CONCORD, N.C. (June 27, 2008) -- Hendrick Motorsports and driver Casey Mears will part company at the end of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, it was announced Friday.
"We've put a ton of emphasis on the No. 5 program," Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, said in a prepared statement. "It's been a total team effort, and Casey has worked as hard as anyone to help us improve. We've tested more than we ever have, but the results just haven't come.
"None of us, Casey included, have been satisfied with the situation this season. But he's confident there are other options out there for him in 2009, and we feel like Hendrick Motorsports will have some opportunities, too."
Mears will finish the 2008 season in Hendrick's No. 5 Chevrolets.
"I know the effort has been there, but we haven't had the finishes to show for it," Mears said in a prepared statement. "I've never tested this much or put more energy into racing. But for whatever reason, we just haven't been able to make it click. It's certainly not for lack of dedication on anyone's part.
"I'll talk to people about opportunities and get my 2009 plans wrapped up soon, but I'm also focused on the next 20 races and finishing 2008 on a positive note. We ran well the second half last year, and I know we can do it again. I want to close this season the right way."
Hendrick Motorsports will announce its 2009 plans at a later date.
Kyle Busch, who was released last season by Hendrick Motorsports so it could acquire Dale Earnhardt Jr., said “it's (a) tough (situation) and that team obviously expected to run similar to what we did last year, but really Hendrick Motorsports has not run up to what they were last year and their standards of last year. It’s hard to say, but hopefully Casey
(Mears) can find another deal and he can continue his ride in the Sprint Cup Series and we can continue to race him every weekend.”
06-28-2008, 11:22 AM
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