Hendrick Motorsports Unveils 2018 Primary Colors for All Four Teams

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer

For the first time in the teams’ history, Hendrick Motorsports unveiled the primary colors for all four of the organization’s drivers on the same night. Previously, Hendrick has waited until after the season finale to start unveiling paint schemes for the next season.

Helping unveil the cars were drivers Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, and William Byron. Also in attendance were Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick.

Hendrick was asked about whether it was superstition that has kept him from unveiling prior to the end of the season in the past.

“No. No. I think we still have a lot of work to do,” Hendrick said. “We have got to focus on this year. But, we need to get these cars out there, let the diecast people (Lionel Racing) have it, the sponsors need to start taking pictures and getting ready for next year. I’m just super excited to see them for the first time tonight.”

Hendrick then started breaking the paint schemes down one by one.

“I think it’s really neat to pay tribute to the Elliott family,” he added. “It’s something that Chase (Elliott) wants. I saw William (Byron)’s face when he saw the flames come out. That’s almost like a tribute to Jeff (Gordon). And then Alex did such a great job in the 88. He said his idol was Tim Richmond, so that means you have got to stand on the gas. Lowe’s is pushing that Pro series, so I was totally shocked to see the dark, black car, but I love it with the neon numbers and all.”

Bowman will drive a blue and white No. 88 Nationwide Camaro ZL1 that he helped design.

Seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Johnson will sport a new black and yellow Lowe’s For Pro paint scheme on his No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

2018 Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Byron’s No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 pays homage to Jeff Gordon, including the flames that Gordon’s paint schemes were known for.

Meanwhile Elliott will carry a blue and white NAPA Auto Parts paint scheme on his Camaro ZL1 as he returns to the No. 9, a number that his Hall of Fame father, Bill Elliott made famous.

(Photos: Seth Eggert/Motorsports Tribune)