Hendrick Motorsports announced that the Army National Guard will continue to serve as sponsor of the team’s No. 88 Sprint Cup Chevy and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr through the 2013 season.

The National Guard will appear as primary sponsor for 20 Sprint Cup races next season, and will appear as an associate sponsor for the remaining races.

Team owner Rick Hendrick said:

It’s an honor to be associated with the National Guard and its Citizen Soldiers. Like many of the world’s most innovative marketers and leading brands, the Guard sees the opportunities that our sport presents, and they have built a strong effort around it. As we go into 2013 together, we’ll continue to focus on the performance of the program both on and off the racetrack.

Earnhardt Jr added:

Working with the Guard has been incredible. On a weekly basis, we’re interacting with people considering a life-changing decision (to enlist) or who are already serving our country. Their sacrifices are difficult to comprehend, and we feel a lot of pride representing them and seeing first-hand how passionate they are about NASCAR and our team.

Additional sponsorship for the No. 88 next season will be announced at a later date.