Toby Christie’s Joseph Srigley reports that Casey Mears, who hasn’t competed in a NASCAR Cup Series event in more than five years, will return to compete in the March 30 event at Martinsville Speedway. Mears will pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66.
Mears is looking to achieve 500 career starts, Martinsville will bring Mears to within 10 starts of the milestone.
“I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks,” said Mears. “I appreciate Carl [Long] working with me to make it happen; he’s a well-respected, great guy who’s worked hard to experience longevity in the sport. I’m excited to have HitchGo, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises on board as we chip away at 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts.”
Carl Long, a fixture in NASCAR’s National Series for more than three decades, is excited to partner with Mears on his quest to eclipse 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts.
“Having Casey Mears drive a Garage 66 car is a proud day for our organization,” said Long. “He’d driven for NASCAR’s elite such as Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Richard Childress Racing. Adding Garage 66 to that list means a lot to me and everyone who’s helped build our team.”
“Casey [Mears] and I first connected many years ago when he was driving and he always treated me and our fellow competitors with respect on and off the track. He hails from a historic racing family, but it’s not something he boasts about. He always takes time for everyone, which is indicative of his character. I love having the opportunity to work with good people, especially when they drive fast. I’m excited to get to Martinsville with Casey and have a successful weekend for HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises.”
Between the years of 2003 and 2016, Mears made 488 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, amassing one victory in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600, and 13 top-five finishes. In 2019, the Bakersfield, California-native returned for a one-off start in the DAYTONA 500.
The Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway will take place on Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 PM ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Photo Credit: Garage 66