Casey Mears Making Cup Series Return at Martinsville With Garage 66

Casey Mears returns to the NASCAR Cup Series on March 30, when he climbs behind the wheel of the No. 66 HitchGO Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66.

Mears last competed in the NASCAR Cup Series in the 2019 Daytona 500 with Germain Racing. The 2007 winner of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will compete in the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.

Mears has 489 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, and hopes to become the 48th driver in series history to reach the 500-start milestone. Active drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series who have eclipsed the 500-start mark include Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Michael McDowell.

“I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks,” Mears said. “I appreciate Carl [Long, Garage 66 co-owner] 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.”

Along with winning the 2007 Coca-Cola 600, Mears won three pole awards during his NASCAR Cup Series career, including the 2004 Brickyard 400. In 2006, Mears claimed overall victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona alongside Scott Dixon and the late Dan Wheldon with Target Ganassi Racing.

“Having Casey Mears drive a Garage 66 car is a proud day for our organization,” said Long. “He’s 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.”

He continued, “Casey and I first connected many years ago when I 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.”

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