Zeigler Auto Group’s top service department staff were treated to a unique experience: the chance to race against a NASCAR driver.

The dealership group honored the service technicians and service advisors selected for its 2024 President’s Circle with a celebration featuring NASCAR Cup Series racer Carson Hocevar.

The event, hosted by Zeigler Auto Group president Aaron Zeigler, included go-kart racing with Hocevar at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.

“It’s always fun to spend time with partners, but this is definitely an experience I look forward to,” said Hocevar, driver of the Zeigler.com No. 77 Chevy Camaro for Spire Motorsports. “I had a lot of fun last year and was excited to return and have the chance to hang out with some familiar faces and some new ones.

“I know it’s important to Aaron and the entire Zeigler family to show appreciation for their employees, and I want to be able to show that same appreciation for the work they do and the support they give me and the Spire Motorsports team. It’s a unique opportunity for me to cheer them on like they do for us every weekend.”

The President’s Circle represents the company’s top 8% of service technicians and advisors, recognizing those who have consistently performed at the highest level over the past 12 months.

The company said the award reflects its “ongoing commitment to excellence and customer service” in its 41 dealership locations in four states.

The 2024 winners represented 18 stores. Zeigler Chrysler of Grandville in Grandville, Mich., and Zeigler Honda of Racine in Mount Pleasant, Wis., led all dealerships with three winners each, which six others has two honorees.

“As a leader in this auto group it brings me great joy to recognize the best of the best in our service departments and have an event that celebrates them,” vice president of fixed operations Bob Kuehl said. “All of our technicians and advisors work very hard day in and day out to deliver our customers a great experience. It brings me great honor and pride to recognize and celebrate them,”

Lewis Automotive acquires Dodge City GMC store

The G1 Group isn’t getting out of Dodge, but it has parted with one of its holdings there.

The Wichita, Kan.-based investment firm has sold GMC of Dodge City in Dodge City, Kan., to Jamey Lewis-Gonzalez and Brad Lewis of Lewis Automotive Group, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the transaction.

The G1 Group has investments in multiple industries with a focus on automotive, where its investments include Hyundai and Kia stores in Dodge City, as well as four other Kansas dealerships and inventory acquisition and management platform VINCUE.

Lewis Automotive Group, which operates 10 dealerships in Kansas, was founded by Ralph Lewis, who opened a small car lot in Topeka in 1968. It expanded to Dodge City when Lewis’ son, Jim Lewis, began operating a dealership there in 1977.

The company is now headed by Jim’s children, Brad Lewis, Jamey Lewis-Gonzalez and Jenna Lewis.

The GMC franchise will be moved to Lewis Automotive Group’s existing Chevrolet store in Dodge City.