Is NASCAR's approval necessary for all car decals? JGR team president clarifies

In a recent video, the president of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) talked about how NASCAR approves car decals. According to NASCAR rules, teams can create their car designs in approved areas and submit them for approval.

However, every car must have its number displayed on both doors and the roof. NASCAR reviews the decals to make sure nothing blocks a spotter’s view of the car.

JGR president Dave Alpern answered a fan question about decals needing approval from NASCAR, saying:

"We send the paint scheme to NASCAR for them to sign off on, and what they're really looking for, particularly, is the roof number, which is how the spotter identifies the car. It's a safety issue; they want to make sure that nothing impedes the vision of the spotter with the car."

There are also rules about where decals can be placed to avoid confusion during races. Numbers and sponsor logos cannot be placed on the headlights and taillights.

"There are certain places on the car where we're restricted to keep our decals. Obviously, they want to check to make sure there's nothing that they would deem offensive or in the category of things that aren't allowed to go on a car," he added.

Another rule states that both sides of the car should have the same color pattern but the front and back can be different colors. This rule helps prevent confusion for spotters and officials.

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JGR announces full-time driver in NASCAR Xfinity Series for next season

Joe Gibbs Racing recently announced an addition to its Xfinity Series roster for the 2025 season.

William Sawalich, who won the ARCA Menards Series East championships in two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), will move up to the Xfinity Series. He has won 18 out of 39 races in ARCA and recently got his first pole position in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

The 18-year-old will make his Xfinity Series debut at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway this Sunday. Steve de Souza, the Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Development at JGR praised Sawalich in a statement.

"We are thrilled to announce William's promotion to the next stage of his racing career with us. His outstanding record of victories and development over the past two years shows he’s ready for the Xfinity Series. We’re confident he’ll remain a strong contender for wins as he takes on this new challenge in 2025," Souza said (via SI).

Sawalich will drive the No. 18 Starkey Toyota GR Supra with sponsorship from Starkey/SoundGear. The Minnesota native will join teammates Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray.