Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has a strong allegiance to the Washington NFL franchise, will not have to carry the Philadelphia Eagles logo and colors on his No. 88 car next week at Pocono Raceway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Philadelphia Eagles paint scheme nixed by NFL
The NFL doesn’t allow its teams to use its logos to promote other sports.
Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images
NFL rules prohibit teams from using its insignia and logos in marketing campaigns in the promotion or presentation of other sports. Earnhardt was to drive a Philadelphia Eagles paint scheme in the June 11 Pocono race as part of an “All-Pro Teachers” charity program supported by Axalta, one of Earnhardt’s primary sponsors. The program recognizes teachers in the tri-state area around Philadelphia, roughly 95 miles from the NASCAR track.
Earnhardt’s No. 88 Chevrolet will instead utilize its traditional bright orange-and-yellow Axalta paint scheme.
“Having been reminded of the NFL’s policy, we understand and respect their point of view,” the Philadelphia Eagles said in a statement. “While we are disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to increase the visibility of the Axalta All-Pro Teachers program through the Pocono 400 this year, we remain committed to supporting STEM curriculum and the educators who inspire our youth through our relationship with Axalta.”
As a diehard fan of the Washington NFL team, Earnhardt has admitted that having an Eagles paint scheme was initially difficult to accept — he even tried unsuccessfully to lobby team owner Rick Hendrick so he wouldn’t have to — but was looking forward to publicly supporting the All-Pro Teachers program.
“It’s really just unfortunate for Axalta, a good crossover promotion,” Earnhardt said. “That would be pretty cool even though, obviously, we joked around being Redskins fan and all that.
“But, it was going to be a pretty fun promotion and we are still going to try to maximize what opportunity we can with it.”
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