Jimmie Johnson, one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, has recently shared his top five favorite paint schemes in a blind ranking challenge, stirring excitement among racing fans and collectors. This challenge, which featured several memorable designs from Johnson’s career at tracks like Homestead-Miami Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, has put a fresh spotlight on the Jimmie Johnson best paint schemes of the modern NASCAR era.
Johnson’s Blind Ranking Challenge: Unveiling the Top Designs
Jimmie Johnson’s career has seen an array of striking paint schemes on the track, thanks to partnerships with sponsors such as Lowe’s, Carvana, and Coca-Cola. In a recent social media event with BR Racing, Johnson took part in a blind ranking challenge, a trending online activity where participants rank options without advance knowledge of what comes next. The unpredictable nature of this challenge makes each choice impactful—once a slot on the list is filled, it cannot be changed, raising the stakes for each decision Johnson makes about his legendary paint schemes.
The first design to appear in the ranking was the memorable SpongeBob car from Johnson’s 2004 season. He placed this lively scheme in third position, reflecting not just its colorful presence but also a personal memory of his brother donning a SpongeBob costume at Daytona International Speedway. The next entry was the red-and-white Lowe’s car designed for the Coca-Cola 600; Johnson positioned this livery fourth, making a calculated decision as he awaited further surprises.
Soon after, Johnson assigned the second place to the striking all-black Lowe’s scheme—a bold departure from his more familiar palette. The iconic blue-and-silver Lowe’s Chevrolet, which carried Johnson to his record-tying seventh NASCAR Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016, naturally claimed the top spot for its history-making significance. The final position, left by default, went to the Carvana Racing paint scheme created by NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal for Johnson’s #84 entry with Legacy Motor Club at the Daytona 500 earlier this year.
“SpongeBob car makes its return today in Vegas,” BR Racing wrote.
— BR Racing
The Paint Schemes: Ranking and Significance
Johnson’s blind ranking offered insights not just for fans of his cars, but also for those interested in the strategy and emotion behind these choices. Here’s how Johnson ranked his top five paint schemes during the challenge:
1. Lowe’s Chevrolet (2016 Homestead-Miami, Championship-winning car): This paint scheme is etched in NASCAR history, symbolizing Johnson’s seventh championship and tying him with legends for most Cup Series titles.
2. All-black Lowe’s scheme: A visually striking look that stood out on the track, the black livery was a rarity for Johnson and marked a memorable departure from his typical colors.
3. SpongeBob Car (2004): This fun, vibrant livery holds personal memories for Johnson, especially the connection with his brother revealed during the Daytona event.
4. Lowe’s red-and-white (Coca-Cola 600): A special edition for one of NASCAR’s marquee races, this scheme was recognized for bringing a fresh twist to Johnson’s familiar style.
5. Carvana Racing/Shaquille O’Neal-designed #84 (Daytona 500): Though ranked fifth simply by the structure of the challenge, this design stands out for its unique collaboration with Shaquille O’Neal and marked Johnson’s recent participation with Legacy Motor Club.
SpongeBob Scheme Returns with Trevor Bayne
The nostalgia around the SpongeBob paint scheme has resurfaced, as Trevor Bayne brings the yellow and animated inspiration to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bayne’s #24 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota rolls out with an OLIPOP x SpongeBob Movie livery for his first Xfinity Series start of the year, showing the enduring appeal of themed NASCAR paint schemes and their connection to both youthful fans and longtime supporters. This revival demonstrates the persistent influence of Johnson’s style on the NASCAR scene, linking the past and present at major events like Las Vegas.
Johnson’s Legacy Both On And Off the Track
Since stepping back from full-time competition in 2020, Jimmie Johnson has refocused his career, joining Legacy Motor Club as a co-owner. Taking on new challenges, Johnson is now shaping the next generation of drivers, including Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. For the 2024 season, he has reduced his personal starts, focusing resources and attention on supporting the full-time competitors within the team, while maintaining his own involvement as a select-entry driver in the #84 Toyota.
Adapting to New Roles: From Champion Driver to Organizational Leader
Although no longer a constant presence on the track, Johnson remains energized about his ongoing work behind the scenes at Legacy Motor Club. Reflecting on his journey since turning 50, he spoke candidly about transitioning from athlete to team leader and his dedication to continuous self-improvement.
“I don’t feel 50 mentally, and part of that is because I still have so much to learn. Being an athlete, you’re exposed to a lot, but when I look around at friends who are 50 and in the workforce, their skill sets are so well-rounded in the ‘real world’ compared to an athlete or race car driver. This journey on the ownership side, running a company, operations, all the different layers to it, has been a crash course.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Co-owner, Legacy Motor Club
Legacy Motor Club has made significant moves recently, transitioning from Chevrolet to Toyota with Johnson’s involvement and reaching a settlement to acquire a third charter from Rick Ware Racing. While an official expansion into a three-car operation hasn’t been confirmed for the 2026 season, these strategic steps reflect Johnson’s broader vision as an owner and leader in the NASCAR world.
What’s Ahead for Johnson and His Iconic Designs
Jimmie Johnson’s best paint schemes remain a major talking point among NASCAR fans, underlining his culture-defining impact on the sport. With the return of old favorites like the SpongeBob car and the possibility of more creative collaborations on the horizon—like the Shaquille O’Neal partnership for Daytona—the legacy that Johnson built as both a driver and owner continues to inspire. As the sport evolves and Legacy Motor Club looks toward future expansion, Johnson’s influence on design, competition, and team management will remain a guiding force for both new fans and experienced drivers, ensuring that his iconic paint schemes, and the stories behind them, endure for years to come.
