the car itself. Even though NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" has been criticized for being generic and not having any true brand identity, there are still elements of the car that need to be taken into consideration when designing a paint-scheme.

There's a whole other post that I could do that's dedicated to the look of the driver's/car's number. After seeing some number changes over the last few years, I'm feeling more compelled than ever to write it.

Some of my favorites for 2011






Some quick thoughts:

• #5 The GoDaddy scheme works well with the sponsor and has an edgy look and feel to it.


• #6 Although the colors are a bit...unconventional for a race car, I like the overall flow of this car's look.


• #39 Hard to argue with an ARMY car and the updates for 2011 are much-welcomed (in my opinion)


• #16 3M gets a tough look for the new year and it works.


• #29 I'd always wanted to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a black Bud car back when he drove for DEI. Now it's time to see what Kevin Harvick can do in one for RCR.

Some head-scratchers






Some quick thoughts:

• #9 I like the flow of the paint-scheme but I can't stand the number. Too weak, flimsy, and frail.


• #20 The big orange machine. Not sure it screams The Home Depot. Actually, it does, but it's almost too plain.


• #11 Meteor sighting!


• #14 I want to like this car...I really do, but the frantic lines aren't sitting well with me.


• #14 A reversal of last-year's Burger King car. I'd rather have that one back.