Casey Mears Quotes:
“I’m really looking forward to this season. I am extremely excited to be with Texaco/Havoline. It’s a sponsor that has a rich heritage in racing, and my dad (Roger Mears) even has a picture of him and my uncle (Rick Mears) with the Chevron emblems on from the mid 70s. I’ve already done a few appearances for them, and they are really putting their support behind me and this team.

“I’m a lot more confident heading into this season. I’m coming off a solid finish from 2005, the win at the Rolex race and the team is really focused. Donnie (crew chief Wingo) and I are working really well together and the communication is already there. The one advantage we have, and it is thanks to the way Chip and Felix have the teams set up, is that Donnie was never further away than across the table during all our meetings. So it’s not like I’m working with someone I didn’t know or haven’t worked with before.

“We tested the Texaco/Havoline Dodge at Daytona, Nashville and Las Vegas and we were all optimistic after each test session. Here at Daytona we didn’t have the speed out there when we did our qualifying runs, but the drafting sessions went much better.

“Restrictor-plate racing is always white-knuckle racing. You try and remain cool and patient, but there are 42 other drivers out there that have to remain patient also. It’s hard, especially on the long runs because it’s tough to pass and if your car is handling well you want to get up front. You have to have friends out there, and having two teammates that want to work with you will be an advantage for Reed (Sorenson), David (Stremme) and I.”

Career-Best Start: First, twice: Pocono Raceway (July 30, 2004) and Indianapolis (August 7, 2004).

Career-Best Finish: Fourth, three times: Watkins Glen International (August 15, 2004) and Texas Motor Speedway (April 17, 2005 and November 6, 2005).

Texaco/Havoline Crew

Name Crew position Hometown

Donnie Wingo Crew Chief Spartanburg, S.C

Billy Curwood Engineer Shickshinny, Penn.

Andy Graves Team Manager Syracuse, N.Y.

Keith Armstrong Tire Specialist Viola, Ill.

Tony Glover Team Manager Kingsport, Tenn.

Jeff Price Shocks/Pit Support Beallsville, Md.

Mike Brill Car Chief Woodsville, N.H.

Scott Myers Mechanic Modesto, Calif.

Mark Armstrong Front Tire Changer Gastonia, N.C.

Tab Boyd Spotter Pensacola, Fla.

Shane Cook Front Tire Carrier Franklin, Tenn.

Rudy Wade Engine Specialist Greer, N.C.

Rich Macco Rear Tire Changer North Syracuse, N.Y.

Brady Wittcamper Pit Support Tipton, Ind.

Chip Goode Rear Tire Carrier Statesville, N.C.

Ryan Quann Pit Support Richmond, Va.

Mark Jacobs Jack Man Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

Rocky Boggs Transport Driver Burlington, N.C.

Mike Bodick Gas Man Norwalk, Conn.

Randy Davis Transport Driver Shelby, N.C.

Heath Silver Catch Can Man Asheville, N.C.

Ronnie Willard Scorer