Team Penske and Austin Cindric have officially revealed a special throwback paint scheme for the upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR. The No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang will showcase a blue and yellow design inspired by the 1979 and 1980 No. 2 livery driven by the late Dale Earnhardt.
A Tribute to a Legend
Cindric unveiled the nostalgic scheme Tuesday afternoon at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, alongside Governor Henry McMaster and Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris.
“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,” said Cindric. “Freightliner has always been an incredible partner for us at 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.”
The Legacy of the No. 2 Car
Earnhardt drove the blue and yellow No. 2 Chevy Monte Carlo during the 1979 and 1980 NASCAR Cup Series seasons for Rod Osterlund Racing. In 1979, he secured Rookie of the Year honors, capturing his first career Cup Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway. The following year, he dominated the standings from the second race onward, clinching his first of seven Cup Series championships.
The No. 2 car remains one of the most storied in NASCAR history, with 102 total wins—tied for fourth all-time among car numbers. 108 drivers have piloted the No. 2 in Cup Series competition, including Dale Earnhardt, who won six races in this very paint scheme. Team Penske drivers have accounted for 81 of those victories since the organization took over the No. 2 entry.
A Fitting Unveiling in South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, provided an ideal backdrop for the reveal, as Darlington Raceway and Freightliner both have deep roots in the Palmetto State. Just an hour north of Columbia sits Daimler Truck North America’s headquarters in Fort Mill, SC, home to hundreds of professionals specializing in sales, marketing, finance, and dealer operations. Freightliner’s 2025 primary scheme on the No. 2 will include a map highlighting both Fort Mill, SC, and Portland, OR, Daimler Truck’s second headquarters.
Celebrating NASCAR’s Heritage
With Darlington Raceway celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, this throwback tribute aligns perfectly with the track’s 11th annual Official Throwback Weekend, a cherished tradition that honors NASCAR’s rich history.
“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,” said Josh Harris, Darlington Raceway President. “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.”
Race Day Information
The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, known as the track “Too Tough to Tame,” is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch live coverage on FOX Sports 1 and listen on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
