Casey Mears Survives Spin, Grass Incident to Qualify for Daytona 500

Veteran driver overcomes adversity to earn spot in NASCAR's biggest race

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Casey Mears spun on pit road, got briefly stuck in the infield grass, and narrowly avoided a last-lap crash, but still managed to finish eighth in a qualifying race to earn a spot in the Daytona 500. The 47-year-old driver, who is pursuing his 500th career Cup Series start, received financial assistance from former NASCAR team owner Bob Germain to enter the race.

Why it matters

Mears' perseverance and ability to overcome obstacles highlights the competitive nature of NASCAR's premier event, the Daytona 500. As an 'open' car without a guaranteed spot, Mears' qualification is a testament to his skill and the determination of his small team, Garage 66, to make it into the prestigious race.

The details

Mears spun on pit road and got briefly stuck in the infield grass during one of the qualifying races, but managed to finish eighth, good enough to earn a spot in the 41-car Daytona 500 field as the highest-finishing 'open' car. Joey Logano won the first qualifying race, while Chase Elliott took the second.

  • On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the qualifying races for the Daytona 500 were held.
  • Mears will make his 495th career Cup Series start in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Casey Mears

A 47-year-old driver who is pursuing his 500th career Cup Series start, and received financial assistance from former NASCAR team owner Bob Germain to enter the Daytona 500.

Garage 66

The small team, owned by former driver Carl Long, that Mears is driving for in the Daytona 500.

Joey Logano

The driver who won the first qualifying race for the Daytona 500, and is a three-time Cup Series champion who won the Daytona 500 in 2015.

Chase Elliott

The 2020 NASCAR champion who won the second qualifying race for the Daytona 500, his third career Daytona 500 qualifying race victory.

Anthony Alfredo

The driver who earned the final spot in the Daytona 500 starting lineup in the second qualifying race, making his third start in the race.

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What they’re saying

“I was worried when we got stuck. I was worried about going two laps down. Actually got on the radio and asked all the guys to stay calm, said, 'We still got a shot here.' For sure when we were sitting in the grass, that wasn't pretty.”

— Casey Mears (cbs12.com)

“I can't believe it. After all that, being sitting in position to go race the Daytona 500 on Sunday, pretty much the whole race I was thinking that was out of our grasp.”

— Casey Mears (cbs12.com)

“My career is a lot of ups and downs and you never know when you will get another shot to race on any Sunday, especially the Daytona 500, the Great American Race. I've only been this choked up twice in my life: the day (my daughter) was born and when I made the Daytona 500... missing it last year has haunted me until this very moment.”

— Anthony Alfredo (cbs12.com)

“A great way to get the blood pumping for sure on a Thursday night. Nice to get the NAPA Chevy a win. Not a 500. I've been here before and not the other one, so you have to kind of learn to take it a day at a time.”

— Chase Elliott (cbs12.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Casey Mears' perseverance and ability to overcome adversity to qualify for the Daytona 500 is an inspiring story of determination in the face of obstacles. His small team's achievement highlights the competitive spirit and unpredictability that make NASCAR's premier event such a thrilling spectacle.