Latest news with #ZeiglerAutoGroup
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Spire Motorsports Fines Carson Hocevar Over Mexico Comments
Carson Hocevar (#77 Spire Motorsports Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet) waves to fans during the driver ... More introductiuons ceremony before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 race on June 8, 2025 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI.(Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Spire Motorsports on Tuesday issued a $50,000 fine to sophomore driver Carson Hocevar. Hocevar, 22, made controversial comments about the Nascar Cup Series' debut race in Mexico City before flying down to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. 'If the travel was better, if getting here was easier, if you felt safer getting to and from everywhere, if it wasn't such a sh*thole, if the track limits were a little better enforced, if it was going to be a little bit better of a race, and it wasn't so easy to, or feel so locked down like you can't leave anywhere, it'd be a great experience,' Hocevar said during a Twitch livestream while he was competing in iRacing. Hocevar, who's taken Nascar by storm this year while competing for wins, apologized for his comments prior to the penalty. His comments have not warranted a penalty from Nascar itself. 'Maybe a kid that had never been out of the country until Thursday should ever give an opinion about what any place is like other than Portage, Michigan," he tweeted on Monday. "When I answered that question on a stream, I was skeptical about the trip so far and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here. Now that I've actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I've ever seen, my opinion has changed. I am embarrassed by my comments, by the race I ran, and I may have to move here to hide out from Ricky anyway. "Count this as another lesson for me in a season I've learned so much. Don't believe everything you hear without seeing it yourself. If anyone should give anyone or any place the benefit of the doubt it's me. I'm sorry Mexico City. Consider me an ally going forward and an example of getting off Twitch and seeing things with my own two eyes.' Hocevar's fine will be donated equally to three Mexican nonprofits, including Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross), Un Kilo de Ayuda, and Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico). It is rare for a Nascar team itself to fine a driver, rather than the sanctioning body itself. Hocevar will also complete a mandatory cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. But Hocevar genuinely apologized – for the second time – after the team issued its public fine. Hocevar said: "I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? Thank you for the support but I'm not sure we're on the same page. You guys want me to be me? "It was me who said it and it was me who apologized after actually taking the time to explore the city and feel the passion of every fan in attendance. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and I knew before this weekend what respect means to this organization and I didn't meet the standard so I got what I deserved. I hate learning these lessons in the public eye and bringing any negative attention to Spire or me. 'We've been fast just about every week and I'm sure I have plenty of mistakes left in me. I appreciate growing up in front of all of you and you guys get to see the good and the bad. I'm just me. I'm trying. It just doesn't always go the way I want and I bring a lot of this on myself.' Hocevar is known on track for his aggressive driving style, unafraid to irritate his competitors. His tactics have gotten him in trouble as of late, including multiple altercations with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Hocevar has led 70 laps this year and has a pair of runner-up finishes at Atlanta and Nasvhille. At Charlotte, in Nascar's longest race, he was in contention to win until an engine failure. After 16 races, Hocevar is 20th in the standings and is in contention to be the first Spire Motorsports driver to compete in the playoffs.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zeigler Auto Group Acquires Ferrari Lake Forest, Continuing the Mancuso Family Legacy
Zeigler Auto Group today announced its acquisition of Ferrari Lake Forest, one of the Midwest's premier Ferrari dealerships since 1981. Official purchase and banner change occurred today, Friday, May 16, 2025. Zeigler Auto Group's acquisition of Ferrari Lake Forest represents its continued investment in the ultra luxury and high performance segment with Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Automobili Pininfarina. CHICAGO, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeigler Auto Group, one of the nation's largest privately-owned dealer groups, has officially acquired Ferrari Lake Forest, the iconic Ferrari dealership founded by Rick Mancuso in 1981. The deal marks a significant expansion of Zeigler's ultra luxury and high performance automotive portfolio with the acquisition adding Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Automobili Pininfarina to its offerings. "We're excited to welcome Ferrari Lake Forest into the Zeigler family," said Aaron J. Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group. "The Mancuso family has built an ultra luxury dealership known not only for its exclusive inventory and service, but for its legacy, heart, and commitment to its customers. We intend to build on that legacy, with their help, and take it to even greater heights." Ferrari Lake Forest has earned national recognition for its white-glove service, high-profile clientele, and strong family values. The luxury dealer began as a small storefront in downtown Lake Forest and has grown into a state-of-the-art ultra luxury dealership under Mancuso's leadership. "We're really excited and honored to become part of the Zeigler Group. Together we can develop even higher levels of client care and appreciation. It's a dream come true for us," said Mancuso. The Kalamazoo-based dealer group plans to continue to work with the Mancuso family and retain existing personnel at the 70,000-sq-ft. dealer located at 990 N Shore Dr, LakeBluffin Illinois. Official close and ownership change occurred today, Friday, May 16, 2025. About Zeigler Auto GroupZeigler 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. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers. Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company. The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm. Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor's top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Zeigler Automotive Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zeigler Auto Group Acquires Jeep Franchise From LaFontaine
Zeigler Auto Group adds Jeep to its Stadium location after franchise purchase from LaFontaine. Originally located at 3718 Stadium Dr, LaFontaine Jeep Kalamazoo will now be housed down the street at Zeigler's headquarters at 4201 under the new name Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Kalamazoo. KALAMAZOO, Mich., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeigler Auto Group, one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S., has announced the acquisition of the Jeep franchise from LaFontaine Auto Group, expanding its lineup of Stellantis brands in Kalamazoo. The newly acquired franchise, formerly LaFontaine Jeep Kalamazoo located at 3718 Stadium Drive, will be relocated to Zeigler's headquarters at 4201 Stadium Drive—just one minute away. With this purchase, Zeigler will now offer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM under one roof. The dealership will be renamed Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Kalamazoo, effective immediately. "This strategic acquisition from LaFontaine, another respected family-owned business, strengthens our commitment to providing a streamlined, one-stop automotive experience for our customers," said Aaron Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group. "Our goal has always been to deliver the Ultimate Automotive Experience—and bringing Jeep into our Stadium Drive location allows us to do just that, more conveniently than ever." The move aligns with Zeigler's continued growth strategy, which includes recent expansions throughout the Midwest, with acquisitions in Indiana and Wisconsin further broadening its dealership footprint. About Zeigler Auto Group Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers. Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company. The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm. Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2024. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor's top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Zeigler Automotive Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hocevar recounts Portage tornado, hit to family business
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Portage native and NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar has vivid memories from the events of May 7, 2024. Living in North Carolina as he competes in the Cup Series circuit, the 22-year-old first caught wind of the Portage tornado through word-of-mouth. 'I got some tweets about it at some point, and I'm like 'Man, I should call mom or call my dad,'' Hocevar said. His mom picked up the phone. ''Everything's all good,'' he recalled her saying. Three minutes later, the phone rang. Weathering West Michigan: Portage Pride His dad was inside their family business, Scott's Sports Cards, Coins and Jewelry on Westnedge Avenue, when the twister hit. The building was directly in its path. While there weren't injuries, details were scarce in the immediate aftermath. It was footage from News 8 that gave Hocevar his first glimpse of the damage. A still image from a WOOD TV8 video of Scott's Sports Cards, Coins and Jewelry on Westnedge Avenue after the tornado. 'They just happened to show my dad's store on Westnedge, and that's how I was really able to get updates of, like 'Oh, I see my dad and I see them and everything,'' he said. The building sustained damage to one side, some roofing, windows and signage, among other things. While salvageable, repair work continues to this day. 'It's still torn up,' he said. 'My dad's store right now is just finally getting the roof repaired. Actually right now, like, they've got half the store closed because they're finally fixing the other half of the roof.' Tornado damage in Portage. (Courtesy Michigan State Police Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division) In the aftermath of the EF-2 tornado, Hocevar and his Kalamazoo-based NASCAR sponsor Zeigler Auto Group began working on relief efforts. In June, a fundraiser was held in Zeigler's Kalamazoo showroom, complete with autographs and memorabilia auctions. The event ultimately raised more than $30 thousand. NASCAR's Hocevar, Zeigler partner for Portage tornado relief 'It was really humbling for me to be able to do something like that,' Hocevar said. 'To be in a spot where I can go do something like that, right? It's super cool for me.' While Hocevar and his Zeigler-wrapped Cup Series car continue to race across the country, the team continues to represent Portage in front of millions of race fans each week. 'I think it works really well that, you know, Zeigler Auto Group gets to be a part of it also and get to have a Portage sponsor with, you know, obviously a Portage driver,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
