Casey Mears to return to NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville with Garage 66

The 47-year-old from Bakersfield, California, last raced in the 2019 Daytona 500. He earned the lone victory of his Cup Series career in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600, winning in a wild fuel mileage finish. 

Mears won the crown jewel event driving for Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 25 Chevrolet, but his career would soon turn into that of a journeyman. He was released from Hendrick Motorsports after the 2008 season and spent just one season driving for Richard Childress Racing in 2009. 

In 2010, Mears drove four different cars before finally finding stability with Germain Racing and the No. 13 team. Mears took over the No. 13 full-time in 2011 and remained with Germain until 2016 when it was announced that Ty Dillon would take over Mears' seat. 

Mears' Cup Series career wasn't the flashiest, but he's a veteran driver who should be able to give plenty of feedback to Long and a No. 66 team that can use every bit of it. His presence is an invaluable asset for a team simply looking to bring the car home in one piece after a crash at Daytona forced the No. 66 team to miss the 'Great American Race.'