On Wednesday Axalta and the Philadelphia Eagles unveiled the paint scheme for Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Pocono 400 car.
.@Axalta and @Eagles announce the 2017 Axalta #AllProTeachers paint scheme for the No. 88 Chevrolet SS at the #Pocono400 #Axalta88 pic.twitter.com/onkVxUrEQZ
— Axalta (@Axalta) April 5, 2017
The car is a product of the All-Pro Teachers program that Axalta and the Eagles team up for. The partnership between the two organizations was announced in 2015 for five years and continues to benefit schools in the area. The program recognizes 6th through 12th grade teachers for their accomplishments and contributions to the tri-state area community and students. The partnership selects ten teachers each year, rewarding each with a $1,000 grant to his or her school to develop programs and resources. Among the ten candidates, one is chosen to receive a prize package, highlighted by an additional $10,000 grant and pep rally.
Axalta, a paint marketing and distribution company, has had a long standing partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, who owns the No. 88 car and became the vehicle’s primary sponsor in 2016. Earnhardt, Nascar’s most popular driver, has been the primary pilot of the vehicle since 2008.
The ironic twist here however, is that Earnhardt is a fan of the Eagle’s division rival in Washington. After an offseason in which the team has had an ugly feud with its’ former general manager and watched some of its’ best talent walk out the door, losing your most notable fan for a weekend only adds insult to injury. Earnhardt took to Twitter to appeal to Washington fans and ask for their forgiveness.
@Eagles @Axalta @Redskins pic.twitter.com/zu5S3K32Wt
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 5, 2017
I'm driving a Philly Eagles paint scheme. #AllProTeachers https://t.co/uPqVVy0I9Z
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 5, 2017
Eagles fans can get an up close look at the vehicle when the Pocono 400 takes place on Jun. 1.