Casey Mears partners with Biagi-DenBeste Racing for 12 XFINITY races this season

Casey Mears officially announced his 2017 NASCAR plans Monday night in a deal that will partner him with Biagi-DenBeste Racing for 12 races in the No. 98 Ford Mustang in the XFINITY Series.

GEICO, Mears’ long-time sponsor when he drove the No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet in the Monster Energy Cup Series, will serve as his sponsor for all 12 events.

“I'm thankful for GEICO's continued support and I'm happy we were able to get this deal put together with Biagi-DenBeste Racing," Mears said in a statement. "Fred Biagi and Bill and Lori DenBeste are great people and I've always respected them and how committed they've been to NASCAR and building their team over the years.

“I'm honored to be able to drive the No. 98 GEICO Military Ford and pay tribute to our military and their families. GEICO does a terrific job of supporting the military and I appreciate the opportunity to play a small role in honoring our service members.”

https://twitter.com/GEICORacing/status/833811140773806080

After parting ways with Germain Racing at the conclusion of the 2016 Cup Series season, Mears plans for the future were silent for the most part of the offseason.

The 14-year NASCAR Cup Series veteran makes his first start in the XFINITY Series since 2010 at Auto Club Speedway on March 26.

Mears has appeared in 93 XFINITY races in his career, winning the 2006 Chicagoland race in a Chip Ganassi Dodge, and posted 16 top-five and 32 top-10 finishes.

In his Cup career, Mears went to Victory Lane in 2007 at Charlotte with Hendrick Motorsports and spent the past seven seasons driving for Germain Racing in the No. 13 car.

No plans of attempting any Cup Series races or more XFINITY Series events were announced.