Exclusive: Kurt Busch’s Darlington throwback scheme revealed

Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kurt Busch played a starring role in one of the most memorable finishes in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history — and certainly the closest.

This season marks 15 years since Busch and Ricky Craven battled door-to-door, to and through the start/finish line in a frenetic set of final laps at Darlington Raceway.

When Busch heads back to Darlington in 2018, it will be with a car that honors that piece of NASCAR history.

Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing and NASCAR Digital revealed the driver’s No. 41 Ford paint scheme for the annual Labor Day weekend. It’s the first unveil of the throwback season, a sharp black, red and gray Haas Automation CNC scheme that closely resembles Busch’s No. 97 Rubbermaid car.

RELATED: Craven, Busch face to face

Stewart-Haas has a history of producing well-loved paint schemes at Darlington, which for the fourth year running will host a throwback-themed weekend for the Southern 500.

Last year, in a vote made up of fans and members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Danica Patrick’s No. 10 Ford was named the best throwback paint scheme in her blue-and-white look that honored Robert Yates.

In 2016, Tony Stewart won the vote for best in show while driving a classic Coca-Cola, Bobby-Allison inspired look.

Busch’s Darlington reveal comes as NASCAR Digital looks back at the historic 2003 Darlington race with articles, videos and photos from that slice of NASCAR history.

MORE: Busch’s 2018 Darlington scheme from every angle