The NASCAR Cup Series is an elite club, and Casey Mears is on the cusp of a remarkable milestone. With 491 starts, Mears is tantalizingly close to joining the exclusive 500 start club, a feat achieved by only 47 drivers in NASCAR's long history.
But here's where it gets impressive: Mears is not just a journeyman driver. He's a winner of the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, a race that only 206 drivers have ever won out of approximately 3,000 who have started in the sport's 77-year history. This victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend in 2007 cements Mears' place among the greats.
And now, Mears is back at Talladega with a familiar sponsor, S.I. Yachts, one of the world's oldest and largest dealers for Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks. Mears has a special connection to the Germain Motor Company, which owns S.I. Yachts, as he previously drove for Germain Racing from 2010 to 2016. This partnership is a nostalgic reunion with his former boss, Bob Germain.
The No. 66 S.I. Yachts Ford Mustang isn't Mears' first rodeo with the number 66. He's driven cars with this number in both the CART FedEx Championship Series (now NTT INDYCAR SERIES) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. But this time, it's personal, as Mears aims to reach his 500th start milestone.
Mears has a strong record at Talladega, completing 89% of his laps in 27 NASCAR Cup Series starts at this challenging track. He's earned over $2 million in winnings during his 16-year career at Talladega, and in the Xfinity Series, he's led 52 laps and achieved two top-5 finishes in just three starts.
'It's a special feeling to have Bob's support,' Mears says of his former boss. 'We shared success, and his commitment to me is invaluable. I'm grateful for this partnership as I chase my 500th start.'
Mears' success at restrictor plate tracks is well-known. He reveals his strategy: 'Patience is key, and predicting what's ahead. I watch drivers' aggression and make strategic moves to avoid issues. Finishing the race is the goal.'
With no practice session at Talladega, Mears remains confident. He recalls a similar situation at Daytona and is optimistic about the upcoming qualifying session. 'I've always done well on plate tracks,' he asserts. 'I'm ready for Talladega and excited to see what we can achieve.'
And this is the part most people miss—Mears' journey is not just about the numbers. It's a story of perseverance, skill, and the enduring relationships that make NASCAR a unique sport. Will Mears reach his 500th start? Only time will tell, but his legacy is already secured.
