Hendrick to sack Mears for Martin in ’09

UPDATE #2 Casey Mears who will be leaving the No. 5 Hendrick Chevy at the end of 2008 may be looking at the IndyCar Series according to rumors. Appearing at a media event at California Speedway Wednesday Mears opened the door to a possible move to an open wheel series.

"I'm not glued to this type of car," Mears said. "Racing is really important to me."

Mears ran three IRL events at the start of the 2001 season before eventually finishing up the season by filling in for injured ChampCar driver Alex Zanardi, posting one top-10 finish in four starts.

Mears has 5 CART starts, with one top-5 finish. He has 3 IRL starts, with no top-5 finishes.

As for his future, Mears seemed to say Wednesday that things are on the right track no matter where he ends up.

"There's lots of interest," said Mears about his future status. "I'm pretty happy with the way things are going. I think we'll get to something soon."

06/31/08 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with the official announcement weeks ago.

06/23/08 Casey Mears and Mark Martin look to be on the move, and their futures might be linked. Mears' future with Hendrick Motorsports appears in jeopardy, ESPN.com has learned. Although Mears has one year left on his contract, team owner Rick Hendrick would not commit to the driver of the No. 5 car beyond this season.

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

Earlier on Sunday, sources told ESPN.com that Martin would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. Later, ESPN.com learned that he would replace Mears, making one last full-time run at a championship.

John Story, the vice president of motorsports at DEI, said there are plans to put Aric Almirola into a full-time ride next season. Almirola currently is splitting the No. 8 with the 49-year-old Martin. He indicated the full-time ride would be in the No. 8.

"Aric is ready for a full-time ride," Story said. "There's a lot of interest in sponsorship for Aric. He's a bright young guy and a hell of a race car driver.

Mears has been confident in his return to HMS over the past couple of months. There was doubt in his voice on Sunday, before he went out and finished fifth at Infineon, his best showing this season.

"I don't know yet," he said when asked if he would return in 2009. "Obviously, we haven't had a good season. I think anything could happen. Right now, I don't really have anything good to talk about." ESPN.com