What’s Happening?

Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports announced an iconic throwback scheme for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 12. Plenty of great moments have made this paint scheme incredibly iconic. Can Kyle Larson add to this list of incredible moments?

Kyle Larson's Terry Labonte Darlington throwback scheme #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/obL7urPyJo

— Skewcar (@Skewcar) April 24, 2024

• Kellogg’s joined Hendrick Motorsports when Terry Labonte signed with the team in 1994. Kellogg’s was a Hendrick primary sponsor on the No. 5 car from 1994 until 2009.
• The scheme Larson is throwing back to is reminiscent of Labonte’s scheme from the 1990s. This era marked a resurgence in Labonte’s career.
• Fans love this throwback, and it’s mainly due to their nostalgia after these incredible moments. It showcases just how awesome Throwback Weekend is.

5. 1999 Primestar 500: Terry Labonte Wins in His Home State

One of Terry Labonte’s nicknames was “Texas Terry”, and when Texas Motor Speedway joined the schedule in 1997, it became a big race for him and his brother Bobby. Terry led the most laps in 1999 at Texas, but, Dale Jarrett stood in his way late in the going.

Labonte made the pass with 12 laps to go, and he pulled away to take home the win at his home track. Not only was it his first win at his home track, it was the last win Labonte would get in this paint scheme.

4. 1999 Bristol Night Race: Earnhardt vs Labonte Part 2

This is not a moment Terry Labonte looks back on fondly, but, it’s so iconic that it cannot be left off of the list. After being spun out while leading as a caution came out in the closing laps at Bristol in 1999, Terry Labonte outfitted his car with fresh tires. With few cars on the lead lap, he restarted inside the top 10 and quickly worked his way to the front.

As Labonte made the pass on Dale Earnhardt, the white flag waved. Earnhardt decided to try a bump and run out of desperation, which sent Labonte around. Earnhardt claimed he wanted to “Rattle his cage” as a chorus of boos rained down from the crowd.

3. 1994: Terry Labonte Breaks 135 Race Winless Streak

After winning at Talladega in 1989, Terry Labonte went nearly 5 full years between victories. He floundered during that time in subpar equipment, but, things changed when he brought Kellogg’s to Hendrick Motorsports for the No. 5 car.

2. 1996 NAPA 500: Terry Labonte’s 2nd Cup Series Championship

Terry Labonte won his first Cup Series Championship in 1984, but, for many years, it seemed that would be his only title. In 1996, Labonte was caught up in a tight battle with teammate Jeff Gordon. While Gordon won 10 races versus Labonte’s 2, Labonte held the points lead due to incredible consistency.

Labonte held a slim lead with two races left, only to crash in practice at Phoenix, breaking his hand. In what would be a death sentence to many driver’s Championship hopes, Labonte came back to record 2 top-5 finishes with a broken hand to take the crown. It solidified his other nickname “Iron Man”.

1. 1995 Bristol Night Race: Terry Labonte Wrecks and Wins

Despite his incredible accomplishments, most fans remember Terry Labonte for one moment, the 1995 Goody’s 500 at Bristol. Dale Earnhardt tracked down Labonte in the final laps as Labonte negotiated lapped traffic. Without any options on the last lap, Earnhardt gave Labonte a small bump.

Labonte swerved out of control, and he mashed the gas to get the car across the line. The car hit the outside wall head-on, but, Labonte crossed the line in first. One of the few times in motorsports history that the race winner was likely sent to the scrap yards.

Will Kyle Larson add to this list? We will find out on May 12th when this scheme hits the track once again.