There’s a strong connection between the auto industry and motorsports — particularly among dealership groups — and one Michigan auto retailer is adding to it this weekend.

With its sponsorship of driver Josh Bilicki of Rick Ware Racing, Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 at the Michigan International Speedway will mark the first time that Zeigler Auto Group will be a full primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Bilicki had previously competed in an Xfinity NASCAR series race with combined sponsorship from Zeigler and Marriott Companies.

In addition to Sunday’s race, Zeigler is hosting a meet-and-greet with Bilicki from noon to 4 p.m. (ET) on Saturday at Zeigler Motorsports in Kalamazoo, Mich.

"I am very excited to be teaming up with Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Motorsports at Michigan International Speedway this year. This seemed to be a very natural fit, for several different reasons,” Bilicki said in a news release.

“Zeigler Auto Group is expanding into my home state of Wisconsin, which is very exciting for me to have them close to my home,” he said. “Another reason is my love for all things with a motor which aligns perfectly with everyone at Zeigler Motorsports, from my background racing go-karts and motocross, to riding snowmobiles and more.”

Zeigler Auto Group has bought nine dealerships in the last 16 months, including the purchase of four stores in Wisconsin late last month that marked its first acquisition in the state.

“With Zeigler continuing to expand into other states — most recently Josh’s home state of Wisconsin — it is now more meaningful than ever for us to have someone like Josh represent Zeigler in a NASCAR race right here in our own backyard in Michigan,” Zeigler Auto Group president and owner Aaron Zeigler said.

“Besides being very talented and hardworking, Josh is an overall great guy. I know that the community will be very excited to get to meet him in person at our event on Saturday,” Zeigler said.

Karma adds to dealership network with Big Apple store

In other dealer-related news, Karma Automotive has partnered with the Manhattan Motorcars Inc. — a retailer of luxury and performance vehicles in New York — to add a new store to the automaker’s dealer network.

Karma Manhattan will be part of the Manhattan Motorcars network. This is the fifth dealer partner Karma has added in the last seven months.

“We are excited to have Manhattan Motorcars join the Karma dealership network,” Karma Manhattan principle Brian Miller said in a news release. “There has never been a better time to buy an electric car in New York State. We look forward to sharing Karma's brand and products with our clients and providing them the unique luxury electric vehicle experience that they are looking for.”

Joost de Vries, Karma's vice president of global sales and customer experience, said in the release: “The Northeastern United States — and New York State in particular — is an important area for Karma as we look to share our vision for a high-tech and sustainable future. Manhattan Motorcars is a perfect partner to support our goals in helping to grow our business on the East Coast. We believe the new Karma GS-6 suits their clients' lifestyle and tastes very well.”