William Byron will run a Jeff Gordon-inspired Axalta flame scheme on the No.24 at Phoenix Raceway this weekend, honoring Hendrick Motorsports heritage before Axalta’s 2027 brand refresh.

The livery reprises red flames over yellow and black, a modernized nod to Gordon’s signature look that became synonymous with the No.24 during his peak championship years.

Hendrick says the design strengthens the visual thread between eras while offering sponsors continuity at a venue that reliably spotlights brand identity and driver recognition.

Gordon remains central as team vice chairman. He owns four Cup titles and 93 Hendrick wins, including Phoenix victories in 2007 and 2011 that cemented the flame motif.

Byron carries the number since 2018 and builds an elite résumé. He has 16 wins, including consecutive Daytona 500 triumphs in 2024 and 2025 with Axalta on the car.

The Phoenix scheme references the 2013 Axalta design, reaffirming Gordon’s late-career identity and giving Byron a recognizable link to team history and fan memory.

Axalta plans a corporate rebrand for 2027. Hendrick frames this weekend as the final appearance for the legacy flames before a new visual direction arrives on the 2027 paint scheme.

From a competitive standpoint, the throwback is secondary to execution. Phoenix rewards track position and tire management, areas where Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle habitually convert speed into results.

The timing also supports Hendrick’s broader Chase narrative. Byron’s consistency complements team-mate momentum, with attention split between his campaign and Kyle Larson in the Cup Chase.

For fans, the No.24 retains its symbolism. For the team, the scheme underscores a culture that fuses heritage with performance targets, keeping Byron’s title push aligned with Hendrick’s long-range strategy.

The weekend becomes a live showcase of legacy and execution. If Byron delivers, the flames can be more than nostalgia, reinforcing the No.24’s relevance in the 2026 title fight.

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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.