Carson Hocevar NASCAR sponsorship 2026 has just received a major boost as Zeigler Automotive Group will serve as the primary sponsor for Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at Spire Motorsports across 11 races during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. The announcement marks yet another milestone for the Michigan native, who was named the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year.
Zeigler Automotive Group Deepens Its NASCAR Commitment
Zeigler Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the United States, is set to return to Spire Motorsports, reinforcing its long-standing involvement in NASCAR. The company, which has been active in the Cup Series since 2019, operates 88 franchises at 41 sites in states like Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Zeigler name, along with Zeigler.com, will be prominently displayed on Hocevar’s vehicle in 11 events, beginning with the 2026 season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The partnership has been described by Zeigler executives as a means of supporting both the sport’s future and an emerging star.
“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.”
– Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing
A Look at the 2026 Cup Series Race Schedule for Hocevar
The striking yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will cover Hocevar’s car at the following NASCAR Cup Series events in 2026:
1. Bowman Gray Stadium – February 1
2. Michigan International Speedway – June 7
3. Pocono Raceway – June 14
4. Chicagoland Speedway – July 5
5. Atlanta Motor Speedway – July 12
6. Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 26
7. Iowa Speedway – August 9
8. Richmond Raceway – August 15
9. Bristol Motor Speedway – September 19
10. Kansas Speedway – September 27
11. Martinsville Speedway – November 1
Strong Racing Roots and Recent Achievements
Hocevar’s connection to Zeigler Automotive Group runs deep, given his upbringing in Portage, Michigan, close to the company’s headquarters in Kalamazoo. The continued partnership comes after a highly successful 2025 campaign for Hocevar, which yielded two top-five and nine top-10 finishes, including runner-up spots at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway. He also clinched his first pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. In the 2024 season, Hocevar’s standout performances included one top-five, six top-10, and thirteen top-15 results, earning him top rookie honors by a 107-point margin over the nearest competitor.
Reflecting on the partnership, Hocevar expressed enthusiasm and gratitude:
“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.”
– Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Hocevar’s Rapid Ascent in NASCAR
Hocevar, now 22 years old, debuted in the Cup Series for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his efforts in the Cup Series, he competed in four NASCAR Xfinity Series events for Spire Motorsports in 2023, achieving top-10 placements at both Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Throughout his rookie year, he stood out as a formidable competitor, especially at tracks like Martinsville Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Season Launch at Bowman Gray Stadium and Broadcast Details
The 2026 NASCAR season will kick off with the annual Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where Hocevar and the Zeigler-backed No. 77 Chevy will make their first appearance of the year under their new sponsorship. The pre-season exhibition race will air live on FOX on Sunday, February 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern, with additional coverage provided by Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
As Zeigler Automotive Group and Spire Motorsports deepen their alliance, Carson Hocevar’s growing stature in the NASCAR Cup Series is expected to draw even greater attention. The sponsorship not only highlights Zeigler Automotive Group’s investment in future talent, but also sets the stage for what could be a pivotal year in Hocevar’s young career, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s most promising drivers.
