NASCAR veteran Casey Mears is making a surprise return to the track this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, piloting the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Motorsports Business Management (MBM) in the NASCAR Cup Series. Known for his long and versatile career spanning multiple teams and series, Mears’ comeback has sparked excitement among fans eager to see him back behind the wheel.
A Familiar Face Returns
Mears, a former Cup Series race winner, last competed in NASCAR’s top division in 2019. Over the years, he has raced for notable teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Germain Racing, earning a reputation as a consistent and dependable driver. His lone Cup victory came in 2007 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, one of the sport’s crown-jewel races.
His return at Martinsville marks a special moment, as the Virginia short track has long been a staple of NASCAR’s schedule and a venue where veteran experience often plays a key role. While MBM is a smaller operation compared to powerhouse teams, Mears’ experience could help them maximize their performance.
Why Martinsville?
Martinsville is a track that rewards patience, precision, and experience—qualities Mears has developed over his career. The half-mile paperclip is known for tight racing, aggressive moves, and the infamous bump-and-run. Mears has 23 career Cup Series starts at Martinsville, with a best finish of 9th in 2008.
Team owner Carl Long has frequently brought veteran drivers into the fold to help guide MBM’s efforts in Cup and Xfinity. With Mears’ experience, the team hopes to have a competitive weekend and gain valuable data.
What to Expect This Weekend
Mears’ return will undoubtedly be one of the big stories heading into race weekend. Fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the Next Gen car, which he has never raced in a Cup event. While expectations for the No. 66 team will be modest given the challenges smaller teams face, Mears’ ability to manage the race, avoid trouble, and potentially bring home a solid finish could make this a memorable outing.
Regardless of the result, seeing Casey Mears back in a Cup car is a nostalgic moment for longtime NASCAR fans. As he straps in once again, the racing world will be watching to see if the veteran can make some noise at The Paperclip.
Will you be cheering for Casey Mears this weekend?
