Austin Cindric will run a throwback paint scheme on his No. 2 NASCAR Ford Mustang at the forthcoming race at Darlington, even if it is a bit ironic. The blue-and-yellow livery is lifted from a series of race cars driven by Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the late 1970s – and not a single one was a Ford. They were all General Motors racing machines, including a Chevy.
The No. 2 Mustang will carry the colors of Freightliner during NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend at Darlington with a livery inspired by Earnhardt’s paint scheme in 1979 and 1980. At the time, Earnhardt raced under the No. 2 for Osterlund Racing, driving various Oldsmobile, Buick, and Chevy race cars. He won Rookie of the Year with the bright blue and yellow livery on board in 1979.
Given that Cindric currently drives the No. 2 Mustang, the tribute to Earnhardt was a no-brainer for him, even if he is part of the Ford stable and not GM.
“There are few names in our sport more recognizable than Earnhardt. The opportunity to pay tribute to a legend, while also recognizing the incredible history of the No. 2 in NASCAR, was the goal behind this scheme,” Cindric said in a team release. “Freightliner has always been an incredible partner for us at [NASCAR Ford team] Team Penske and played a key role in bringing this vision to life. We’ve had a lot of fun working through the details, and I hope our car stands out for fans at the track and those tuning in during Darlington Throwback Weekend.”
Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris echoed Cindric’s sentiments, saying, “Darlington is the perfect place to celebrate NASCAR’s heritage, and this scheme is a fantastic tribute to Dale Earnhardt and the legacy of the No. 2. Throwback Weekend is all about honoring the icons who shaped the sport, and we’re thrilled to see Austin and Team Penske bring this classic look back to life for the fans.”
The Cup Series race at Darlington is scheduled for Sunday, April 6th, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET.
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Actually Dale Earnhardt did drive for Bud Moore in 1982 in a Ford Thunderbird with those colors, #15.
Regarding the Dale Earnhardt inspired paint scheme, it was in Fact FORD THUNDERBIRDS that Dale Earhart piloted in the Winston cup series 1980- 1983 in the #15 WRANGLER car…. A very quick research google picture check should prove enlightenment.
Ah, you should take your own advice and perhaps read the information presented above. The entire reason Penske chose this particular car was because they shared the No. 2. It is specifically based on Earnhardt's ride in 1979 and 1980. Which was a GM product fielded by Osterlund. He did not begin driving the Wrangler Ford until 1982. Nice try though.
What Penske should do...is honor the late Fireball Roberts...who was a hero as much as Earnhardt when he died..as a result of a horrifying crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 64...Fireball won the 63 Darlington Southern 500 in #22 lavender Ford...it would be the perfect throwback car...fans has asked Penske and team member for decade and for some reason...never has...infact runned from it...last year they did Mario Andretti F1 color theme on the Pennzoil 22 of Joey Lagano..Mario never raced at Darlington..and was a Havoline Oil spokesman all in the 90s....Joey throwback should be Fireball retro..it be perfect .and if Penske racing want do it...at least tell up why?