Daytona Beach – NASCAR veteran Casey Mears is back at the iconic Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, marking his 498th career start. The No. 62 Chevrolet driver is just two races away from reaching the milestone of 500 career starts, a goal he hopes to achieve on the historic track.
Charitable partnership with the Gracie Foundation
Mears isn’t only chasing a personal record; he’s also using his return to shine a light on the Gracie Foundation. The nonprofit, founded by Mears’ former car owner Bob Germain, provides comfort and support to women undergoing cancer treatment. The organization was created in memory of Germain’s wife, Gail “Gracie” Germain, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2015. One of the foundation’s key programs, Gracie Gifts, delivers comfort items to patients during their treatment journeys.
“To partner with him again and be able to help the Gracie Foundation gain a little bit more awareness, at the same time allowing me to get to those 500 starts has been pretty amazing,” Mears said.
Fan meet‑and‑greet at Tanger Outlets
As part of the partnership, Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach will present the Gracie Foundation with a $5,000 donation on Saturday. The outlet center will also host a free, family‑friendly meet‑and‑greet with Mears from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event, located near Columbia at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (1100 Cornerstone Blvd.), will feature games, crafts, beverages and other activities for fans of all ages.
Wristbands are required for entry and will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis beginning at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
What the race means for Daytona
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is a key fixture on the NASCAR calendar, drawing thousands of racing fans to the region each year. The event provides a significant boost to local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail outlets like Tanger Outlets. By combining a high‑profile sporting event with a charitable cause, the weekend underscores Daytona Beach’s reputation as a community that values both competition and compassion.
Fans can watch the race live on television or follow the action online, while those attending the meet‑and‑greet will have a chance to meet a seasoned driver who is committed to giving back. Mears’ presence adds a personal touch to the weekend, reminding attendees that the sport’s heroes often champion causes close to their hearts.
Looking ahead
With just two starts remaining before his 500‑race milestone, Mears will be focused on both performance on the track and the impact of his charitable work. The Gracie Foundation hopes the increased visibility will translate into more donations and volunteers, further expanding its ability to support women facing cancer.
Whether you’re a longtime NASCAR fan, a supporter of the Gracie Foundation, or simply looking for a family‑friendly event in Daytona Beach, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend offers something for everyone.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
