Casey Mears, a seasoned NASCAR driver, is gearing up for the Talladega Cup Series, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a unique partnership. With 491 starts under his belt, Mears is just 9 races away from joining an exclusive club of 500-plus start drivers, a feat achieved by only 47 drivers in NASCAR history. Among these, only Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell are currently active.
Mears' prowess is further highlighted by his victory in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2007, a prestigious win that places him among the top 206 drivers to have ever won a race in the sport's 77-year history. This success is a testament to his skill and determination.
For the Talladega race, Mears will be supported by S.I. Yachts, a prominent dealer of Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks, owned by theGermain Motor Company. This partnership is a natural fit, given Mears' previous association with Germain Racing from 2010 to 2016, and his close relationship with Bob Germain, his former boss.
Mears' No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang is not his first car 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.
Talladega Superspeedway has been a significant part of Mears' career. With 16 years of experience in the NASCAR Cup Series, he has led 65 laps and earned over $2.4 million in total winnings at this track. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he has led 52 laps and achieved two top-5 finishes in just three starts.
Mears' success at restrictor plate tracks, including a top-15 finish at Daytona in August, is attributed to his patience and strategic decision-making. He closely monitors the actions of other drivers and makes calculated moves to improve his position while avoiding potential issues. His goal is always to finish the race, even if it means dropping to the rear of the field temporarily.
Despite the absence of a practice session at Talladega, Mears is confident in his approach to qualifying and the race. He will use the opportunity to turn laps and gain a sense of how the car performs. From there, he will craft a strategy and manage the race effectively. Mears' success on plate tracks and his strong relationship with Bob Germain make him a formidable contender at Talladega.
Mears' collaboration with Bob Germain is a testament to the power of shared experience and mutual respect. Their partnership extends beyond the racetrack, as they continue to work together to achieve Mears' goal of 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts. This shared journey is a significant part of Mears' career, and he values the support and commitment of his former boss.
