Casey Mears Teams Up with S.I. Yachts for Daytona NASCAR Cup Series as Milestone Nears

S.I. Yachts, a leading dealer for Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks, has announced its sponsorship of Casey Mears for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 23. As Mears approaches the significant milestone of 500 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/nascar/cup-series/”>NASCAR Cup Series starts, S.I. Yachts is enthusiastic about supporting him in this important phase of his racing career.

Mears Partners with Garage 66 and NASCAR Veteran Carl Long

Casey Mears will compete at Daytona behind the wheel of the No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang Dark Horse, reuniting with Garage 66, the team he raced with earlier this year at Martinsville Speedway. Garage 66 is co-owned by Carl Long, a respected figure in NASCAR with nearly 30 years in the sport, who expressed excitement about the partnership for this high-profile event.

A Shared History Connects Mears, S.I. Yachts, and Germain Motor Company

S.I. Yachts operates under Germain Motor Company and holds a prestigious reputation as an innovative premium yacht dealer in the United States. Casey Mears previously drove for Germain Racing from 2010 to 2016, piloting the No. 13 car. Maintaining close ties with Bob Germain, Mears’ former team owner, has helped foster this renewed collaboration, weaving a sense of nostalgia into the current sponsorship.

“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,”

said 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.”

He added,

“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.”

Honoring a Legacy With a Tribute on the Ford Mustang

The No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang will carry a tribute on its C-post to Bill Healey, co-founder of Viking Yachts, who recently passed away at the age of 97. This homage reflects the deep history and respect that S.I. Yachts holds within the boating community.

Acrisure Continues Its Support as a Major Associate Sponsor

Global fintech leader Acrisure, which previously partnered with Mears at Martinsville, will remain a key associate sponsor for the Daytona race. Their branding will be prominent, representing their dedication to backing Mears as he nears 500 starts. Acrisure delivers business and insurance solutions to thousands of automotive dealer clients nationwide, aligning well with motorsports and automotive industries.

“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,”

said 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.”

Casey Mears’ Track Record at Daytona Underscores His Expertise

Mears, hailing from Bakersfield, California, boasts a remarkable record at Daytona International Speedway. Known for excelling in restrictor-plate style racing, he has completed 4,234 of 4,528 laps at the 2.5-mile, high-banked circuit, maintaining a 93.5% lap completion rate. These statistics highlight his skill, patience, and quick reflexes that make him one of the track’s most reliable drivers.

Approaching an Elite Group of NASCAR Veterans

Achieving 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts places drivers in an exclusive club with only 47 members in the sport’s history. Among active drivers, only Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell have reached this milestone. Mears’ imminent addition to this group marks a significant achievement in his 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,”

Mears said.

“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.”

Carl Long Reflects on Team Preparation and Partnership

As the team gears up for Daytona, Carl Long expressed enthusiasm about assembling a competitive entry. Securing a Roush Yates engine and a dedicated pit crew, the team is ready to compete robustly at the storied venue. Long also values the support from S.I. Yachts, Acrisure, and the Germain family, acknowledging their lasting impact on NASCAR.

“I’m glad we could put this partnership together, and we’re excited to have Casey in our car at Daytona,”

Long said.

“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.”

The Road Ahead for Casey Mears at the World Center of Racing

Casey Mears’ partnership with S.I. Yachts and continued support from Acrisure position him well as he approaches the 500-start mark in his NASCAR Cup Series career. Racing at Daytona, a venue where he has consistently performed well, adds momentum to this milestone effort. This collaboration not only celebrates Mears’ enduring presence in the sport but also reinforces the strong connections between motorsports and premium recreational brands.