Mears Joins Hendrick

Car owner Rick Hendrick announced he's signed driver Casey Mears to pilot Hendrick Motorsports' No. 25 Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007. As usual the terms of the financial agreement were not disclosed. Mears, inked a multi-year agreement that will keep him with the team through at least the '09 racing season. He will replace Brian Vickers, who's slated to complete the current schedule after being granted a release from contractual obligations to Hendrick Motorsports beyond '06.