NASCAR driver Casey Mears, behind the wheel of the No. 66 car, will appear at Tanger Daytona Beach on Friday, February 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. Fans and community members are invited to join a meet-and-greet session ahead of the DAYTONA 500 weekend at this open-air shopping center. Attendance will require wristbands, which will be distributed starting at 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the check-in table near Columbia, making early arrival advisable due to limited space.
Collaboration Between Tanger, Casey Mears, and The Gracie Foundation
This event is part of a broader partnership linking Tanger Daytona Beach, Casey Mears, and The Gracie Foundation, Inc., around the iconic racing weekend. Tanger is contributing $10,000 to The Gracie Foundation to support women undergoing cancer treatment. This donation will be presented after the meet-and-greet, reflecting a commitment to community care beyond the racetrack.
Additionally, the partnership facilitates sending Gracie Gifts, which are care packages filled with comforting and encouraging items designed to uplift women facing difficult 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.
The Role of Tanger and Casey Mears in Supporting the Cause
Tanger’s involvement extends beyond hosting the event, as the brand will be prominently displayed on the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford Mustang driven by Casey Mears throughout the season. This visibility underscores the commitment to marrying motorsports with philanthropic efforts.
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.
The Gracie Foundation’s active involvement ensures ongoing engagement throughout the year. Together with Tanger and Mears, the program focuses on connecting the racing community with meaningful support for those facing health challenges, emphasizing care, community, and family-friendly initiatives.
Casey Mears’ Racing Schedule Ahead of the DAYTONA 500
Before participating in the DAYTONA 500, Casey Mears and Garage 66 need to qualify via the America 250 Florida Duels, set for Thursday, February 12. These qualifying races will be broadcast live on FS1 starting at 7 p.m. ET, with live radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on channel 90.
Mears and the No. 66 S.I. Yachts/The Gracie Foundation Ford Mustang will begin the official race weekend activities with a practice session at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, February 11, at 10 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying rounds later that evening at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The DAYTONA 500 itself is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, with live television coverage on FOX starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Radio listeners can follow the event through Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel 90.
Community Impact and Anticipated Outcomes of the Partnership
The Casey Mears Daytona Event and its associated partnership highlight a connection between NASCAR’s thrilling atmosphere and vital charitable work. This event at Tanger Daytona Beach not only offers fans a unique chance to engage with a racing veteran but also directs attention and resources towards supporting women fighting cancer. The collaborative effort promises to extend its influence well beyond race weekend, strengthening community ties and providing ongoing encouragement to those in need.
