Casey Mears, driver of the #25 National Guard Chevrolet talks about coming home to race at California Speedway, joining Hendrick Motorsports and more...
Q:
What's it like being back in California and spending time with friends and family?
Casey Mears:
We're testing in Bristol next week, so we've got to go back Monday after the race. But fortunately a lot of friends and family come here, so I get to spend time with them.
Q:
How is the Car of Tomorrow going to impact on the sport?
CM:
It is definitely going to impact the sport. But, in what way, I don't know yet, until we run it. It's a huge change for everybody. Even though a lot of the same ideas apply to the COT as our current cars, they are a lot different in a lot of ways as well. So we've got a lot of learning to do.
Q:
How did you get the chance to join Hendrick Motorsports?
CM:
"Brian [Vickers] left and I got the call. It was one of those deals where I was obviously in a contract year and was trying to decide what I was going to do when the seat opened up. I got a call from Rick Hendrick and, with Jimmie [Johnson] and Jeff [Gordon] being really good friends of mine as well, it just seemed like a really good fit. And obviously they are a first class organisation so I'm excited to be a part of it.
Q:
Compare making your start in the MTEG series and now racing for Hendrick...
CM:
It's awesome. To think back five or six years ago to where I am now just amazes me. Things have just happened at the right time and at the right place. I couldn't be happier to be with Hendrick Motorsports and to be teamed up with the National Guard and GMAC as well is pretty special. I'm just looking forward to the season.
Q:
Has your family, and your dad [Roger Mears] been supportive in your career?
![Casey Mears - National Guard Chevrolet [pic credit: GM media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/289104.jpg)
