Casey Mears is pursuing a highly anticipated Daytona 500 return with Garage 66 after spending seven years away from NASCAR’s flagship event. The Casey Mears Daytona 500 return arrives as Mears plans to qualify on an open entry at Daytona, determined to chart a new course in his seasoned racing career.
Mears Rejoins Garage 66 for Open Entry Bid
After last year’s five Cup Series starts—three of which were run with Garage 66, including strong showings at Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix—Mears is setting his sights higher in 2024. His best finish last year, 18th place at superspeedway Talladega, signaled promise, especially as he was returning to full Cup competition for the first time since 2019. The Californian’s last visit to the Daytona 500 ended early after a Stage 2 crash placed him last, providing added motivation for this season’s attempt at NASCAR’s prestigious season opener.
NASCAR reporter Joseph Srigley broke the news, describing the team’s lineup and Mears’ involvement in the race.
“On @SiriusXMNASCAR, Carl Long confirms that @MBMMotorsports will be fielding a #DAYTONA500 entry for Casey Mears. The team will also field an ARCA Menards Series entry for Derek White at Daytona.”
—Joseph Srigley, NASCAR reporter
Excitement Mounts Among Fans for Mears’s Return
The announcement sparked a wave of enthusiasm across the NASCAR fanbase, with supporters expressing encouragement and hope for Mears’s success on his comeback run. Reactions included cheers and pledges of support on social media:
“LFG Casey Mears!!!,” a fan wrote.
“I will be rooting for Casey Mears,” an X user wrote.
“Heck yeah! Glad to see this!,” a fan said.
“Hopefully Mike Wallace can get another shot at it. Happy that Mears is gonna try tho. Hope he makes it!,” another penned.
Mike Wallace, originally set for the Garage 66 Cup entry at the 2025 Daytona 500, saw his opportunity halted when NASCAR denied his participation, with Chandler Smith stepping in for that spot. Mears, in contrast, brings extensive Daytona 500 experience, having made 15 appearances and achieving a career-best second-place finish in 2006. Other drivers confirmed for open entries this year include Jimmie Johnson, Corey Heim, and Justin Allgaier, adding to the competitive intensity for fans and teams alike.
Mears Discusses Missed Wins and the Challenge of Late Race Restarts
Earlier this year, Mears reflected on crucial moments from his career during a guest appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast. They discussed the frustration of late-race cautions, known as green-white-checkered finishes, which cost Mears potential race wins in key events. Answering a pointed question from Earnhardt Jr., Mears offered candid insight on how these finishes impacted his racing outcomes.
“We had three races that year. We were leading Texas at the end, had a caution with like five to go. We were leading Atlanta, had a caution with like six or eight to go. And we were leading Homestead with 17 to go. I don’t think that they did that in a way of, you know, ‘We need this other guy to win the race.’ No. It was purely an opportunity to make the racing more exciting,” Mears said.
“From a fan’s perspective, to get like a green white checkered or a late race run, it was exciting. You know, I can’t say that it was wrong, you know, but I can say it didn’t work in my favor.” he added.
While his record includes only one Cup Series win—the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway—Mears’ long career and resilience have made him a recognizable fixture in the sport.
The Significance of Mears’s Daytona 500 Attempt
Mears’s pursuit of the Daytona 500 after a substantial hiatus spotlights not only his personal drive but also the broader appeal of veteran drivers making determined returns. With Garage 66 and @MBMMotorsports supporting his effort, the competition for open spots at Daytona is fierce, pitting established names like Justin Allgaier, Corey Heim, and Jimmie Johnson against seasoned veterans. As anticipation rises, the Casey Mears Daytona 500 return serves as a narrative of revival and possibility in one of NASCAR’s most celebrated events, and fans will watch closely to see if this comeback yields redemption or renews old challenges.
LFG Casey Mears!!!
— LSTNSCRFN (@LsTdiecast) December 23, 2025
PEAK
— nick (@nickthecooldud2) December 24, 2025
I will be rooting for Casey Mears https://t.co/cFMd4UZPoQ
— dwest (@dwest___) December 23, 2025
Heck yeah! Glad to see this! https://t.co/39QiCW0lN5
— Alex Gray (@AlexGray83) December 23, 2025
