S.I. Yachts, a distinguished dealer representing both Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks, has secured Daytona NASCAR Cup Series sponsorship for Casey Mears in the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400. Set for August 23 at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, the partnership boosts Mears’ pursuit of his 500th NASCAR Cup Series start, a milestone just 10 races away, while putting the spotlight on several key figures in NASCAR racing.
Mears Teams Up with Garage 66 and S.I. Yachts for Daytona Run
Returning to Garage 66—the team he partnered with earlier in the season at Martinsville Speedway—Mears will take the wheel of the No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang Dark Horse for this high-profile race at the “World Center of Racing.” Garage 66 is a collaboration between Mears and veteran NASCAR team owner Carl Long, bringing together deep racing experience and longstanding relationships to this Daytona outing.
Deep Roots: The Germain Family’s Ongoing NASCAR Legacy
S.I. Yachts, under the Germain Motor Company banner, continues its involvement in the racing world, with a connection that stretches back years. Casey Mears once piloted the No. 13 for Germain Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2010 to 2016. The bond between the Germain family and Mears remains strong, making their latest collaboration both sentimental and familiar for all involved. The team also pays tribute to Bill Healey, a co-founder of Viking Yachts, by including a commemorative feature for him on the car’s C-post following his recent passing at 97.
“We’re excited to support Casey as he aims to surpass the 500-start milestone, and we’re thrilled to reconnect with him in NASCAR,”
—Zach Germain, CEO of S.I. Yachts
“Casey is a person of high character who aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality, premium boats along with top-tier customer service. We’re dedicated to helping people create memories on the water, and we’re excited to help Casey make memories on the track.”
—Zach Germain, CEO of S.I. Yachts
“I got my enthusiasm for fishing and boating from my Uncle Bob Germain, and it’s an honor to be a Viking and Valhalla dealer because of our shared passion and the memories we’ve created over the years.”
—Zach Germain, CEO of S.I. Yachts
Acrisure Joins as Associate Sponsor for Daytona
Well-known fintech organization Acrisure, which supported Mears at Martinsville, will again serve as a significant associate sponsor at Daytona. The Acrisure logo will be prominently displayed on the No. 66 Ford Mustang as the company continues its commitment to Mears on his quest for the 500-start club. With a reputation for business and insurance solutions spanning nearly 3,000 automotive dealer clients nationwide, Acrisure is reinforcing its connection to top-tier performance within and beyond motorsports.
“We’re happy to again partner with Casey, a driver who excels on and off the racetrack, complementing Acrisure’s culture of execution and elite performance,”
—Vernon Leake, CEO of Acrisure Protection Group
“Daytona International Speedway is a legendary motorsports venue and bucket list race for most, so we’re excited to have Acrisure on board with Casey and support him as he continues his pursuit of such a worthy accomplishment.”
—Vernon Leake, CEO of Acrisure Protection Group
Mears’ Daytona Stats and Racing Reputation
Casey Mears, a Bakersfield, CA native, has consistently demonstrated skill and endurance at Daytona International Speedway, completing 4,234 of 4,528 laps—a 93.5% lap completion rate—over his career at the challenging 2.5-mile superspeedway. Recognized as one of the elite restrictor-plate racers, Mears holds an impressive record of top-five and top-ten finishes at Daytona, solidifying his place among the sport’s most respected competitors.
Of the thousands who have competed in NASCAR’s premier division, only 47 have achieved 500 career Cup Series starts. The exclusive active drivers in this club are Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell. Mears now edges closer to joining this distinguished group.
Mears Reflects on the Opportunity and Key Relationships
Casey Mears has expressed gratitude for the renewed support from S.I. Yachts and Acrisure and highlighted the special nature of returning to Daytona in partnership with both the Germain family and team owner Carl Long. Mears also emphasized the significance of collaborating with familiar faces and sponsors as he continues his driving career.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to one of my favorite tracks, and I’m grateful to S.I. Yachts and Acrisure for their support, and to Carl Long for putting me in his car,”
—Casey Mears, NASCAR Driver
“My relationship with Bob Germain and the Germain family is special to me, so it’s only appropriate for us to return to Daytona, a track where we’ve had a lot of success together and share many special memories. I’m also appreciative of Acrisure’s continued partnership. I’ve enjoyed the relationship we’ve built, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
—Casey Mears, NASCAR Driver
Carl Long and Garage 66 Express Confidence for Daytona
Carl Long, a seasoned NASCAR figure, is leading Garage 66 in this partnership, emphasizing the steps taken to ensure a competitive effort for Mears at Daytona. The team has secured top-tier equipment, including a Roush Yates engine and a reliable pit crew, and values the historical support of the Germain family and sponsors involved.
“I’m glad we could put this partnership together, and we’re excited to have Casey in our car at Daytona,”
—Carl Long, Garage 66 Co-Owner
“We secured a Roush Yates engine and a quality pit crew, so we’re looking forward to hitting the track. We appreciate the support of S.I. Yachts and Acrisure, and it means a lot to have the Germain family’s backing. The Germain family has a storied history in NASCAR, with two NASCAR Truck Series Championships and a Cup Series team that spanned 12 years, so I’m honored to have them on board with us this weekend.”
—Carl Long, Garage 66 Co-Owner
Implications for Mears and the Cup Series
As Mears prepares for one of the most important races of his career, strong sponsorship from S.I. Yachts and Acrisure underscores the lasting partnerships driving NASCAR forward. Mears’ impending milestone highlights both his durability and the community spirit fostered by long-standing figures like Bob Germain, Carl Long, and their respective organizations. Fans and industry leaders will be monitoring Mears’ run at Daytona, eager to see if this weekend brings him a step closer to joining the exclusive 500-start club.
