The Eagles and Axalta are adding a new promotional wrinkle to their All-Pro Teachers initiative in order to increase the visibility of the program, now in its third year, in the greater Philadelphia region. The Axalta All-Pro Teachers logo will be prominently displayed on Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 88 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on June 11 at Pocono Raceway (Eagles). Earnhardt, a noted Redskins fan, said that he "felt compelled to explain himself to his fans and Redskins Nation" even though the partnership is "for a good cause." He said in a Periscope video, "I’m really sad about that. Being a Redskins fan, it was very hard to wrap my brain around it" (USATODAY.com, 4/5). The Redskins and Eagles also had some light-hearted response on Twitter around the deal (THE DAILY). Earnhardt said of the special paint scheme, "I’m really sad about that. Being a Redskins fan, it was very hard to wrap my brain around it, but what I am happy about is helping them promote the All-Pro Teachers charity, an organization that the Philadelphia Eagles have where they basically acknowledge teachers that put kids first and help their kids excel inside and outside the classroom as well. I hope my Redskins fandom, that I’m a part of, doesn't disown me. HTTR, Hail-To-The-Redskins.” NBCSN’s Kyle Petty said, “I don't know about him in an Eagles car. I think a true Redskins fan would wall that thing on the first lap, just grind that Eagle off the right side. I cannot believe Dale, Jr. in an Eagles car. This is like the world has stopped” (“NASCAR America,” NBCSN, 4/5).
ADDING PERSONALITY: Earnhardt also made an appearance at the South Carolina governor's mansion to promote Darlington Raceway's Cup Series race on Labor Day weekend. He said of the annual throwback theme at the track, "It's so cool in today's world, where approvals and paint schemes and designs are so controlled. ... This is such a fun weekend to break out of that mold and have a little self-expression" (“NASCAR America,” NBCSN, 4/5).
