Casey Mears Returns to Daytona: A Look at the Evolving Landscape of NASCAR’s Part-Time Racers
The roar of engines at Daytona International Speedway isn’t just about championship contenders; it’s also a stage for veteran drivers and teams exploring niche opportunities, like Casey Mears’ upcoming start in the Coke Zero Sugar 400. This resurgence of experienced talent in select events for teams like Garage 66 (formerly MBM Motorsports) highlights a fascinating trend in the NASCAR Cup Series: the strategic deployment of part-time entries to maximize impact and visibility within a demanding schedule.
Garage 66, having skipped the 2023 season entirely, has adopted a consistent strategy throughout 2024 and into the 2025 season, fielding the No. 66 Ford in a rotating cast of drivers for select races. This approach allows them to maintain a presence and gain valuable data without the full commitment of a charter. Their 10th start of the 2025 season at Watkins Glen International featured fan favorite Josh Bilicki, marking his fifth appearance and capping a busy three-week stretch for the team.
Before Bilicki’s recent outings at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Joey Gase’s return to the team at his home track in Iowa, the focus shifts to a seasoned competitor. Casey Mears, a name synonymous with NASCAR history, is set to make his first Daytona start in over six years.
Veteran Presence in Modern NASCAR
Mears’ last Cup Series appearance prior to his Martinsville start in March was the 2019 Daytona 500. His return after sitting out the 2017 and 2018 seasons underscores the allure of specific tracks and the opportunities that part-time efforts can create for experienced drivers. For Garage 66, this strategy allows them to tap into a pool of talent eager for competitive seat time and to leverage their knowledge at iconic venues.
This weekend’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Beach, Florida, will see Mears behind the wheel of the No. 66 Ford. As one of four part-time, non-chartered entries on the list, the team is aiming to make the most of this high-profile event. The other open cars include Austin Hill’s No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, Joey Gase in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, and B.J. McLeod’s No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports.
Daytona: A Track of Opportunities and History
Daytona International Speedway has a unique draw, and Mears has a notable history on its famed 2.5-mile oval. His runner-up finish in the 2006 Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing is a career highlight, and he also secured a fourth-place finish in the 2014 summer race with Germain Racing. While his sole Cup Series win came in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600, his past performances at Daytona demonstrate his capability on restrictor-plate tracks.
The strategic decision by teams like Garage 66 to utilize a rotating driver lineup, often featuring veterans and prospects, speaks volumes about the current state of NASCAR team economics and strategic planning. These “open” cars, while not guaranteed starts, provide a vital pathway for teams to participate and for drivers to gain experience or revisit their careers.
The Future of Part-Time Racing
What does this trend suggest for the future of NASCAR? It points to a more flexible and adaptable operational model for smaller teams. Instead of committing to a full season with potentially inconsistent funding, focusing on select races with tailored driver lineups can be a more sustainable approach. This allows teams to target events where they believe they can be competitive or generate the most exposure.
Furthermore, the return of drivers like Mears to marquee events like the Coke Zero Sugar 400 can bring increased fan interest. These veterans carry a loyal following and their presence often adds a narrative layer to the race weekend. It also provides an avenue for new talent to emerge through these part-time efforts, as seen with drivers like Josh Bilicki.
Looking ahead, we might see an increase in teams adopting this “leaner” operational model. The challenge for these part-time teams will be consistently securing sponsorship and maintaining the necessary technical infrastructure to compete effectively, especially at high-speed, high-stakes tracks like Daytona. The success of these efforts often hinges on smart driver selection and efficient resource management, allowing them to punch above their weight.
The ability of teams to strategically enter and exit certain races, leveraging veteran talent and focusing on specific marketing opportunities, represents a significant evolution. It allows a wider array of drivers to compete and potentially attract new fan bases to the sport.
You can catch all the action from Daytona International Speedway live on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET this Saturday. Want to ensure you don’t miss a moment? Consider starting a free trial of FuboTV today and tune into the thrilling Coke Zero Sugar 400!
