Mears awaits word on future with Ganassi

UPDATE #3 Tyler Epp, team manager for Chip Ganassi Racing, said Saturday regarding Casey Mears, driver of the No. 41 Dodge, "We want him to be part of our program for a long time and we have every intention of having him in one of our race cars next year." 07/19/05 Word is that Busch rookie sensation Reed Sorenson will get the nod for the #41 Dodge in 2006. Possibilities mentioned for Mears include the #2 at Penske Racing and the #10 at Evernham. There also has been the suggestion that he'll drive Sorenson's Busch car. Sporting News 07/10/05 With McMurray out of the picture, Casey Mears' name has popped up as replacing the retiring Rusty Wallace at [#2 Miller Lite Dodge] Penske Racing South. Mears, who drives the #41 for Chip Ganassi Racing, said yesterday he is waiting to hear from Ganassi on next year. "I've been told they want me around next season, but that's the extent of it," he said. "I just haven't seen anything solid that says I'm going to be there. I'm happy with my team. I think we can improve and do a lot better than we're doing now, so if I stick around, I'd be happy with that. If not, I'm keeping options open to go do something else. But right now it's their option, and as soon as they let me know I can make a decision. . . . The longer they wait to tell me anything hurts me.". Richmond Times Dispatch 05/14/05 Casey Mears, in his third full Nextel Cup season with Chip Ganassi Racing, is awaiting word on whether Ganassi will exercise an option and allow him to remain in the No. 41 Dodge next season. "There is a certain day down the road Chip has, but I would like to know sooner rather than later," Mears said. "We've made a lot of progress with this team in the short time I've been here and I feel really good about where we're at. I just want to know what I'm going to do, anyone would in my position." ThatsRacin