Casey Mears is back at the Brickyard, the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the upcoming Brickyard 400, marking his 496th NASCAR Cup Series start and his 14th appearance in the event.
The return is steeped in family history, with his father Roger Mears and uncle Rick Mears leaving indelible marks on the track; Rick Mears captured four Indianapolis 500 victories, a legacy that Mears carries into his own racing narrative.
This weekend he will pilot the No. 62 Gracie Foundation Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports, a partnership that blends the philanthropic reach of the Gracie Foundation with the family‑run operation of Beard Motorsports, a team that has been expanding beyond its traditional Daytona and Talladega programs.
Milestone at Homestead
Mears is targeting his 500th career Cup start at Homestead‑Miami Speedway, a milestone that would cap a two‑decade journey through the series.
The limited schedule this season forces the team to rely heavily on simulation and preparation, given the reduced practice time, a reality that shapes modern NASCAR strategy and may give Mears a realistic shot at a top‑20 finish.
Beyond the numbers, Mears expresses genuine appreciation for the speedway’s heritage, noting how the track’s layout still feels familiar from a setup perspective to the challenges he faced at Pocono, and he hopes to honor his family’s legacy with a strong performance.