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Axalta switches from Jeff Gordon to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for 2016

Axalta switches from Jeff Gordon to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for 2016

Big sponsor news, as Axalta has announced it will switch its primary sponsorship from Jeff Gordon's 24 to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 88 starting in the 2016 season. Axalta will also increase its sponsorship from 10 races to 13, and will do so through at least the 2018 season.

"Axalta and Hendrick Motorsports have an incredible story," Junior said in a statement. "For me, it's meaningful to work with a sponsor that's been so committed to our sport and has such a rich history in NASCAR. Continuing the partnership is special for all of us, and I'm already excited about what the car will look like. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity."

Axalta has been with Gordon for the last 23 years. Gordon, of course, is retiring at the end of this season. Chase Elliott will be taking over his car, and NAPA will be a primary sponsor for most of the season.

Both Gordon and Earnhardt remain alive in this year's Chase; Earnhardt advanced to the next round on a tiebreaker with Jamie McMurray, while Gordon was slightly ahead of his teammate.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter.

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