Casey Mears to Make NASCAR Cup Series Return with Garage 66 at Martinsville
Veteran NASCAR driver Casey Mears is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series, driving for the newly formed Garage 66 team at Martinsville Speedway. The race, scheduled for April 7, will mark Mears’ first Cup Series start since 2019.
Garage 66, a startup team backed by motorsports enthusiasts and industry veterans, aims to make a competitive debut with Mears behind the wheel. The team has secured a Next Gen Ford Mustang and plans to operate under a limited schedule in 2024, focusing on short tracks and road courses. While sponsorship details are yet to be fully disclosed, the team has hinted at partnerships with several key automotive brands.
Mears, 46, brings extensive experience to the team, having competed in 488 Cup Series races since his debut in 2003. A former winner of the Coca-Cola 600, he has driven for powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing. His return to the Cup Series comes after sporadic appearances in other racing disciplines, including off-road and endurance racing.
Martinsville presents a unique challenge, as the short track demands precise braking and aggressive racecraft. However, Mears has a solid record at the track, with multiple top-10 finishes in his career. The team acknowledges the uphill battle of competing against established Cup teams but remains optimistic about making a strong first impression.
Mears’ return adds another layer of intrigue to the race, as fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the Next Gen car. Whether Garage 66 can make an impact remains to be seen, but with a seasoned driver at the helm, their debut will certainly be one to watch.
