CASEY MEARS SHOWCASES SPEED AT TALLADEGA IN 499TH NASCAR CUP SERIES START

Widely known as one of NASCAR’s top restrictor plate racers, Casey Mears’s prowess was on full display on Sunday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway as he charged through the field in the No. 62 The Gracie Foundation/APG Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during the YellaWood 500.

Making his 499th career NASCAR Cup Series start, Mears wasted little time establishing himself as a contender at the historic 2.66-mile facility. After taking the green flag from the 34th position, Mears effortlessly hustled his way to the front of the field, breaking into the top-10 by lap 15 before advancing into the top five, where he would run solidly for much of the opening stage. As the field ebbed and flowed, Mears threatened for the lead throughout his tenure at the front.

The impressive performance showcased both the speed of the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet and Mears’ experience with the close-quarters, high-speed action that defines superspeedway racing.

A promising afternoon encountered an unexpected setback during the team’s first pit stop when Mears, along with a handful of other drivers, was assessed a debatable pit-road speeding penalty. The penalty cost the team valuable track position and ultimately put the No. 62 Chevrolet a lap behind the leaders, creating a significant challenge in a race where track position and drafting partners are critical to success.

Despite the setback, Mears and the Beard Motorsports team remained resilient, capitalizing on the car’s speed as they worked their way back into contention. Unfortunately, a mechanical issue ultimately ended their afternoon after 131 laps, resulting in a finish that did not reflect the strength of the No. 62 The Gracie Foundation/APG Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

“We had a really strong car today, and I think we showed that right from the start; coming from 34th and running inside the top five that early says a lot about the car the Beard Motorsports team brought to the track,” Mears said. “The pit-road penalty put us in a difficult position, and unfortunately, the mechanical issue ended our day. It’s disappointing because I felt we had a car capable of a strong finish. I’m grateful to everyone at Beard Motorsports, The Gracie Foundation, Acrisure Protection Group (APG), and especially Bob Germain, for making this opportunity possible. We’re now focused on Homestead and hopefully celebrating my 500th NASCAR Cup Series start with a strong performance.”

Beyond the race, Sunday represented another significant chapter in Mears’ NASCAR career. With 499 Cup Series starts to his credit, the Bakersfield, Calif., native is just one start removed from joining an exclusive group of drivers who have reached the 500-start milestone in NASCAR’s premier series. Approximately 3,000 drivers have started Cup Series races, with only 49 having achieved this significant milestone.

Talladega also provided a national platform for The Gracie Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting women battling cancer, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mears and Beard Motorsports now turn their attention to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8, where Mears is scheduled to make his 500^th Cup Series start, a defining achievement in his NASCAR career and a testament to the respect and longevity he’s earned in the sport.