Casey Mears is preparing for a highly anticipated Daytona 500 return, aiming to achieve 500 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in 2026. With only six races remaining before reaching this milestone, Mears’s Daytona 500 appearance is a pivotal step in his quest, and his return is generating considerable buzz in the racing community.
Mears Gears Up for Milestone at Daytona
The excitement around the 2026 NASCAR season opener is heightened by Mears’s goal of hitting 500 Cup starts, a target that puts him in rare company among NASCAR drivers. As the winner of the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mears has a decorated history in the sport, and his commitment to this milestone underscores his enduring passion for racing. Entering the new season, Mears stands at 494 Cup Series starts, just six short of the elusive 500-mark he is determined to reach.
Last year, Mears returned to NASCAR after a six-year hiatus, making five appearances for Garage 66 and expressing his clear objective for the coming year.
“So, we’re going to go to Martinsville, run Phoenix, and after that, I think we’re looking for six more races next season. Just really want to make that 500 mark happen.”
—Casey Mears, Driver
In 2026, Mears is set to drive the No. 66 for Garage 66 in the Daytona 500, rejoining the “Great American Race” for the first time since his 40th-place finish in 2019. At 47 years old, Mears continues to demonstrate resilience and competitive spirit, qualities that have defined his career since he first competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2003 through 2016. During that time, his standout victory at Charlotte remains a highlight, along with a season tally of double-digit top-ten finishes—a feat accomplished only once during his stint with Hendrick Motorsports.
Garage 66 Shows Confidence in Veteran Leadership
Carl Long, the team owner of Garage 66, confirmed Mears’s role for the upcoming season and discussed the team’s technical strategy on NASCAR Radio.
“I’ve got enough stuff going on, I’m about as messed up as a soup sandwich right now,”
Long revealed.
“But I can put it out here for you. We have committed [to] leasing engines [from Roush-Yates Engines] for our Cup car for the Daytona and the Talladega races this year. So, that’ll be four of them that we know.”
—Carl Long, Team Owner
Long’s enthusiasm for bringing Mears back is rooted in the veteran driver’s performance last season. Mears’s presence behind the wheel led to noticeable improvements for Garage 66, as he consistently brought out the best in the car compared to other drivers like Timmy Hills, Josh Bilicki, and Chad Finchum.
“The one thing that I have with Casey that my Timmy Hills, Josh Bilickis, and Chad Finchums don’t get, like Casey does, is the respect on the racetrack,”
he explained. —Carl Long, Team Owner
Mears has earned Long’s trust and respect not just for his skills but for the intangible qualities he brings to the team. Long emphasized that Mears’s reputation and leadership are invaluable assets, particularly for smaller NASCAR outfits competing at superspeedways such as Daytona, where experience and composure often make the difference.
What’s at Stake for Mears and Garage 66
The upcoming Daytona 500, set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, represents more than just another race; it is a crucial opportunity for Mears to inch closer to the 500-start club, joining a select group of drivers in NASCAR history. For Garage 66, the focus on experienced personnel and reliable technical alliances positions the team as a competitive presence in one of motorsport’s most iconic events.
As the countdown to the Daytona 500 continues, anticipation grows around whether Casey Mears can secure his place in history and what impact his return will have on his team and the broader NASCAR field. The stage is set for a milestone moment at Daytona, and all eyes will be on Mears as the green flag waves on a new chapter in his storied career.
