Casey Mears, well-known NASCAR driver of the No. 66 car, is set to appear at Tanger Daytona Beach on Friday, February 13, offering racing fans a unique chance to meet him ahead of the Daytona 500 weekend. The Casey Mears Daytona 500 event will take place at the open-air shopping destination on Daytona Beach, connecting motorsport excitement with local community engagement.
Meet-and-Greet Kicks Off Daytona Weekend Festivities
This exclusive event welcomes the community for a meet-and-greet with Mears from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tanger Daytona Beach. Attendees will need event wristbands, available at the check-in table near Columbia, beginning at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as participation is first-come, first-served, and space may be limited. Tanger, a prominent shopping destination in Daytona Beach, seeks to provide fans with a personal experience with a racing veteran as anticipation builds for the Daytona 500.
Philanthropic Partnership Supports Women Facing Cancer
Through a special collaboration, Tanger has joined forces with Casey Mears and The Gracie Foundation, Inc., tying the excitement of the Daytona 500 to a charitable cause that holds significance for the local community. The arrangement highlights the significance of using a high-profile motorsports event as a platform to support a meaningful initiative.
Tanger has pledged a $10,000 donation to The Gracie Foundation, which assists women undergoing cancer treatment. This contribution will be ceremonially presented at the meet-and-greet event. In addition, the partnership helps fund Gracie Gifts—care packages filled with items designed to comfort and encourage recipients during challenging times.
“The DAYTONA 500 is a moment that brings people together, and Tanger is proud to be part of it in a meaningful way that gives back,”
said Roxanne Ribakoff, General Manager of Tanger Daytona Beach.
“Working with Casey Mears and The Gracie Foundation allows us to support women when they need it most, while celebrating the race weekend with our community.”
– Roxanne Ribakoff, General Manager of Tanger Daytona Beach
Connecting Racing Excitement to Local Causes
Tanger is extending its involvement by becoming a key sponsor on the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford Mustang, adding to the visibility of both the event and the associated philanthropic cause. The collaboration with The Gracie Foundation ensures that the support offered to women in treatment will continue beyond just race weekend, highlighting a broader commitment to philanthropy and family-centered community experiences.
“This partnership is about more than racing,”
said Casey Mears.
“It’s about using the visibility of the DAYTONA 500 to support a cause that truly matters. I’m proud to represent Tanger and The Gracie Foundation in a program that gives back and makes a real difference.”
– Casey Mears, NASCAR Driver
This approach aligns the enthusiasm leading up to the Daytona 500 with tangible support for local needs, reinforcing community bonds.
Schedule of Race Week Events Featuring Casey Mears
Before participating in the celebrated “Great American Race,” Mears and the Garage 66 team must secure their spot in the starting lineup through the America 250 Florida Duels on Thursday, February 12. Race preparations officially begin with a practice session at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, February 11, at 10 a.m. ET, followed by Daytona 500 qualifying at 8:15 p.m. ET that evening.
The America 250 Florida Duels are scheduled for Thursday evening, televised live on FS1 and broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The finale, the Daytona 500, will be held on Sunday, February 15, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, as well as radio broadcasts to capture the nation’s attention.
Strengthening Community Through Racing and Giving Back
This partnership illustrates how major sporting events like the Daytona 500 can create opportunities for meaningful civic engagement, benefiting women in the community and fostering positive momentum beyond the excitement of race weekend. Casey Mears’s involvement, along with support from Tanger Daytona Beach and The Gracie Foundation, brings together fans, charities, and the vibrant racing culture of Daytona, promising a memorable and impactful start to the new NASCAR season.
