NASCAR Paint Schemes of the Week: Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

It has been a while since the Cup Series raced at a drafting track. Now, they head to the biggest oval on the NASCAR schedule, Talladega Superspeedway. The Jack Link’s 500, a new name this year, will likely end in frustration, confusion, and wrecked cars.

NASCAR had an interesting race at Talladega in the playoffs. Interesting because the Damaged Vehicle Policy was put into question after officials made contradicting decisions to tow cars to pit road after the historic 28-car wreck that took place late in the race.

As usual at Talladega, there are great paint schemes this weekend. Let’s get away from the racing and talk about the art we’ll see on Sunday.

Kyle Busch No. 8 Nicokick Chevy

This week, a new sponsor for Kyle Busch. Nicokick appears to be an online nicotine pouch retailer. Zone Nicotine Pouches are prominently displayed as one of Busch’s major partners this season.

The last year has been an explosion of nicotine pouch branding. They have naturally found a place in NASCAR which previously, of course, had strong ties with the tobacco industry through Winston. 8/10, unironically.

Chase Elliott No. 9 Amazon Prime Video Chevy

Prime Video debuted a banger of a preview for their upcoming slate of five NASCAR Cup Series races. Chase Elliott will carry the Prime Video colors this weekend.

His teammate, Kyle Larson, also has Prime branding on his IndyCar ride. He also wrecked earlier today for the first time in an IndyCar. Blue and white is never bad, 9.25/10.

AJ Allmendinger No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy

Another nicotine pouch brand, Grizzly, has gotten close with Kaulig Racing. That partnership has expanded from Ty Dillon’s No. 10 car to AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16.

This car is going to look so good at Talladega. Black and bright green like this – what is there not to like? 8.5/10.

Cole Custer No. 41 Haas/Andy’s Ford

A little frozen treat for NASCAR fans at Talladega. Cole Custer has taken his Andy’s Custard sponsorship to Haas Factory Team and the Cup Series.

The bright colors and fun vibe of the Andy’s car is always great. Not sure how you can hate on this car, either. It’s literally frozen custard. 8/10.

John Hunter Nemechek No. 42 Jack Link’s Toyota

This is one of those so ugly it’s good paint schemes. John Hunter Nemechek carries the plaid of Jack Link’s for the Jack Link’s 500. This is part of the Dollar Tree branding but we know the squatch is the star, here.

The Legacy Motor Club cars are actually really great this week. If only we could see that translate to performance. Sorry, I said I wouldn’t talk about racing. 7.5/10.

Erik Jones No. 43 Massey Motor Freight Toyota

This almost looks like a lost Coca-Cola scheme when you first look at it. But Massey Motor Freight is carrying these red and silver colors this week on Erik Jones’ car.

NASCAR at Talladega is all about mean-looking cars going up against a mean-looking track. I think this paint scheme looks pretty mean. 8.5/10.

Cody Ware No. 51 Arby’s X AC BBQ Sauce Ford

The Arby’s partnership continues to work for Rick Ware Racing and Cody Ware. These paint schemes are recognizable and, honestly, pleasing to look at.

With AC Barbecue Sauce joining in, this scheme takes on a dark, smoky look this week. It will fit in perfectly with NASCAR weekend at Talladega.

Ryan Preece No. 60 Kroger/Celsius Ford

While this isn’t much of a change to their other schemes, Ryan Preece gets his first Celsius car this week with Kroger on the hood. The No. 60 looks really good in this design.

I think the signature RFK logo/design they put above the rocker panels. Even just a touch more color than, say, the Kaulig version of this car has makes a pretty big difference. 7.5/10.

Anthony Alfredo No. 62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevy

I am happy to see Anthony Alfredo land a ride in the Cup Series again. He is more than capable of running well at Talladega, but his paint scheme is what I’m more concerned with.

This is a great-looking Chevy. Something about the number font and color, there is white space, but it is filled with sponsor logos – this is a well-executed design. Truly pleasant to look at and will be great on the track. 9/10.

Daniel Suárez No. 99 Wendy’s Frosty Chevy

This paint scheme might be a little difficult to look at for some NASCAR fans. If you get dizzy easily, maybe Daniel Suárez’s No. 99 Chevy isn’t for you this weekend.

But if you love Wendy’s Frostys, then this is the perfect car for you. Colorful, fun, there is almost no wasted space – really great work. 8.75/10.