Special paint schemes Cup's fashionable trend (cont'd)

"We have always been fast ... other than my McDonald's paint-outs. For some reason, I stink when I drive those McDonald's cars."

Special paint schemes may not always translate into victories for drivers, but they pay off for sponsors and industry players.

Did you know?

The first special paint scheme came in 1991 at the Daytona 500. As part of an R.J. Reynolds promotion five drivers ran paint schemes on their cars to pay tribute to the United States Armed Forces serving in Operation Desert Storm.

Jason Garrow, director of partnership management for Richard Childress Racing, said the paint schemes can present cross-promotion opportunities and drive die-cast and licensed merchandise sales.

"Sure, given the right promotional plan," he said. "Our drivers have also been promoted in the music world and that is always positive."

The RCR drivers are known for rocking big-name bands like Kiss, Bare Naked Ladies and Red Hot Chili Peppers in light of the teams' partnership with Chevy and the Chevy Rock & Roll 400.

More than that, RCR is considered to be the pioneer of special paint schemes and are responsible for setting the trend back in 1995 when Dale Earnhardt drove a silver car to pay tribute to Winston's 25th anniversary.

From that point, one-off paint schemes have become the norm. Paint schemes proved to be so popular, Garrow said, that by the end of the decade, rarely a race went by without one.

Paint schemes -- special or not -- are one of NASCAR's longest-standing traditions and with increased media coverage and popularity surrounding the sport, the practice will only continue.

"We've got some exciting things in the works," Garrow added.

Now about that new rear wing ...

Any chance of those getting painted or decaled in the near future?