Team Penske graphic designer Jordan Erickson hard at work.Įrickson says there is not a specific playbook for the process of designing a paint scheme.
As part of building long-lasting relationships with those important partners, Cross has the responsibility of balancing not only the sponsor’s brand and identity on a race car, but also working to highlight a partner’s cause, initiative or services in special “one-off” paint schemes.
The New Hampshire native manages the team’s partnerships with Shell-Pennzoil, Autotrader, AAA, Advance Auto Parts, Penske Truck Leasing, Dent Wizard and Paralyzed Veterans of America, among others. Greg Cross is a 10-year veteran of Team Penske. In the quest for the Penske perfect paint scheme, Team Penske’s longest-serving account manager and the team’s graphic designer guide us through the process of creating a NASCAR and INDYCAR masterpiece. As Team Penske works to create the perfectly-designed scheme for its cars, each livery decision passes through multiple channels to not only provide premier partner exposure, but also provide value in licensing, merchandising and point-of-sale opportunities. The quest to create the perfect paint scheme for a race car can be just as involved and detailed as finding the right shock and aero configuration. "Penske Material" provides an inside look at some of the personalities, stories and moments that make Team Penske so unique.