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Hendrick Motorsports reveals new William Byron 'flames' scheme with Raptor

JHby: Jonathan Howard9 hours agoJondean25

No more weird green color for Raptor Coatings and William Byron on the No. 24 car. Hendrick Motorsports released a new scheme today. The 2026 season will feature a new, but familiar look for Byron.

Raptor is owned by Axalta. Of course, Axalta is what used to be DuPont Coatings, the brand that sponsored Jeff Gordon for years and had so many iconic paint schemes. In the last few years, Axalta has put the Raptor brand on display with the No. 24 car.

This is the Axalta Coca-Cola 600 scheme from earlier this year. However, Raptor has been put on the car, and it will be a primary scheme for 2026, not just a one-off. Honestly, not a bad idea if you ask me. A great-looking car that will pop on the track.

The Axalta and Hendrick Motorsports deal goes through the 2027 season. It remains to be seen if an extension will be worked out in 2026 or in the final year of he agreement. That deal was signed back in 2020. Byron has a contract with Hendrick through 2029.

Hendrick Motorsports has put together quite a list of sponsors for Byron for the next season. Liberty University is back for a handful of races. Valvoline, Z by HP, Cincinnati, Phorm Energy, All-Pro Auto Reconditioning, and Aunduril Industries

Hendrick Motorsports has two-headed monster in Larson, Byron

In the Next Gen era, the winningest drivers are both wearing Hendrick Motorsports on their firesuits. Kyle Larson and William Byron have had as much success as anyone in the Next Gen car. Byron has gone to three straight Championship 4s, and Larson is fresh off a championship this year.

When you look at Byron, he is a future champion. At least, he should be given what he’s accomplished already. 16 wins and 16 pole awards at 28 years old is more than impressive. Yes, he’s been in Hendrick cars his entire Cup Series career. However, the results speak for themself. 14 of Byron’s 16 wins have come in the Next Gen car.

Of course, Byron is also a two-time, back-to-back Daytona 500 winner. It might not carry the same weight in the Next Gen era as it would in the past, but that is an accolade that will stick with him for his entire career and life after racing.

Hendrick Motorsports has four young drivers. They are all winners at the Cup Series level. Two of them are champions of the sport. If you think Hendrick is a dominant organization now, wait until Byron hits his prime as a driver. Traditionally speaking, he has more than a few years to go until he gets there.