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CHARLOTTE, NC – Veteran NASCAR driver Casey Mears is poised to achieve a significant career milestone, his 500th start in the NASCAR Cup Series, through a newly announced partnership with Beard Motorsports for a five-race campaign in the 2026 season. Mears will pilot the No. 62 Chevrolet, a familiar entry for the family-owned team known for its dedication to grassroots racing and challenging the established order.
The initial outing for Mears and Beard Motorsports is scheduled for April 26th at Talladega Superspeedway, a track that has historically favored close competition and unexpected outcomes, fitting for a team like Beard Motorsports. Following this superspeedway debut, Mears is slated to compete in four additional high-profile events: the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a second appearance at Daytona International Speedway, a return to Talladega Superspeedway for its second annual event, and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Should Mears successfully qualify for all five scheduled races, his 500th career start will officially be recorded at the Homestead-Miami Speedway season closer. This pursuit of a remarkable numerical achievement comes after Mears, at 48 years old, demonstrated his continued competitive spirit by qualifying for the prestigious 2026 Daytona 500 with Garage 66. He started that event in 17th position and ultimately finished 32nd, marking his 495th career Cup Series start.
Mears’ extensive career in the NASCAR Cup Series commenced in 2003, and over the course of more than two decades, he has achieved one notable victory. That singular win came in the highly competitive 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure on one of NASCAR’s most demanding ovals.
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Amie Beard-Deja, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports, expressed her team’s enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We’re thrilled with the opportunity to partner with Casey Mears for these five races in 2026," Beard-Deja stated. "It has been well documented that Beard Motorsports is a passion project for my family, and we’ve been committed to carrying on what my dad started. To take the No. 62 Chevrolet to new venues is beyond anything we could’ve imagined when we started in 2017."
Beard-Deja further elaborated on the genesis of the partnership, highlighting Mears’ personal ambition. "After hearing about Casey’s desire to get to his 500th Cup Series start, we started talking. His experience in the NASCAR Cup Series and at the tracks we’ll visit with him this year makes us very excited for the rest of the season."
Mears, reflecting on the significance of the deal, underscored the personal connection he feels with the Beard Motorsports organization. "Partnering with Beard Motorsports, a team founded by the late Mark Beard Sr., and operated by his wife and daughter, means a lot to me," Mears commented. "We have a feel-good story that connects with race fans. One thing I’ve learned during the last year is how much I still love racing and competing. I’m incredibly appreciative of Bob Germain and his continued support as I close in on 500 Cup starts. His generosity is moving, and I’m thankful for his friendship."
He also offered his perspective on the team’s operational philosophy. "I’ve watched Beard Motorsports race over the years, and it’s a team that doesn’t just show up for superspeedway races – they make races and are competitive. As a racer, that’s really appealing."
Beard Motorsports, established by the late Mark Beard Sr., has carved out a niche in the NASCAR Cup Series by focusing on select events, often utilizing their expertise in superspeedway racing. The team’s commitment to competing, rather than merely participating, has garnered respect within the garage. Their operational structure, now led by Mark Beard Sr.’s wife and daughter, maintains a family-driven ethos, a sentiment that resonates with Mears and a segment of the NASCAR fanbase.
The pursuit of 500 career starts is a rare feat in modern NASCAR, reflecting a driver’s longevity, adaptability, and consistent ability to secure rides. Mears’ journey to this milestone has been characterized by a mix of full-time efforts and part-time opportunities, demonstrating resilience in a sport that demands continuous commitment. His single Cup Series victory, while a highlight, is part of a broader career that includes numerous top-10 and top-15 finishes across various teams and eras of the sport.
The upcoming races at Talladega and Daytona will undoubtedly test Mears and the No. 62 Chevrolet. These restrictor-plate tracks are known for their inherent unpredictability, where drafting, pack racing, and the potential for multi-car incidents can dramatically alter race outcomes. Mears’ experience on these challenging circuits will be a valuable asset for Beard Motorsports as they aim to contend.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with its historic Brickyard 400, presents a different strategic challenge. The expansive oval demands a balance of speed, handling, and fuel management, often producing a more traditional form of racing compared to the superspeedways. Mears’ past performances at Indianapolis will provide a baseline for expectations.
Homestead-Miami Speedway, the designated venue for Mears’ potential 500th start, is a track that has evolved over its history. Its abrasive surface and sweeping turns require significant tire management and precise driving, making it a fitting stage for a career-defining moment. The track’s role as the season finale often imbues races held there with heightened significance.
The partnership between Mears and Beard Motorsports represents a convergence of experience and ambition. For Mears, it’s a chance to cap his extensive career with a significant personal achievement. For Beard Motorsports, it’s an opportunity to leverage a seasoned driver’s talent and bring a compelling storyline to their racing endeavors. The success of this five-race program will be measured not only in statistical achievements but also in the team’s ability to compete effectively and create memorable moments on the track. The NASCAR Cup Series landscape is continually evolving, and the commitment of teams like Beard Motorsports, coupled with the dedication of veterans like Casey Mears, underscores the enduring appeal of the sport.
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