Casey Mears, a seasoned NASCAR driver, is gearing up for the Talladega Cup Series race, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique partnership. With 491 starts, Mears is just 9 away from joining an elite club of 500-plus start drivers, a feat achieved by only 47 drivers in NASCAR history. Among them are active drivers like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell.
Mears' success is evident in his victory at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2007, a prestigious win that places him among the top 206 drivers who have ever won a race in the sport's 77-year history. This triumph at a renowned track further cements Mears' status as a top performer.
For the Talladega race, Mears has secured primary sponsorship from S.I. Yachts, a renowned dealer for Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks, owned by the Germain Motor Company. This partnership is a natural fit, given Mears' history with Germain Racing from 2010 to 2016, and his close relationship with former boss Bob Germain.
Mears' No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang is not his first venture with the number 66. He previously drove the No. 66 Pioneer-WorldCom Honda-Reynard for Mo Nunn Racing in the CART FedEx Championship Series and the No. 66 Phillips 66/Injex Chevrolet for Cicci-Welliver Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Mears' performance at Talladega is impressive, having completed 89% of his laps (4558 of 5122) in 27 starts at the 2.66-mile, high-banked facility. He has led 65 laps and earned $2,477,001 in total winnings at Talladega Superspeedway during his 16-year NASCAR Cup Series career.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Talladega, Mears has led 52 laps and achieved two top-5 finishes in just three starts. His success at restrictor plate tracks is notable, with a top-15 finish at Daytona in August, a testament to his strategic approach and patience.
Mears' collaboration with Bob Germain, his former boss, is a significant aspect of his career. They raced together for seven seasons, building a successful team and achieving success on the track. Mears expresses gratitude for Germain's ongoing support, emphasizing the value of their shared experience in pursuing his goal of 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts.
Looking ahead, Mears is confident in his strategy for qualifying and the race at Talladega, despite the absence of a practice session. He plans to turn laps and gather data, allowing him to craft a strategy and manage the race effectively. With his proven success on plate tracks, Mears is optimistic about his performance at Talladega, aiming for a strong finish.
