Dale Earnhardt Jr. has picked up a new primary sponsorship for 2016, although the brand is hardly new to Hendrick Motorsports.
Axalta, a longtime sponsor of Jeff Gordon‘s No. 24 Chevrolet, will switch its primary support to the No. 88 of Earnhardt Jr. next season with Gordon retiring. The coatings company also expanded its number of races as primary sponsor from 10 to 13, and the deal between the two has been extended to 2018.
“Axalta and Hendrick Motorsports have an incredible story,” Earnhardt Jr. said in a Hendrick release. “For me, it’s meaningful to work with a sponsor that’s been so committed to our sport and has such a rich history in NASCAR. Continuing the partnership is special for all of us, and I’m already excited about what the car will look like. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”
The partnership between Axalta and Hendrick is in its 23rd full season.
“We began a journey 23 years ago with Hendrick Motorsports and a young driver named Jeff Gordon. Eighty poles, 92 wins and four championships later, we are proud of the run we’ve had with Jeff,” said Nigel Budden, Axalta vice president and head of its North America business via a Hendrick release. “Now, we are delighted to continue our relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and to adorn the hood of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevy SS with the Axalta logo in 2016. As our slogan says, ‘We Paint Winners,’ and by joining Dale we will continue to do so for years to come.”
Chase Elliott, the 19-year-old defending NASCAR XFINITY Series champ, will take over Gordon’s car next year.