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Nationwide ending sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports after this season

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400

BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN - JUNE 10: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 10, 2019 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

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Nationwide Insurance will end its sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports after this season, the team has confirmed.

Nationwide is a primary sponsor of Alex Bowman’s No. 88 Chevrolet and has been a sponsor of Hendrick since 2014 when it sponsored Dale Earnhardt Jr. in September at Richmond. Nationwide became a regular primary sponsor in 2015.

The move by Nationwide was first reported by Sports Business Journal.

Nationwide said in a statement that the decision is a result of “adjusting our marketing resources to ensure that we are aligning to ... new business priorities.”

Bowman is in his second full-time season in the No. 88. He is 10th in the standings and has three top fives this year, all runner-up finishes. Nationwide has been the primary sponsor on Bowman’s car for 10 of the first 15 races this season.

Owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement that Nationwide’s departure will not impact Bowman’s place with the team and that he is a “big part of our future.” Bowman is signed with the team through 2020.

Rick Hendrick statement
“We understand the changing dynamics of business, and we’re grateful to the entire team at Nationwide for their wonderful partnership over the past five years. Whether it’s been winning races, competing in the NASCAR playoffs or our recent on-track performance, we have accomplished so much together. Off the track, we have been just as successful, from collaborating on national advertising campaigns to supporting the important mission of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It has been a pleasure to work with all of their people and to help drive Nationwide’s business forward.

“Alex (Bowman) is having a breakout season and showing the world just how talented he is. He’s signed through next year (2020) and will be a big part of our future. The momentum we’re building as a sport is due in large part to NASCAR’s leadership and a unique combination of emerging personalities like Alex, established stars and the exciting shows our racing is putting on. There’s tremendous confidence in the product we have to offer our fans and partners.”

Alex Bowman statement

“I owe a lot to Nationwide. They wanted me as their driver and have supported me from the beginning, which I can’t thank them enough for. I’m proud to represent them and have a lot of appreciation for all the awesome people I’ve met and worked with. I couldn’t be more positive about my No. 88 team and what the future holds for us this year and beyond. I know we’re just scratching the surface, and I’m pumped for what’s ahead. We appreciate the role Nationwide has played in our success.”

Nationwide Insurance statement

“Since 2015, Nationwide has had the pleasure of being the primary sponsor of the No. 88 team — first with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the driver and then with Alex Bowman. In that time, the platform has played a valuable role in building the Nationwide brand, sharing with NASCAR fans our noble purpose of protecting what matters most to our members and raising money and awareness for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“As Nationwide’s business needs evolve, we are adjusting our marketing resources to ensure that we are aligning to those new business priorities.

“With that in mind, we have informed Hendrick Motorsports of our decision to step away from our sponsorship of the 88 team at the end of the year. We have not made this decision lightly, given our 20-plus year involvement in NASCAR and our deep appreciation for Rick Hendrick, Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, and the millions of NASCAR fans we have engaged with over the years.

“Nationwide will continue to leverage our sponsorship for the rest of 2019 and have many special activations planned. In 2020, we will host partners at select NASCAR races and continue our relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“We thank Mr. Hendrick for a wonderful five years and wish him and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization the very best in their future endeavors.”