Casey Mears is set to make a return to the NASCAR Cup Series later this month when he will race in the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.

Mears will be driving the Garage 66 number 66 car.

The smallest track on the NASCAR circuit, Martinsville is a half mile track that is shaped like a paper clip.

Mears was last in a Cup Series car in 2019 when he participated in the Daytona 500.  The start at Martinsville will be career start number 490 for Casey Mears.

Mears is hoping to add his name to the list of drivers with 500 career starts.  Current drivers Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Michael McDowell all have made over 500 Cup Series starts.

Mears spoke on the upcoming March 30 race, “I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks.  I appreciate Carl [Long, Garage 66 co-owner] 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.”

Along with his Coca-Cola 600 win in 2007, Mears was a part of the winning team in 2006 with Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Garage 66 co-owner Carl Long spoke on Mears running at Martinsville saying, “having Casey Mears drive a Garage 66 car is a proud day for our organization.  He’s driven for NASCAR’s elite, such as Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing. Adding Garage 66 to that list means a lot to me and everyone who’s helped build our team.”

He continued, “Casey and I first connected many years ago when I was driving and he always treated me and our fellow competitors with respect on and off the track. He hails from a historic racing family, but it’s not something he boasts about. He always takes time for everyone, which is indicative of his character. I love having the opportunity to work with good people, especially when they drive fast. I’m excited to get to Martinsville with Casey and have a successful weekend for HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises.”