Axalta To Switch NASCAR Sponsorship From Gordon To Earnhardt Jr.

Axalta next year will switch its primary NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sponsorship to the No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt Jr. following Jeff Gordon's retirement. The Philadelphia-based coating company will announce the news later this morning alongside Hendrick Motorsports, though the decision was made a few months ago. Axalta has decided to extend its deal that was set to end in '16 to now '18, and it has upped its primary paint scheme total from 10 to 13.

Throughout the '15 season, there had been speculation as to whether Axalta would stay with the No. 24 when Chase Elliott picks up the baton next year or switch to another driver in Hendrick's four-car stable.