MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Zeigler Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned automotive dealer groups in the United States, will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2026.
“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”
Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in 11 Cup Series races in 2026 beginning with the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 88 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
Hocevar, 22, is fresh off a 2025 campaign featuring two top-five and nine top-10 results, including a pair of career-best runner-up finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. The sophomore driver also secured his first-career pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle. The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”
The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie season in 2024, earning top rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. His 686 points accumulated out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage.
The 22-year-old made his Cup Series debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his first appearance in NASCAR’s premier division, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).
