Veteran NASCAR driver Casey Mears is set to make his return to the Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway this weekend, but his comeback is marred by a series of setbacks that could impact his performance.

The No. 66 Garage 66 team, with Mears behind the wheel, failed pre-practice inspection twice, resulting in significant penalties. The team has been stripped of its pit stall selection and will operate without engineer Hector Flores for the duration of the event. These sanctions are particularly challenging for a small, open team like Garage 66, which previously competed under the name MBM Motorsports.

Mears, who has 489 Cup Series starts, is aiming to reach his 500th race milestone this season. The difficulties at Martinsville, including the loss of a preferred pit stall and the absence of a key team member, complicate his path toward this achievement.

Adding to the team’s challenges, a last-minute sponsorship change has occurred. Initially, HitchGO, a mobile RV repair and trailer service company, was set to sponsor the No. 66 car. However, the deal has shifted, and now Canter Power Systems and Coble Enterprises will share sponsorship duties. Canter will feature on the hood, while Coble’s branding will appear on the quarter panels.

Brian Lopatka, CEO of Canter Power Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Garage 66 and Casey Mears for the upcoming Martinsville race. At Canter Power Systems, we seek new ways to amplify our brand and connect with our audience. This sponsorship not only aligns with our commitment to innovation and excellence but also allows us to engage with NASCAR fans in a meaningful way. We are confident this partnership will deliver powerful results both on and off the track, and we’re only getting started.”

Mears’ return to Martinsville is significant, as the track is known for its challenging short-track racing. His best finish at this venue was sixth place in 2006 and 2008 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, respectively. The upcoming race will be his first at Martinsville since 2016, when he finished 21st with Germain Racing.

Despite the hurdles, Mears remains optimistic about his return to the Cup Series. He expressed his excitement for the race and appreciation for team owner Carl Long’s support:

“I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks. I appreciate Carl [Long] working with me to make it happen; he’s a well-respected, great guy who’s worked hard to experience longevity in the sport.”

As Mears and Garage 66 prepare for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, they face a weekend filled with challenges. The team’s resilience and determination will be tested as they navigate the complexities of NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

1.Who is Casey mears?

Casey Mears is a veteran NASCAR driver with a career spanning from 2003 to 2019, accumulating 489 Cup series starts and securing one victory in the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He has driven for several prominent teams, including Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Richard Childress Racing. ([racer.com](https://racer.com/2025/03/13/mears-to-make-cup-return-with-garage-66-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))

2. What is the significance of Mears’ return to Martinsville Speedway?

Casey Mears is set to make his return to the NASCAR Cup series at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025, marking his first race since 2019. This event is particularly significant as it brings him closer to his 500th Cup Series start milestone, with only 11 races remaining to reach this achievement. ([jayski.com](https://www.jayski.com/2025/03/19/acrisure-protection-group-partnering-with-casey-mears-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))

3. What challenges is Mears facing ahead of the Martinsville race?

Leading up to the Martinsville race, Mears and his team, Garage 66, have encountered several challenges. The team failed pre-practice inspection twice, resulting in penalties such as the loss of their preferred pit stall and the absence of engineer Hector Flores for the event. These setbacks are particularly impactful for a small, open team like Garage 66. ([speedwaymedia.com](https://speedwaymedia.com/2025/03/13/casey-mears-joins-garage-66-for-cup-return-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))

4. Who are the sponsors for Mears’ No. 66 car at Martinsville?

Initially, HitchGO, a mobile RV repair and trailer service company, was set to sponsor the No. 66 car.However, the sponsorship has shifted, and now canter Power Systems and Coble Enterprises will share sponsorship duties. Canter Power Systems will feature on the hood, while Coble’s branding will appear on the quarter panels. ([speedsport.com](https://speedsport.com/nascar/nascar-cup-series/casey-mears-to-make-cup-series-return-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))

5. What is Mears’ history at Martinsville Speedway?

Martinsville Speedway is known for its challenging short-track racing. Mears’ best finish at this venue was sixth place in 2006 and 2008 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, respectively. The upcoming race will be his first at Martinsville since 2016, when he finished 21st with Germain Racing. ([speedwaymedia.com](https://speedwaymedia.com/2025/03/13/casey-mears-joins-garage-66-for-cup-return-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))

6. What are Mears’ thoughts on returning to NASCAR?

Despite the hurdles, Mears remains optimistic about his return to the Cup Series. He expressed his excitement for the race and thankfulness for team owner Carl Long’s support, stating, “I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks. I appreciate Carl [Long] working with me to make it happen; he’s a well-respected, great guy who’s worked hard to experience longevity in the sport.” ([speedwaymedia.com](https://speedwaymedia.com/2025/03/13/casey-mears-joins-garage-66-for-cup-return-at-martinsville/?utm_source=openai))