It wasn't a surprise when Rick Hendrick officially announced the release of Casey Mears at seasons end. This move was surely sponsor driven based on performance. Sure he has had a merry go round career driving for a new team and crew for the last 5 seasons but other drivers switched teams and excelled right out of the box. Kyle and Jr. to name two from this season. The #5 driven last year by Kyle Busch finished 5th in the final standings and the expectations were high for 2008. Compared to the other 3 cars in the Hendrick line up the #5 is a disappointment. Starts
Wins
Top Fives
Top Tens
Poles 196 1 12 39 3
Other than a pile of wins he has all the tools that should keep him in the Sprint Cup Series. He finishes races and doesn't tear up his cars. Perhaps Casey is just a mere mortal among some elite drivers. There is a reason the same dozen or so names keep showing up on the winners list every weekend. Besides the equipment those guys are that talented. Even if Casey isn't a world class driver like his Uncle Rick was, there is no shame in being an above average Sprint Cup driver. HammerHands
Even Steven Wallace gets his sponsors more TV time. Every time he wrecks they get exposure, and get their logo shown over and over in the replays.
Casey is a really nice guy, unfortunately for Casey they don't show the cars out of the top 10 very often. Whenever they start through the field somethings happens and they don't get any air time. For what HMS gets from a primary sponsor they want the car to be out front with lots of air time.
In todays premier series, average just doesn't cut it any more. You are either in the top ten every week or you are going to fade into oblivion in the minor series.
I was lucky enough to be at the 600 last year when Casey won. I am glad for that. He needs a change of pace. I though he was the gone car last year. Kyle got the axe and he didn't . Dont understand. Bet Rick scratches his head a little. Anyway good luck Casey. Welcome one year wonder Mark Martin.
This really stinks for Casey, but I think we all saw it coming. And really, I think alot of us were surprised it wasn't him that was gone last year. His personality and attitude bought him this last year at HMS. I'm not disappointed in the least that Rick let Kyle go instead of Casey though. Kyle may be NASCAR's "bad boy", and the reason alot of "fans" are tuning in right now, but that will fade just as quick as it hit. After NASCAR gives him the Cup this year, c'mon we all know it's in the script, and he actually has to work for a win next year, we'll see how much of a spoiled little child Kyle really is. NASCAR is a business, and at this point in time in NASCAR history it is just good business for them to have a Toyota win the cup. And what better person for them to have win it then the most hot headed, controversial driver in a Toyota winning it.
Anyway, sorry about the rant. I don't mean to get off subject. We will miss you at HMS Casey. Good luck where ever you go next year. I'll always be a fan of yours.
and excelled right out of the box. Kyle and Jr. to name two from this season. The #5 driven last year by Kyle Busch finished 5th in the final standings and the expectations were high for 2008. Compared to the other 3 cars in the Hendrick line up the #5 is a disappointment. 
