Casey Mears is Back: Why the Veteran’s Return is More Than Just a Number
Just when you think a driver has hung up his helmet for good, the roar of the engine calls him back. That’s the story for Casey Mears, a name that resonates with fans who’ve followed NASCAR for the last couple of decades. He officially stepped away from full-time racing back in 2016, but the fire to compete never really dies, does it? At 47, Mears is proving that some passions are just too strong to ignore. He’s gearing up to get back behind the wheel, and it’s a comeback that’s got the whole racing community talking.
Sponsored by S.I. Yachts, the Bakersfield, California native is set to run the final three races of the 2025 season. This isn’t just about adding a few more laps to his career, but it’s about chasing a milestone. Mears is currently sitting at 491 Cup Series starts, just nine shy of the incredible 500-start mark. For a driver, hitting that number is a testament to longevity, dedication, and a whole lot of grit.
Mears’ Late-Season Push for 500 Starts
The comeback trail for Mears will see him piloting the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66 at some of the most iconic tracks on the circuit. He’ll take on the high banks of Talladega on October 19, face the tight corners of Martinsville on October 26, and cap it off at the season finale in Phoenix on November 2. It’s a challenging lineup, but Mears has never been one to back down from a fight.
This return is clearly personal for Mears, and it’s fueled by relationships built over a lifetime in the sport. “I’m excited we were able to put these three races together,” he shared, expressing deep gratitude for the people who made it happen. “Given our close friendship, it’s touching that Bob [Germain] is willing to invest in me after all these years; it shows his character and who he is as a person.”
That kind of loyalty is rare in any sport, and it speaks volumes about the bonds Mears has forged. He also gave a nod to Acrisure and Carl Long’s Garage 66 team, acknowledging the immense effort required to get a car on the track. “Thanks to Carl Long and Garage 66 for all of their hard work because they’ve worked hard to ramp up and make it happen,” he added. It’s a reminder that even for a seasoned veteran, racing is a team sport through and through.
A Career Built on Resilience
Mears is no stranger to the track this year, having already competed at the spring Martinsville race and the regular-season finale at Daytona. However, his journey in the Cup Series, which began in 2003, is marked by numerous memorable moments. Over 16 years of full-time competition, he racked up 51 top-10 finishes and etched his name in the history books with a monumental win at the 2007 Coca-Cola 600. That victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway remains the highlight of a career defined by consistency and hard-nosed racing.
His return wasn’t without its hurdles. Earlier this season, his team faced a last-minute sponsorship change and was hit with a penalty for failing pre-race inspection twice at Martinsville. It was a rocky start, but Mears and his team pushed through, with the driver ultimately finishing P35. It was a classic example of the resilience that has defined his career. When things get tough, you just put your head down and drive.
Final Thoughts
For fans who’ve followed Casey Mears from his early days with Chip Ganassi Racing to his time at Hendrick Motorsports and Germain Racing, this comeback is a welcome sight. It’s more than just a driver chasing a statistic, but it’s a culmination of a career built on passion and perseverance. It’s a chance to see a familiar face, a respected competitor, give it one more go. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on the No. 66, cheering on a veteran who still has something left to prove.
