Proud Mears thrilled with Texaco deal.

Casey Mears has talked about his delight at being named as the full-time driver for Chip Ganassi's #42 Texaco/Havoline backed Dodge for the 2006 season, essentially becoming team leader for Ganassi's three-pronged attack on the 2006 championship.

After matching his career best finish of fourth last Sunday in Texas, Mears was confirmed as Jamie McMurray's replacement in the #42 Dodge next year, shifting over from the #41 Target sponsored machine he currently drives.

Series rookies David Stremme and Reed Sorensen will join the 27 year-old Mears, going into his fourth full-time Nextel Cup season in 2006, next year as Ganassi shelves his plans to run four full-time teams.

But for Mears, becoming associated with a sponsor as popular and traditional in the NASCAR world as Texaco/Havoline, is something special.

"I found out Monday morning from Chip that I was going to drive the 42, and I'm very excited about that," said Mears. "Texaco has been in this sport for so long with so many great drivers. I believe they'll be in their 19th season in NASCAR next year. I'm excited to be with that whole group. It's a premiere ride, and I'm looking forward to next year."

Mears was originally slated to move away from the #41 team to a new, fourth-tier Ganassi squad and is understandably thrilled with the opportunity to join up with a potentially race winning outfit.

"Ever since I've been told I'm going to drive the Texaco/Havoline car now, I realise how much I wasn't excited about that #30 deal because I'm so much more excited about this #42 deal. Having a sponsor like Texaco/Havoline that's been in the sport for a lot of years now. So many good drivers have driven this car, Davey Allison, Kenny Irwin and Dale Jarrett. The list goes on and on, Ricky Rudd. It's an honour to fill this spot, and I'm excited about it.

"Going into next year with points is a big deal. It's an established race team. If we don't change anything, which I hope we don't, it's established. It's ready to go. We were starting a whole new deal for next season with a whole new number. It's kind of a relief and then there's a lot of excitement, too, based on who the sponsor is.

"I remember seeing Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan and Dale Jarrett always doing so well in the car. Also on the Indy Car side Texaco/Havoline was with Newman/Hass for so many years. The relationship with Mario and Michael Andretti always having success growing up are my earlier recollections. It has a heritage and history of success and that's something I'm looking to restore. I think the whole organisation of Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates Racing is growing. I feel like we're going to continue to get better. We're having to really refine the car we have. I think we've established a real good base and I want to get Texaco/Havoline back in the winner's circle next year."