Casey Mears is set to make his return to NASCAR Cup Series competition on March 30, when he takes the wheel of the No. 66 HitchGO Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66 in the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. This race will mark his 489th Cup Series start, bringing him within reach of the 500-start milestone—an achievement only 47 other drivers have accomplished in the sport’s history. Among active drivers, only Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Michael McDowell share that distinction.
The No. 66 Ford Mustang will carry primary sponsorship from HitchGO, a mobile RV repair, camper, and trailer service provider operating in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and surrounding areas. Major associate sponsors Mosby’s Towing and Transport, as well as Coble Enterprises, will also support Mears’ return.
Mears, a recognizable name in motorsports, boasts a NASCAR Cup Series victory and four Cup Series Pole Awards, including a track-record-setting pole at the 2004 Brickyard 400. His versatility extends beyond stock cars—he became the first full-time NASCAR driver to claim an overall victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2006. More recently, he has excelled in off-road racing, winning his class and finishing third overall at the NORRA 1000 in 2019, along with multiple appearances in the grueling Baja 1000, where he finished 12th in the Trophy Truck Class.
As he prepares for Martinsville, Mears is eager to get back behind the wheel at one of his favorite tracks. He appreciates the opportunity to work with Carl Long, a respected veteran of the sport who has built a long-standing presence in NASCAR. Long, co-owner of Garage 66, expressed enthusiasm for having Mears drive for his team, noting his past experience with top-tier organizations like Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Richard Childress Racing.
Long also spoke highly of Mears’ character, recalling their early interactions when both were competing in the series. He emphasized Mears’ reputation for treating fellow drivers with respect and his humble nature despite coming from a prestigious racing family. With the support of HitchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises, Long looks forward to a successful weekend at Martinsville as Mears inches closer to a historic milestone.