Mears to sub for Hamlin if needed

Casey Mears was selected Saturday to sub for #11-Denny Hamlin while he recovers from ACL surgery. It's a deal that came together in just a few days, but one Mears knows could relaunch a fledgling Cup career after going 1-for-6 in making races with underfunded Keyed-Up Motorsports  a deal that ended with a DNQ Friday. "It's just an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he said. "It's one of those deals where I could just be sitting on the pit box if Denny feels pretty good, but if he doesn't it's just a great opportunity to possibly get in a good car." It's also a chance to pair with an organization that would one day like to expand to four teams. "You see him in passing, and it's hi, hello, but I've never really spoken with those guys," he said. "So it's an opportunity for me to just kind of get to know those guys a little bit, and you never know what the future holds." Hamlin had high praise for Mears in his press conference Saturday morning, calling him "the best option to get a good finish" of all the drivers available in case he falters. If Hamlin's pain is overwhelming, the plan would be to run to the first caution, then have Mears take over for as many races as possible until his recovery's complete. "I think it means a lot to think your peers think of you that way," he claimed. "I think that hopefully if I can get in there, I can do a good job for them, and keep them in the running for where they want to be." In the meantime, Mears' relationship with Keyed-Up is expected to continue once his subbing is complete. He claims owner Raymond Key will run in the interim, although no driver has been selected to sub for him in the #90 Chevy as of yet. "I still want to run with those guys some more," he said. "Hopefully, I can get through this year and get something going rolling positive for 2011." Frontstretch