Nationwide, Axalta Sticking With Bowman In No. 88 Car In '18

Hendrick Motorsports named Alex Bowman as the driver of its No. 88 car for ‘18, “taking over” for Dale Earnhardt Jr. “after he retires from full-time NASCAR Cup racing.” Bowman will “have sponsorship from former Earnhardt sponsors Nationwide (19 races) and Axalta (15 races) for the bulk of the season.” Nationwide's extension “is a one-year deal, while Axalta has a long-running partnership with Hendrick.” The one-year deal is “significant in that Hendrick was able to keep Nationwide -- known for its high-profile athletes and celebrity spokesmen -- while going with a driver with limited experience.” Nationwide “cut its number of races by two, while Axalta added two” (ESPN.com, 7/20).