Philadelphia Eagles and Axalta Racing partner for NASCAR paint scheme
By: Michael Carey
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Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powdered coatings, and the Philadephia Eagles unveiled a brand-new AXALTA/Eagles Camaro ZL1 that will be driven by Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports at the July 29th race at Pocono Raceway.
Since 2015, Axalta and the defending Super Bowl champions have teamed up to honor Axalta All-Pro Teachers, which celebrate outstanding sixth through 12th-grade teachers who focus on education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Axalta is thrilled to be part of this historic moment and debut the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s new color scheme featuring the World Champion Philadephia Eagles colors and the Axalta All-Pro Teachers Logo” said Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver. “The exposure that the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program will receive thanks to Alex Bowman’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will showcase the campaign to a national audience. We thank the Philadephia Eagles, Alex Bowman, and Hendrick Motorsports for their dedicated support of such a worthwhile program.”
The car was unveiled at Axalta’s Global Headquarters in Commerce Square on Market Street. On hand to reveal the car included Axalta Executives, Eagles President Don Smolenski, and former Axalta All-Pro Teacher recipients.
Driver Alex Bowman, who is currently in his first full-time season with the No.88 team is excited to represent the defending champions, and sponsor Axalta.
“It’s pretty cool to have the reigning World Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the All-Pro Teachers logo on my Camaro ZL1 in Pocono in just a few weeks,” said Bowman. “That race weekend is going to be a special one with both of these logos on our No. 88 machine, so we’re hoping for a good finish.”
Last season, former No. 88 driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was expected to drive the first-ever Eagles/Axalta paint scheme at Pocono Raceway in 2017. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell blocked the deal, as it was a violation of an NFL ruling stating that the club marks cannot be used in competing sports. Goodell later issued a personal apologie to AXALTA CEO Charlie Shaver for the dilemma.
Axalta Coating System has been an official partner of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR for decades. Axalta became a corporate sponsor of the Eagles in 2015. Just a year later, the Eagles and Axalta announced the creation of the Axalta Tunnel CLub, a 1,400-square-foot premium lounge space located inside the Eagles tunnel.
“We are proud to partner with an industry leader like Axalta Coating Systems on a campaign that supports STEM curriculum in the Greater Philadephia region,” said Eagles President Don Smolenski. “The Axalta All-Pro Teachers program is now entering its fourth year of recognizing the transformational work that STEM educators are conducting in the classroom. We truly appreciate all of their contributions throughout the school year and look forward to adding 10 more educators to the All-Pro Teachers Family in 2018.
The No. 88 Axalta All-Pro Teachers/Eagles Camaro will hit the track on July 29th at the Pocono Raceway.
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This article was written, researched, shot, and edited by Michael Carey. If you wish to connect with Michael, follow him on Twitter at @MichaeICarey or email him at mcarey@whipradiotu.com .
AXALTA Racing PR, and Hendrick Motorsports PR contributed to this report.
Authors
Michael is an award-winning radio host at WHIP Radio. He has been a staple host on WHIP’s Wake Up Call, and has recently occupied the role of Program Director for the station.
