Zeigler Auto Group and Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, will serve as co-primary sponsors of NASCAR Cup Series rookie Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro in the 2024 Daytona 500, Spire Motorsports officially announced on Monday.
Hocevar, a standout in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, signed a multi-year contract with Spire Motorsports in October, which will see the Portage, Michigan-native serve as the driver of the No. 77 in 2024, and beyond.
"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 a long-time supporter of the NASCAR Cup Series, including a previous relationship with Spire Motorsports and then-driver Josh Bilicki in 2022, to sponsor the No. 77 Chevrolet.
The company is one of the largest privately owned dealer groups in the United States with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The family-owned and operated organization has been a regular on the NASCAR circuit since 2019.
“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.”
In 2024, Zeigler Automotive Group is set to sponsor Hocevar and Spire Motorsports in a total of nine NASCAR Cup Series events -- including co-primary sponsorships at Daytona and Michigan (August).
Gainbridge is a company offering an online digital platform with trusted financial products simplified for the modern age. With headquarters located in Indianapolis, the organization carries a major presence in motorsports, which includes a multi-year pressing sponsorship of the Indianapolis 500, as well as sponsorship of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix.
In addition to backing Hocevar in the Daytona 500, Gainbridge will also sponsor Nick Sanchez in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as he begins his second full-time campaign in the No. 2 REV Racing Chevrolet Silverado.
“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 a position to have a great day.”
Hocevar will compete in his first-ever Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 18, driving the No. 77 Gainbridge / Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports.
Photo Credit: Spire Motorsports
