DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GEICO, the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the U.S., today announced it will extend its multiyear partnership with International Speedway Corporation (NASDAQ: ISCA) (OTC Bulletin Board:ISCB) ("ISC"), owner / operator of 13 of the nation's major motorsports facilities. GEICO will continue its entitlement for the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway as well as its Campground naming rights at eight ISC motorsports facilities. Debuting for NASCAR's Chase double elimination weekend Oct. 21-23, GEICO will provide naming rights to Talladega's Restart Zone. Beginning in 2017, GEICO will take ownership of this area at 10 additional ISC tracks as well.

GEICO's sponsorship of the GEICO 500 at Talladega will run through 2019, the year the mammoth 2.66-mile venue will celebrate its historical 50^th anniversary. Next year's GEICO 500 is set for May 7, 2017.

"We're excited about extending our relationship with GEICO, one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S.," said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. "This race, known for its thrilling on-track action at NASCAR's most competitive track, will continue to provide an incredible platform for GEICO to engage with fans." GEICO has been an entitlement partner with Talladega Superspeedway since 2014.

The GEICO Restart Zone will add significant brand visibility to an area just prior to the start / finish line indicating where the race leader is allowed to accelerate when the race is beginning or continuing following a caution. Further leveraging ISC's massive scale, GEICO will be represented at 11 of the Company's tracks beginning in 2017 including Chicagoland Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway and Watkins Glen International. In and around the zone synonymous with thrilling racing action, lead changes and drama, GEICO's prominent signage will be seen not only by guests in attendance, but those watching the broadcast.

Recognizing ISC's ability to reach fans across the U.S. with its vast portfolio, GEICO also ensures that fans can enjoy the GEICO Campground at eight ISC facilities including Chicagoland Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway and Watkins Glen International.

"At GEICO, we're always looking for new ways to engage with sports fans," said Ted Ward, GEICO marketing vice president. "Having our branding in the Restart Zone is not only a GEICO first, but also a first for all of NASCAR. This expansion of our presence at the track underscores the success of our NASCAR partnership."

Talladega Superspeedway's action-packed weekend kicks off today (Friday, Oct. 21) with practice sessions for both the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race and the Hellmann's 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) event. Saturday's schedule includes Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying for both the fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (9:30 a.m. CDT) and the Hellmann's 500 (3:00 p.m. CDT). The fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (the Round of 8 Elimination race in the NCWTS Chase) gets the green flag at 12 Noon CDT. Sunday's Hellmann's 500, which will see the field of 12 contenders for the title be reduced to eight at the checkered flag, is set for a 1 p.m. CDT start on Sunday, Oct. 23.

About ISC
International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities.  The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California^SM near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix International Raceway® in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway^SM near Chicago, Illinois;  Homestead-Miami Speedway^SM in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York. 

The Company also owns and operates Motor Racing Network^SM, the nation's largest independent sports radio network and Americrown Service Corporation^SM, a subsidiary that provides catering services, and food and beverage concessions.  In addition, the Company has a 50 percent interest in the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.  For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com. 

About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO's online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com.