Casey Mears was diplomatic about why he would continue to give a full effort for Ganassi Racing even as he was plotting his escape to the nearest title-contending team.

“At the end of the day, we do this because we all want to win races and have fun,” Mears said.

Maybe he’s having fun because he’s set for a big payday as NASCAR’s most coveted free agent. But no one else at Ganassi Racing can be faulted if they’re not having much fun these days.

For the second straight Nextel Cup season, Ganassi Racing is trying to win races with its top driver heading out the door and into another garage. Last year, it was Jamie McMurray who got out of his deal a year early and signed with Roush Racing. Now it’s Mears who wants to bolt for a likely ride at Hendrick Motorsports.

For full story, please see the June 15, 2006 edition of The Union-Recorder.