Mears picks up National Guard backing

The Army National Guard announced it will expand its new partnership with Hendrick Motorsports by supporting driver Casey Mears in the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series. Mears is scheduled to make 22 starts in Chevrolets branded with the 24 number, which has not been campaigned by Hendrick Motorsports in the Busch Series since 2002. All races will be companion events with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.