How was the first custom NASCAR paint job created? JGR Insider gives a quick history 

NASCAR outfit Joe Gibbs Racing, in a recent post shared on the team's Instagram account, revealed how NASCAR's first-ever paint job was created on Richard Petty's iconic No. 43 car. The story of the paint job dates back to 1959.

From sleek, intricate color patterns to bold sponsor logos, the aesthetic of NASCAR cars has evolved tremendously over the decades. However, the origin of custom paint jobs in NASCAR dates back to a simpler time—1959, when innovation was born out of necessity.

Recently, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) shared a tidbit on its Instagram account, shedding light on the story behind the sport's first custom paint job. It all began with Richard Petty’s iconic No. 43 car, which introduced the world to the now-legendary "Petty Blue."

In the early days of NASCAR, cars weren’t the polished showpieces they are today. Teams would acquire vehicles directly from dealerships, which came pre-painted in standard factory colors. Using simple hand brushes, crews would paint on numbers and sponsor names, often with little thought to aesthetics.

However, in 1959, a team found itself with a freshly repaired car and insufficient paint supplies. Lacking enough paint of a single color to coat the entire car, they decided to mix two leftover cans of paint—blue and white.

The result was a shade of light blue that would forever be known as "Petty Blue." This unintentional innovation became a hallmark of Richard Petty’s racing legacy and remains one of the most iconic colors in NASCAR history.

The success of Petty Blue sparked a revolution in NASCAR aesthetics. By 1967, custom paint jobs had become a staple in the sport. Teams began experimenting with unique designs and combining them with decals for smaller details, such as sponsor logos and car numbers.

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Former NASCAR champion Chase Elliott reveals brand-new paint scheme for Mexico race

As NASCAR travels to Mexico for its first international Cup Series race, Hendrick Motorsports star Chase Elliott will have a fresh paint scheme for the historic event at Autodromo Hermano Rodriguez.

Elliott's No. 9 LLumar Chevrolet is set to debut a fresh look in 2025. The new design retains a red base but incorporates a black streak down the door and a white No. 9, replacing last season’s teal accents.

Chase Elliott's revamped car will race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15 and later at Martinsville Speedway on October 26. Elliott finished second in the Cup Series playoffs Martinsville race in 2024, missing out on a Championship 4 berth after failing to beat Ryan Blaney. The 29-year-old driver had finished third in the April leg of Martinsville.

With one win to his name in Texas, Chase Elliott finished the 2024 season in 7th position.