Hendrick to Mears: Get Lost

Well maybe not that harsh, but Casey Mears will not return to Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. "We've put a ton of emphasis on the #5 program," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "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."

"I know the effort has been there, but we haven't had the finishes to show for it," Mears said. "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."

This move has left the door open to see Mark Martin behind the wheel of this car for the 2009 season.

[Source: Hendrick Motorsports PR]

And the silly season is just getting started

ESPN.com reported yesterday, that Mark Martin is going to replace Casey Mears in the 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. Of course this rumor has spawned out of a couple moves by DEI. The first is that Aric Amirola who splits time with Mark Martin in the 8 car at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will most likely drive that car full time in 2009 and with DEI possibly downsizing in 2009, that would leve Mark Martin without a ride, hence the rumor about Mears getting booted out fo the 5 car.

The rumor comes at no surpise to me as Mears has not been performing up to expecations, he just scored his first top 5 of the year yesterday in Somona. But Mears' car owner Rick Hendrick doesn't to seem be ready to let go of Mears just yet.

"I'm committed to him [Mears] right now," Hendrick said on Sunday at Infineon Raceway. "I'm committed to him making that car run better right now."

Another thing to figure in is that Mark Martin is not running full time and will need a driver to split time with Martin and that driver will most likely be Brad Keselowski. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this little drama.

Martin to leave DEI, replace Mears in No. 5 [ESPN.com]