After a hiatus of six years, Casey Mears is set to make his comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series. The celebrated racer will be steering the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Garage 66 in the upcoming event at Martinsville Speedway, Virginia on March 30. The much-anticipated announcement was made by the team on Thursday, a day after Mears celebrated his 47th birthday.
Mobile RV repair and service company, HitchGO, is sponsoring Mears’ comeback race. This marks the first time Mears will be participating in a Cup Series race since the 2019 Daytona 500.
“Returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks, and being back behind the wheel of a race car is a thrilling prospect,” Mears shared. He went on to express his gratitude towards Carl Long, the man behind Garage 66, for making his return possible.
Mears acknowledged Long’s dedication and enduring presence in the sport, stating, “Carl is a well-respected figure who’s made a remarkable contribution to the sport.” He also expressed his excitement about partnering with HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises, as he inches closer to achieving 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts.
Mears boasts an impressive record in the Cup Series, having made 489 starts. His tenure as a full-time driver spanned from 2003 to 2016, during which he claimed one career win. This victory was achieved at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2007, while Mears was driving for Rick Hendrick.
Over his career, Mears has had the privilege to serve under some of NASCAR’s most esteemed team owners, including Chip Ganassi, Hendrick, and Richard Childress. He also had successful stints with Red Bull Racing, Tommy Baldwin, and Germain Racing. His association with the latter from the end of the 2010 season to 2016 resulted in the creation of the iconic GEICO car.
Garage 66, despite not being a full-time competitor, has a notable presence in the sport. The team, unfortunately, failed to qualify for the season-opening Daytona 500 with Chandler Smith. The upcoming Martinsville Speedway event marks the team’s second attempt to enter a race.
Carl Long, the man behind Garage 66, expressed his pride in having Mears drive for his team. “Casey has driven for NASCAR’s elite like Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Richard Childress Racing. Adding Garage 66 to that list is a great honor for our team,” Long said. He praised Mears for his respectful demeanor towards fellow competitors and lauded his humility despite coming from a prestigious racing family.
Long also shared his excitement about the upcoming race, saying, “I can’t wait to hit the Martinsville track with Casey and make it a victorious weekend for HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises.” This event promises to be an exciting chapter in the sport, marking the return of a seasoned racer and the perseverance of a dedicated team.
