Progressive Insurance is exploring a team sponsorship within NASCAR, according to multiple sources, signaling a deeper commitment to the sport by the prominent insurance brand.
The Ohio-based company, a familiar presence in NASCAR through television advertising, is now considering a more direct presence via team sponsorship. In 2024, Progressive was the fourth-highest TV advertising spender across NASCAR races, investing an estimated $1.855 million, based on iSpot TV data.
While Progressive has sponsored RFK Racing’s No. 6 Ford, driven by Ryan Newman, at specific races in 2020, it hasn’t had a consistent team presence. Currently, Progressive sponsors the pit road coverage of The CW’s broadcasts of the Xfinity Series.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is the leading contender to secure Progressive’s sponsorship. The team’s No. 11 Toyota, driven by Denny Hamlin, has had significant sponsorship inventory available following the departures of FedEx and Mavis Tires & Brakes during the offseason.
JGR declined to comment on the matter, and Progressive did not respond to a request for comment.
Front-running NASCAR teams like JGR typically seek low to mid-six-figure sums per race from sponsors. Recently, JGR secured a two-race deal with AMPM, a West Coast gas station chain, for races in Sonoma and Las Vegas. Other partners of the No. 11 team include National Debt Relief, Sport Clips, King’s Hawaiian, and Yahoo.
