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Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron is set to feature a classic Jeff Gordon-inspired Axalta paint scheme for the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway. This special livery will showcase the iconic red flames on a yellow and black backdrop, paying tribute to the legendary No. 24 car driven by Gordon. This event is particularly significant as it marks the final appearance of Axalta's branding before the company undergoes a complete rebranding and introduces a new corporate identity in 2027. Fans are eagerly anticipating further announcements from Hendrick Motorsports regarding the future paint scheme under the new company name.

Jeff Gordon, a revered figure in NASCAR, currently serves as the Vice Chairman at Hendrick Motorsports. He holds the impressive record as the team's most successful driver, boasting 93 career victories, placing him third on the all-time wins list. Gordon's remarkable career includes four championship titles won in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001. He concluded his full-time racing career at a high point, finishing third in the 2015 standings, solidifying his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

A Tribute to Racing Heritage: Byron's Special Livery

William Byron will pilot a unique throwback paint scheme at Phoenix Raceway, featuring the classic red flames on a yellow and black design, reminiscent of Jeff Gordon's iconic No. 24 Axalta car. This gesture honors Gordon's immense contributions to Hendrick Motorsports and the sport as a whole. The event also holds a bittersweet note, as it will be the last time Axalta sponsors the car before its corporate rebrand in 2027, with the team hinting at an exciting new identity to be unveiled. Byron, who has driven the No. 24 since 2018, has already made his mark with 16 victories, including back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 2024 and 2025, both with Axalta as a sponsor.

This particular throwback design for Phoenix is a direct nod to Gordon's 2013 Axalta paint scheme. Gordon, known for his prowess on the track, secured two victories at Phoenix Raceway during his career, in 2007 and 2011. The decision to revive this classic look allows fans to connect with a rich history of success and excellence associated with the No. 24 car. Byron's adoption of this legendary scheme not only celebrates Gordon's legacy but also continues the tradition of the No. 24 car being at the forefront of NASCAR competition, blending past glory with future aspirations.

Jeff Gordon's Enduring Legacy and Future of No. 24

Jeff Gordon remains an influential figure in NASCAR, currently holding the position of Vice Chairman at Hendrick Motorsports. His unparalleled success includes 93 victories, making him the winningest driver in the team's history and placing him third overall in career wins. Gordon's four championship titles (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001) underscore his dominance during his era. Even as he transitioned out of full-time racing, his impact was evident with a third-place finish in the 2015 standings, showcasing his enduring talent and competitive spirit.

William Byron, who took over the No. 24 car in 2018, has successfully continued the winning tradition, clinching 16 victories, including prestigious back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 2024 and 2025. These victories, achieved with Axalta sponsorship, further solidify the legacy of the No. 24 car. The upcoming Phoenix race, with its special throwback livery, symbolizes a passing of the torch, connecting generations of racing excellence. As Axalta prepares for its rebrand in 2027, the anticipation builds for how the iconic No. 24 car will evolve, carrying forward a rich heritage of speed and success into a new era of racing.

The 2026 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix was not just a spectacle of speed and engineering, but also a dazzling display of horological extravagance. The watches on display spanned an incredible spectrum, from a $400 Swatch to a bespoke Richard Mille valued at an estimated $430,000, a timepiece so exclusive it's not available for general purchase. This remarkable range, encompassing a three-order-of-magnitude difference in price, was all present within the paddock over a single weekend. For those curious about the most coveted timepieces sported by drivers, team leaders, and distinguished guests at this prestigious event, a detailed overview follows, cataloging these watches from the most accessible to the most extraordinarily priced.

The pricing details provided offer a glimpse into the world of luxury watch valuation. Figures presented as exact amounts represent the retail price at authorized dealers. Price ranges, conversely, indicate the typical asking prices from secondary market vendors for models that are no longer in production and thus unavailable through official channels. It's important to note that these are asking prices, not confirmed transaction values. Furthermore, two specific entries, those for Norris and Leclerc, are marked with an asterisk because their watches are not sold to the public but are exclusive gifts, making their valuations approximate. The figure for Leclerc's watch, for instance, reflects the entry-level resale price of a standard RM 67-02 model.

The watch choices among Formula 1 personnel and attendees at the Singapore Grand Prix underscored a fascinating blend of brand partnerships, personal taste, and sheer opulence. While team sponsorships often provide drivers with high-end timepieces that are still within a more conventional luxury price bracket, the personal collections and secondary market acquisitions of others push into the realm of ultra-luxury, where prices can easily rival those of homes or exotic cars. The presence of a $9,200 IWC on the wrist of a championship contender might seem understated when juxtaposed with a six-figure Richard Mille, yet all these timepieces, in their own right, represent a significant investment and a statement of status, often far exceeding the reach of the average enthusiast.

The Singapore Grand Prix served as a vibrant showcase of the intricate relationship between high-performance motorsport and the world of luxury timepieces. Beyond the thrill of the race, the event highlighted how personal style and brand affiliations converge, creating a unique cultural tapestry where precision engineering meets exquisite craftsmanship. This convergence not only elevates the spectacle of Formula 1 but also inspires a broader appreciation for excellence and aspiration, reminding us that the pursuit of perfection extends far beyond the racetrack.