Several iconic paint schemes have become synonymous with legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Black No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. For Jeff Gordon, it was the DuPont paint scheme from 1993. He recently revealed how the Rainbow Warrior came to life. 

In 1992, Jeff Gordon had his first full season with Hendrick Motorsports. Around this time, DuPont became the primary sponsor for the No.24 car. This became the start of one of the most memorable and colorful liveries of NASCAR. 

During his recent appearance on the Bussin with the Boys podcast, Gordon was questioned about his Rainbow Warriors era and what it meant to him. Gordon reflected on his time taking a racing course in Charlotte in 1990, which helped him get his breakthrough with Hendrick Motorsports

"And next thing I know, a year and a half later, I'm meeting Rick Hendrick, signing up with Hendrick Motorsports and going Cup racing for Hendrick Motorsports," Gordon said during the podcast. "And our sponsor was DuPont."

The four-time NASCAR champion further recalled how the colorful DuPont livery came to life. He said:

"And they're like, "Hey, listen, we're a paint and refinish company. We're going to just splash colors all over this car". And boom, you know, the rainbow paint scheme came about."

The Rainbow Warrior really took off after their win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Brickyard 400 race in 1994. The following year he won his first Winston Cup Series Championship. This success gave rise to the nickname 'Rainbow Warriors'. Gordon said:

"And then the success came in 94, 95. Our first championship, we go up against Earnhardt in 95 and win that championship. And that's when the Rainbow Warriors were truly born."

However, post 1995 season, the livery was changed from the colourful 'Rainbow Warrior' to the Lumina to the Monte Carlo. 

Jeff Gordon wasn't the only one with an iconic paint scheme in the early 1990s. 

When Dale Earnhardt traded his iconic Black livery for Silver

 Dale Earnhardt was known for his Black No. 3 GM. Goodwrench Chevrolet, but during the Winston Select, now known as the All-Star Race, of 1995, when Earnhardt Sr. tore through the GM Goodwrench banner, the fans and the drivers alike were shocked to see the silver paint scheme. 

The silver paint scheme was a tribute to the series sponsor of the time, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. The company had completed 25 years (which is also called a silver anniversary) of partnership with NASCAR.

 During the unveiling, Earnhardt said, “In honor of your 25^th anniversary. I think it’s only appropriate that we give you something silver. You’ve done so much for me and my career. I’ve been racing in the Winston Cup for 17 years, and in that time, the folks at R.J. Reynolds have always treated me like family.” (via NASCAR Hall of Fame)

The paint scheme of the car remained under such secrecy that even the pit crew was unaware of this change in the color. They were as shocked as the fans and press after it was unveiled to them at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on the day of the event. This change in paint scheme had become one of the biggest stories to come out of that season. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco