Did you know? The formal name for "car racing stripes" originated on Briggs Cunningham's race cars. The classic design features two blue stripes on a white body, a look that became iconic in the 1950s and 1960s.
Originally called "go-faster stripes" due to their prevalence on competition vehicles—like the Saab 96—many believed they actually improved speed. The style regained popularity with the Dodge Viper, leading some to dub them "Viper stripes."
But why do cars have them? Is it purely for aesthetics? Or to signify championship wins? Neither!
Legend has it that these stripes served a critical safety function in motorsports:
When a car spun out (lost control), the bold auto vinyl stripes helped drivers quickly identify the vehicle’s orientation on track.
The offset stripe variation (asymmetric design) indicated the driver’s seating position, allowing track crews to safely extract them from the correct side after crashes.
So while car vinyl stripe undeniably enhance a car’s aggressive look, their roots lie in practical track survival. That’s why every AMG race car proudly wears them—combining style with track-proven utility.
Fun Fact: The term "go-faster stripes" is still used humorously today to describe any decal meant to imply speed!
How much do racing stripes cost? The cost of automotive racing stripes ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending on: Material type: Standard vinyl vs. specialty finishes (metallic, carbon fiber, reflective, etc.).
Racing stripes were applied to cars so the driver could watch for things flexing. Whether it was the hood or something caused by the frame. They were originally placed only were the driver could see them.