Fans are in for a new treat as Hendrick Motorsports recently unveiled William Byron’s #24 car’s new paint scheme for the upcoming 2024 season. The team and its longtime partner Axalta joined hands again to come out with a quirky video, pulling the veils off of its new Axalta & Raptor liveries.

For the first time in a few years, the iconic Axalta flames return along with a new Raptor Tough paint scheme. While the team and its partner were stoked to reveal their new shades, fans were pretty divided with many disliking the supposedly bland theme while others welcomed the return of the “red flames” wholeheartedly.

So what is causing all the smoke? Let us find out.

The flames return to the #24- William Byron and his new livery

HMS and Axalta Coating Systems have a long history together, with each organization backing the other’s business through the years. Since their partnership began in 1992 with sponsoring the HMS driver-turned-vice chairman Jeff Gordon, Axalta has remained on HMS’ side for more than 3 decades and continues to do so with the team’s current sensation, William Byron.

On Monday, the team unveiled its new livery as the iconic flames made a comeback to the #24 car. The team revealed a pair of paint schemes exclusive to each of its partners – one adorned with a yellow base shade and the other coming with a white base coat. Besides sponsoring Gordon, Axalta has been a proud sponsor of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

While the Axalta paint scheme was pretty much eye candy with red flames covering the front of the car along with the iconic Axalta branding on the hood over a white base coat, the RaptorTough scheme had two shades – yellow and black.

The team and its sponsors were clearly excited to present the new paint schemes as they took to Instagram to drop a fun video which saw Byron and his #24 team members including his crew chief Rudy Fugle solve a puzzle to unveil the schemes.

WATCH THIS STORY: William Byron’s pit crew members pinpoint the significance of synchronization within the team 

However, despite the crew’s excitement, the NASCAR community was pretty much divided on the new designs with many fans claiming that the schemes were disappointing and missed the spot.

Byron’s 2024 Axalta, RaptorTough themes cause a major rift in the community

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Now, arguments and fan debates have always been there in the community. While his teammate, Chase Elliott‘s new NAPA-themed #9 car broke the internet, becoming a sensation, Byron’s Axalta, Raptor-themed equipment went on to divide the fandom, essentially splitting them into two.

Some were actually thrilled to see the good old flames return to the #24 car whereas others deemed the Raptor theme too bland and monotonous. With the team and its sponsor sharing the short clip on the social media, netizens were quick to note their opinions in the comments section.

While most fans were all in on the Axalta theme, one fan did not have any of it, as he noted down his displeasure: “The new raptor car looks good but the new axalta car just feels lazy like just plain white with some red flames. That’s the best you could come up with? Little disappointing.”

Taking a jibe at HMS for their schemes, one fan wrote, “love Hendrick Motorsports but they sure do put out some crappy schemes. There are a few this year that are decent but these aren’t it.”

While another user noted, “That Axalta is the best one out of all the Hendrick schemes this year for me.” 

One fan even expressed his displeasure at being let down, writing, “Oh no. I had the highest of hopes for these schemes and they both missed hard.”

However, on the other side of the spectrum, one fan appeared stoked to see the flames returning to the HMS car and commented, “THOSE PAINT SCHEMES ARE SICK!!!! The flames are back!!” 

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What do you think about the new themes? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.