It’s only the end of August, but Josh Bilicki and Garage 66 have already confirmed their intentions to enter the 2027 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway next February.
With sponsorship from Protection Technologies, a company that designs, installs and commissions complete low-voltage security systems for several different types of clients, will sponsor the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the 69th running of ‘The Great American Race”.
Protection Technologies currently has active contracts with many Major League Sports entities, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS, and this DAYTONA 500 entry adds motorsports to their growing portfolio for the first time ever.
“In this business, I’ve gotten to do some pretty remarkable things and work with clients at the highest levels of sports and entertainment,” said Mike Singer, President of Protection Technologies. “But putting Protection Technologies on a DAYTONA 500 car? This tops the list. February can’t come fast enough.”
The partnership between Garage 66 and Protection Technologies kicked off Monday at Ole Red, the live music venue, restaurant, and country bar on International Drive in Orlando, Florida, with Josh Bilicki and Mike Slinger unveiling the paint scheme to be run during Speedweeks 2027.
Next February will mark Bilicki’s second attempt at qualifying for the DAYTONA 500, having picked up a top-25 result in his first start in the season-opening event back in 2021 with Rick Ware Racing, where he finished 24th driving the No. 52 Ford Mustang.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Protection Technologies to Garage 66 as we attempt next year’s DAYTONA 500,” said Bilicki. “They’ve built a great reputation in their industry and I’m proud to have the opportunity to represent their brand on the biggest stage in NASCAR. I was fortunate enough to compete in the DAYTONA 500 in 2021, but haven’t had the opportunity to return since, so this means a lot to me. I’m grateful to Protection Technologies, Carl Long, and Garage 66 for giving me the opportunity.”
For Garage 66, a team without a NASCAR Cup Series Charter, being able to plan and announce their plans this far in advance is a giant positive for all involved.
“I am excited to be announcing our DAYTONA 500 plans for 2027 so early in the season,” said Carl Long, co-owner of Garage 66. “This is the earliest we have ever been able to plan ahead. Having Protection Technologies on board for the season opener is a testament to what Garage 66 is building, without having a charter. We have our show car on display in Orlando tonight and have the potential to carry it to other events over the winter. We have the very talented Josh Bilicki lined up to get behind the wheel. I am so pleased to have time to prepare the best car we can put together.”
Long also states that there are multiple other drivers within the Garage 66 stable working hard to find the necessary sponsorship to compete in the DAYTONA 500 in February, so there is a possibility that the organization fields two entries.
The Duel at Daytona, the twin qualifying races that set the starting lineup for the DAYTONA 500, are scheduled to take place February 18, 2027, with the DAYTONA 500 set to take place Sunday, February 21, 2027, on FOX.
PHOTO: Garage 66
