Casey Mears Officially Looking for Work
June 28, 2008 by Tim Zaegel
Filed under Racing
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Well, just as many of us had predicted, Casey Mears is in fact out of a ride for 2009. Hendrick Motorsports announced the release of Mears from his contract with the organization following the completion of this Sprint Cup season, leaving the no. 5 seat empty, and Mears looking for work. The news comes as little shock to the NASCAR world, who continues to see more and more organizational shakeups earlier and earlier in the season … those of us close to the sport call it “Silly Season,” whereas everyone else just calls it a mess.
With Casey Mears leaving HMS next year, he throws his name into a free agency pool that could potentially drown him, or could possibly make him one of the biggest names looking forward to next season. Even with Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Bobby LaBonte, and Clint Bowyer’s names all being taken off the table, there’s still a few names out there that are sure to draw some intrigue.
Casey has to be considered an immediate candidate for the new ride opening up over at Richard Childress Racing in the no. 33 car, which is where I ultimately believe he will wind up. Another possibility, though, would be a move to Penske Racing if they’re unable to resolve their issues with their lead driver, Ryan Newman. Mears was one of the leading candidates to take over the no. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske a few years ago when Rusty Wallace retired, but the ride wound up going to Kurt Busch instead.
Some folks have not ruled out a return to Chip Ganassi Racing for Mears, where he first got his start in the Cup Series before finding his way over to a Hendrick car. Reed Sorenson is rumored to be on the chopping block there after struggling this season, but that could be a foolish move on Casey’s part considering all of the inner-turmoil that has taken place there this year. And, of course, Roush-Fenway Racing could have one of the most attractive seats available looking into the off-season should they decide to part ways with Jamie McMurray.
