WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel American Insurance Company Motorcycle Claims Examiner Mark Hoedel ended the 2012 American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association road racing season on a high note, finishing 3^rd in Production Lightweight, 6^th in LeMans, and 21^st in GP200 in the Dixie Cup Series. In the National Historic Cup Overall Series, Mark placed 6^th in Production Lightweight, 26^th in LeMans, and 37^th in GP200. Mark has been racing in the AHRMA's Road Race Series for 2 years and it was his first year riding the CB350 Four in Production Lightweight.

For the past 2 years, Mark has been sponsored by Markel American Insurance Company (his employer since 2000). When he first decided to get into road racing 2 years ago, it made perfect sense for Markel - the motorcycle insurance expert - to support one of their own.

"Mark embodies the Markel spirit.  His dedication, hard work and pursuit of excellence have led him to be successful both with road racing and in his career at Markel.  We are proud to be able to support him as he represents Markel while doing what he loves," said Audrey Hanken, Managing Executive, Markel American.

Armed with a 1974 CB350, a 1971 CB175 GP200, and the Markel Sponsored BUILD bike (a vintage motorcycle restored by a team of high school students and Mark through a Milwaukee Moto Mentor Program), Mark competed in 11 nationwide races that comprise the National Historic Cup Overall and the Dixie Cup Series. Along the way, he met motorcycle riders from across the globe, who quickly became "Friends on the Road." His journey is documented and can be seen on the Markel Motorcycle Facebook Page and YouTube.

Mark feels grateful for both the experience, and the company that made it possible. "I want to thank Markel for their support," said Hoedel. "This has truly been an outstanding year for me and I'm proud to be associated with a company that believes in supporting both their employees and the motorcycle racing community."

About Markel
Markel American Insurance Company, part of Markel Corporation, specializes in providing insurance coverage on Specialty Properties (manufactured homes, vacation and seasonal homes, vacant homes, nonstandard homes, rental properties, and low value dwellings), Recreational Vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles), Watercraft (powerboats, fishing boats, PWCs, commercial marine, high performance boats, and yachts), Bicycles, Weddings, and Private Events.

Markel Corporation is an international property and casualty insurance holding company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The Company markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets. In each of these markets, the Company seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Please visit www.markelcorp.com for more information.

SOURCE Markel American Insurance Company