Casey Mears has been there and done that. From winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 2007 to his adventurous stint in desert racing in 2019, the California native has made his mark in different racing series. Now, he’s all set to make a sensational return back where he belongs, at NASCAR’s highest level. The racer will be competing at the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, and his comeback is already creating plenty of buzz. Will the veteran manage to shock everyone with a surprise win at Martinsville? Only time will tell.
Who is Casey Mears?
Born in Bakersfield, California, Casey Mears has racing in his blood. He was born in a family where living in the fast lane wasn’t a career choice, it was a lifestyle. His father, Roger Mears, is a former IndyCar and off-roading veteran, while his uncle, the legendary Rick Mears, is a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner. During his time in NASCAR, Casey Mears had the privilege to compete for some of the biggest teams, such as Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing, amongst others. As things stand, he works as an analyst for Fox Sports 1.
How did Casey Mears make his headway into the world of NASCAR?
Despite having a background in open-wheel racing, Casey Mears knew that his goal was to enter the world of NASCAR. His journey began by gaining experience in various racing series, including Indy Lights and CART. His big break came in 2002 when Team Jesel offered him a full-time ride in the Xfinity Series, a season that ended with a 21st-place finish in the driver’s standings with just one top-five and top-ten finish.
However, he had shown enough skill to earn a place at the highest level, and Chip Ganassi Racing soon came calling. Driving the No. 41 and No. 42 Dodge, the racer spent five full seasons with the team before switching to Hendrick Motorsports. That’s where he won his first and only Cup Series race, the prestigious Coca-Cola 600.
However, after just two years, the California native switched to Richard Childress Racing, where he drove the No. 7 Chevy. Unfortunately, poor results forced him to lose his seat the following year, forcing him to run part-time for four different teams the following year. Eventually, he made a comeback at the highest level for Germain Racing, where he spent six full seasons before retiring.
From racing in ovals to desert racing: Casey Mears’ racing exploits
Despite being known for his NASCAR career, Casey Mears’ versatility in the sport was evident after he retired from full-time racing in the stock car racing series. Following his family legacy, the California native made his desert racing debut in 2019 in the SCORE International’s Baja 1000. Driving the No. 42 Ford Raptor trophy truck built by the Geiser Brothers and sponsored by Axalta, Mears, along with multi-time race class winner Doug Fortin, finished the race 28th after developing engine issues after hitting a mud puddle.
He has also won the 24 Hours of Daytona alongside Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon in 2006, setting a new record for the Daytona Prototype category by running 723 laps in 24 hours to secure the triumph. Casey Mears’ adventurous spirit also led him to test a Stadium Super Truck in 2017, a series owned by former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon. The racer made his debut in December that year at the Lake Elsinore Diamond rounds but failed to qualify for the race’s first event after finishing seventh. However, a fourth-place result in the next day’s heat allowed him to compete in the evening’s race, where he finished fifth.
Will Casey Mears’ return to Martinsville be a bigger surprise in NASCAR?
Martinsville Speedway will prove to be a challenge for Casey Mears. The short-track is known for its high-contact racing, and choosing the ‘Paperclip’ to make his return has raised some eyebrows in the NASCAR community. Many are wondering how he will fare in the Next-Gen car against seasoned drivers after making his first Cup Series appearance since 2019.
However, Mears’ experience at the highest level, combined with his knowledge of Martinsville Speedway, may give him an edge. Will the veteran racer recapture his form and turn back the clock at the short track? Time will tell. However, being underestimated by fans and pundits will just motivate him to perform to his fullest potential at the 2025 Cook Out 400.
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