Axalta to back NASCAR Xfinity rookie Byron in 2017

Axalta, a long-time Hendrick and JR Motorsports supporter, is expanding its support to include primary sponsorship for the No. 9 Chevy and Byron in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series in 15 races for this season and next. The relationship with JRM dates back to 2008.

Axalta makes it debut with Byron on March 18 at Phoenix International Raceway.

“Axalta is one of the longest-standing partners we have at JR Motorsports,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “They’ve been strong supporters of our programs on multiple levels, and are always proactively looking at ways to maximize their involvement. I’m proud to see them on board with William for the next two years.”

Byron, 19, won the K&N Pro Series East title in 2015 — while he was still in high school. The Charlotte, N.C. native had a breakout season in the Camping World Truck Series last year where he scored seven wins, 11 top fives and 16 top 10s. At Bristol Motor Speedway last August, Hendrick Motorsports announced a multi-year deal with Byron.

Although he failed to make the championship round of the inaugural truck playoff, Byron came back at Homestead-Miami Speedway to win from the pole. Byron’s looking forward to the partnership with Axalta.

“Even as a young fan, I can remember Axalta being involved in our sport,” said Byron, who made his NXS debut Saturday at Daytona International Speedway with a ninth-place finish. “Now to be part of their program as a driver means a lot. Charlie Shaver [Axalta Chairman and CEO] believes in our team at JR Motorsports and at Hendrick Motorsports, and that support matters so much to me. Having Axalta with us is going to be a huge part of our program. I can’t wait to get the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro to Victory Lane this season.”

Axalta’s partnership started with HMS in1992 and evolved into a business-to-business relationship with Hendrick Automotive Group.

“Throughout the course of our relationship with racing, we have looked for ways not only to be a sponsor but also to be a partner of our drivers,” said Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO. “We are very excited to work with William, a younger driver who has already earned terrific credentials with seven wins as a rookie. William epitomizes the ways in which new drivers can tap into the innovation and technology that are cornerstones of both motorsports and our coatings business. We’re looking forward to this next step in our continued relationship with JR Motorsports.”