CONCORD, N.C. -- Eastman Performance Films, LLC, a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), has joined 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as a primary sponsor of driver Alex Bowman and the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in the premier NASCAR Cup Series through 2020. The sponsorship featuring the LLumar® brand of window film and paint protection film was announced today at Eastman’s Elite Dealer Conference in San Diego.
Eastman will be a primary sponsor of Bowman, 24, for one race in 2018 and two races each season in 2019 and 2020. The three-year agreement includes associate sponsorship of the No. 88 team in all non-primary events throughout the Cup Series season. In addition, Hendrick Motorsports will utilize LLumar products on all Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race cars across its entire four-team stable.
“We are pleased to partner with Hendrick Motorsports and everyone involved with Team 88,” said Darrell Reed, Eastman Performance Films’ sales and marketing director. “As a new sponsor, we see tremendous business-to-business potential and countless opportunities to introduce LLumar to millions of fans. The chance to work with a championship organization and a talented young driver like Alex is exciting for our company and our dealers.”
LLumar high-performance films help protect and improve homes, businesses and vehicles around the world. The LLumar portfolio of films includes automotive window tints and paint protection films; commercial and residential architectural window; safety and security; anti-graffiti; and decorative films.
“We’re so proud to welcome Eastman and the LLumar brand to our team and our sport,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “The products they offer are exceptional, and they’ve already identified areas where we can work together to positively impact and grow their business. We look forward to teaming up with them to build a successful program.”
Fresh off winning the pole position for the 60th running of the Daytona 500, Bowman is in his first season driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 full-time for Hendrick Motorsports. The Tucson, Arizona, native is a lifelong auto enthusiast who works on and customizes his personal cars.
“As someone who’s always looking for ways to personalize and protect my own cars, Eastman offers some really cool LLumar products,” Bowman said. “Working with them is a great fit for me, and I know they’ll bring a lot of fresh ideas to the overall partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. The No. 88 team is focused on performing on the track, and it will be fun to have LLumar window film and paint protection film on board with us for that.”
Eastman joins Nationwide (19 races), Axalta Coating Systems (15 races) and Valvoline (two races) as primary sponsors of the No. 88 team in 2018.