Geico announced an extension Thursday of its primary sponsorship with Germain Racing through at least the end of the 2018 Sprint Cup season. The team also announced a concurrent three-year extension for Casey Mears, driver of the No. 13 Chevrolet, through the ’18 season.
Geico has sponsored Gemain Racing for eight seasons, including since the team’s move to the Sprint Cup Series in 2009. The insurance company will redesign its primary paint scheme with the deal. In addition to Germain, Geico also sponsors a Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway and the campground areas at several tracks.
“"NASCAR is a natural fit for us and it has provided access to a brand-loyal fan base that now has a clear line of sight into Geico’s multiple product lines and the many ways that we can service their insurance needs,” Geico vice president of marketing Ted Ward said in a release. “We’ve enjoyed our partnership with Germain Racing and Casey Mears and the character of their organization is in line with our corporate values. We are excited about the extension and look forward to building upon our successful relationship in the sport of NASCAR.”
Said team owner Bob Germain: “I’m thrilled to be able to extend our partnership with Geico thru 2018. We are proud to be associated with a company that supports our sport in so many ways and we feel fortunate to be able to represent them on the track. We’re thankful for Geico’s unwavering support and this extension allows us to keep building upon the foundation we’ve laid and continue to add people and resources in an effort to accelerate the growth and progress of our program. It also allows us to make long-term commitments to our great partners Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing and ECR, along with our driver, Casey Mears; all of which have played an integral role in the development of our Sprint Cup Series program.”
Mears joined the team midway through the 2010 season. The Bakersfield, Calif., native is ranked 22nd in the points standings with two races left this season, putting him on pace to top his previous best finish in the standings (24th in 2013) for the team.
Mears has driven full time in NASCAR’s premier series since 2003.
“This is great news for our Germain Racing team because everyone has worked so hard to build this Geico program and people in the garage are taking notice of what we’re accomplishing,” Mears said.