NASCAR driver Casey Mears is eyeing a return to the Cup Series in 2026 as he chases down an impressive landmark.
Having last raced full-time in the Cup Series in 2016, Mears returned on a part-time basis in 2025, completing three races so far in the No. 66 Ford for Garage 66 at Martinsville, Daytona, and Talladega.
As a result of those appearances, the 47-year-old Bakersfield, California native has now reached a total of 492 races in the Cup Series, and with two further outings to come at Martinsville and Phoenix, that will stand at 494 when the season is out.
Mears eyeing 500-race landmark
Enticingly, that leaves Mears just six Cup Series starts short of hitting 500 races in the Cup Series, which would be a major feat to hit.
“We’re chasing 500,” Mears told Frontstretch at Talladega last weekend.
“So, we’re going to go to Martinsville, run Phoenix, and after that, I think we’re looking for six more races next season. Just really want to make that 500 mark happen.”
Mears continued, explaining that whilst he took some time away from the track to do some important things, he had unfinished business with the sport.
“I’ve never lost the itch,” Mears said when it comes to NASCAR racing. “This sport’s fickle, and it was done with me before I was done with it, really.
“And so, I got a lot of time off, got to spend quality time with my family and watch them grow up, which has been a lot of fun."
