Robbie Loomis says that Petty Enterprises is trying to find a balance between protecting its points position and preparing for the future. That’s why the team has a series of drivers effectively sharing its #45 in the Sprint Cup Series in the coming races. Loomis, Petty’s vice president of racing operations, is at Pocono Raceway this weekend, where the team has Chad McCumbee entered in the race. Next week, Kyle Petty returns for the first time since the Coca-Cola 600 in May at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to attempt the race at Watkins Glen International. Then two-time Cup champion Terry Labonte, who raced while Petty worked in the TNT broadcast booth for six races, will return at Michigan International Speedway. Beyond that, the team doesn’t have plans to announce, though Loomis expects Petty to race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The group is looking to add a third car for next season and is also interested in bringing Casey Mears into the fold. Loomis said that running the third car in a minimum of seven to 15 races would be ideal. He also says the organization is definitely interested in Mears, who has announced plans to leave Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the season. It appears that Mears would be in line for the #45 as it is the only full-time ride available. Bobby Labonte has already signed to drive the #43 next season. “Mears is definitely on our list,” Loomis said. “I think Mears is probably, to me, one of the top guys available in the garage.” He said that Mears would be a perfect fit for the team. “He definitely brings some stability, can run real good on the road courses, and I think Casey’s a very well-rounded driver, and I think he’s in a real hard situation,” Loomis said. “You look at a lot of drivers that are the fourth guy of a team, he’s behind some real star power. It’s hard not to be a little bit beat before you show up at the track.”
Bookmark to:
- Mears’ Chevrolet too low in post-race inspection
- Mears to switch to the No 5, Earnhardt, Jr to the ‘No 25′
- Johnson didn’t get message Mears was pitting
- Mears and Stewart test at Kentucky
- Mears or Stremme to the No 12
Could this work? I mean, Casey isn’t that bad of a driver
I dont know whats up with Casey Mears. Its kind of embarrsasing that hes been in this sport for like 5 yrs or so and he ONLY has 1 win while others who barely came to this sport this or basically after casey did have 3 wins or more like kyle busch for example. It took a long time for casey to get his first win while it took some 18 yr old 3 starts but thats Nationwide. What im getting to here is hopefully petty will turn his career around if they do sign him. Hes one of my favorite drivers due to the fact he lives 20 mins. from me C’mon CASEY:)
Ganassi spent $40,000,000 on developing this guy over 5 seasons (2002 through 2006)and got a Busch win to show for it. He’s gonna be out at Hendrick after 2 years with a Cup win and about $25,000,000 in resources for a top tier team. He can’t do well in anyone’s equipment. He would retard the progress Petty is trying to make but he would be an upgrade over Kyle at this point. Petty should keep looking.
gigolo george wrote:
Don’t forget, Ginassi did rush alot of his drivers to the cup level
sorry for spelling error in last post
Mears is a well rounded person and driver. I think he can bring alot to the Petty Stables and would be an excellent choice. Best of Luck to him in his Driving Career.
mears would be a good choice at petty. if they can’t get neuman. and that seems what is not going to happen. well where ever casey ends up. i wish him the best.