(Photo Source: Twitter.com/SpireMotorsport)
Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 12, 2024) – Zeigler Auto Group and Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, will serve as co-primary sponsors aboard Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
The unique collaboration pairs Zeigler Auto Group with Gainbridge at the Great American Race, providing both partners the opportunity to showcase their brands at the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) annual season opener.
Hocevar, who will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, signed a multi-year agreement with Spire Motorsports in October to drive the team’s No. 77 entry and will make his first Daytona 500 start.
“It’s a dream come true to have Zeigler Auto Group and Gainbridge on board our No. 77 Chevrolet,” said Hocevar. “Both organizations have shown so much faith in me and that really gives me an added boost of confidence. I’m definitely ready to get the season going. It’s surreal to be able to go to the Daytona 500 with two incredible Midwest companies supporting me. I grew up driving past Zeigler stores near my hometown in Michigan so to be able to carry those colors at Daytona means more than I can really put into words.”
Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and majority of the imported manufacturers. The family-owned and -operated organization has been a regular on the NCS tour since 2019, previously partnering with Spire Motorsports and the No. 77 team for 15 races in 2022.
“Having Carson represent not only Zeigler, but the entire city of Kalamazoo and the state of Michigan, is a huge source of pride for me and our entire team,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “We know he will make us proud on and off the track.”
Gainbridge, a Group 1001 Company, offers an online digital platform, offering trusted financial products simplified for the modern age. The Indianapolis-headquartered organization carries a vast presence across multiple disciplines of motorsports and promotes its suite of services as a multi-year presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500, and a founding partner of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
In addition to Hocevar’s effort, Gainbridge will serve as the primary sponsor on Nick Sanchez’s No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
“The Daytona 500 is one of the most iconic races in the world and Gainbridge is thrilled to support Carson Hocevar as he makes his debut in the Great American Race,” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy & Activation at Group 1001. “It’s been a very busy off-season, and we can’t wait for the 2024 NASCAR season to take the green flag. We’re looking forward to seeing Carson mix it up on the high banks at Daytona and put himself in position to have a great day.”
The 66th running of the Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX, Sunday February 18 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.