Several iconic paint schemes have become synonymous with legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Black No. 3 GM. Goodwrench Chevrolet. But what happens when he makes a sudden swap to Silver?

The intimidator was at the peak of his career, as just a year prior, in 1994, he had won his seventh NASCAR Cup Series championship. His black Richard Childress Racing car has become one of the most recognizable cars in the sport. However, he swapped the black for a silver for one of the races in 1995.

In an era where teams kept the same paint scheme for every race throughout the year, RCR and Dale Sr. decided to start a new tradition. 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 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.” 

The paint scheme of the car remained under such secrecy that even the pit crew was unaware of this change in the color. The car was first prepped in primer gray and then all the crew members were sent home except the painters.

Which is why the crew was 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. 

This kicked off the tradition of paint scheme mania for the All-Star Race, which has been followed to date. 

Was the silver paint scheme a curse for Dale Sr? 

The 'Quicksilver,' as the car came to be known, was looked at as a curse. Dale Sr. did not win the Winston Select.

The Intimidator started the 10-lap shootout from third place, just behind Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip. In the race restart, Earnhardt Sr dove to the inside of Jeff Gordon, sending the cars three wide. However, coming out of turn 4, he got loose and hit Waltrip, giving Gordon a chance to win the race.

The car was only raced once. Despite not winning the race in the silver car, the diecast of the same sold within the blink of an eye and is one of the most prized possessions for any car collector to date. 

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason