Veteran NASCAR driver Casey Mears is gearing up for his long-awaited return to the NASCAR Cup Series on March 30 at Martinsville Speedway. Just 11 races away from the prestigious 500-start milestone, Mears will pilot the No. 66 HitchGO Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66, co-owned by longtime NASCAR figure Carl Long.
A Storied Career Nearing a Milestone
If Mears reaches the 500-start mark, he will join an elite group of just 48 drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history to accomplish this feat. Among active drivers, only Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell share this distinction. The return to Martinsville offers Mears a chance to edge closer to this milestone while competing at one of his favorite tracks.
Mears carries a legacy name in motorsports, with a career that includes a NASCAR Cup Series victory, four Cup Series Pole Awards—including a track record-setting performance at the 2004 Brickyard 400—and an overall win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2006. Beyond stock car racing, Mears has showcased his versatility in off-road racing, securing a class win at the NORRA 1000 in 2019 and competing in multiple Baja 1000 events.
Garage 66 and HitchGO Join Forces
Backing Mears in his return is HitchGO, a mobile RV repair and trailer services company that will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 66 Ford Mustang. Additional support comes from Mosby’s Towing and Transport and Coble Enterprises as associate sponsors. The partnership underscores Garage 66’s commitment to fielding competitive entries with respected veterans of the sport.
Carl Long, who has been a steadfast figure in NASCAR for nearly three decades, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Mears on board.
“Having Casey Mears drive a Garage 66 car is a proud day for our organization,” Long said. “He’s driven for some of NASCAR’s elite teams, and adding Garage 66 to that list means a lot. Casey has always been a class act, both on and off the track, and we’re excited to chase success together at Martinsville.”
Mears Ready for the Challenge
For Mears, the return to NASCAR represents more than just another start—it’s a step closer to history.
“I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks,” Mears said. “I appreciate Carl working with me to make it happen; he’s a well-respected, great guy who’s worked hard to experience longevity in the sport. I’m excited to have HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises on board as we chip away at 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts.”
As the NASCAR world turns its attention to Martinsville, fans will be watching closely as Mears inches closer to his milestone. His return serves as a reminder of the endurance, talent, and passion that define a lasting career in the sport. With a strong backing and a familiar track ahead, Mears is set to make his mark once again in the NASCAR Cup Series.
