Axalta Racing Returns to the Track With Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the Wheel

Axalta Coating Systems is excited to make its 2016 motorsports debut as primary sponsor of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet SS team on March 13, 2016 at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The race will air live on FOX at 3:30 p.m. EDT and will mark the first time the new “Solar Flare” paint scheme will be featured on the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet SS driven by Earnhardt.

Earnhardt most recently won at PIR in November, 2015 and earned three career victories there, leading a total of 535 laps. Last season, he made his fifth consecutive appearance in the championship-deciding Chase for the NASCAR® Sprint Cup. Earnhardt is a two-time winner of the prestigious Daytona 500 and was selected as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver a record 13 consecutive times.

“Axalta and Hendrick Motorsports have an incredible story,” Earnhardt said. “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. I appreciate how vibrant looking and beautiful the ‘Solar Flare’ paint scheme is. I think it will stand out on the racetrack really well and be easy to pick out, which is important to the fans. Hopefully, it will be up front. I think we’ve got a lot of good things going on in 2016 and this is definitely one of them – we’ve got a bright, new race car and a dedicated partner in Axalta, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“Axalta and Hendrick Motorsports have a special relationship whose longevity is almost unmatched in motorsports. We are thrilled to partner with them to support the No. 88 team and Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” said William Sturgill, Axalta Racing Director. “We wish Dale the best of luck this weekend as he works to repeat last year’s success in Phoenix. We paint winners.”

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, is in its first sponsorship season of the No. 88 team. Axalta is continuing its longstanding, 24-year partnership with Hendrick Motorsports after a contract extension that expanded its presence and takes one of the longest sponsorships in NASCAR through 2018.

Axalta is also the sponsor of the Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200 NASCAR XFINITY Series race to be held on March 12, 2016.

Axalta Coating Systems PR