NASCAR veteran Casey Mears returns for Coke Zero Sugar 400

Meaghan MackeyDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

NASCAR veteran Casey Mears is returning to Daytona International Speedway this weekend, and he’s bringing a special cause with him.

Mears, driver of the No. 62 Chevrolet, will make his 498th career NASCAR start Saturday in the Coke Zero Sugar 400.

That puts him just two starts away from his goal of reaching 500 career starts.

Mears is also using his return to NASCAR to raise awareness for The Gracie Foundation, a nonprofit that provides comfort and support to women undergoing cancer treatment.

The foundation was started by Mears’ former car owner, Bob Germain. His wife, Gail “Gracie” Germain, lost her battle with breast cancer in 2015. One of the foundation’s programs, Gracie Gifts, provides comfort gifts to women going through treatment.

“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.

As part of the partnership, Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach will present The Gracie Foundation with a $5,000 donation Saturday.

Mears will also meet with fans at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The free, family-friendly event will include games, crafts, beverages and other activities.

Wristbands are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, and guests are encouraged to arrive early.

The meet-and-greet will be held near Columbia at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, located at 1100 Cornerstone Blvd. in Daytona Beach.