[#5, #24, #25, #44, #48] Car owner Rick Hendrick says his entire organization is excited about having Casey Mears on board beginning next season. Mears will take over the #25 GMAC Chevy for Brian Vickers who has decided to seek a fresh start [in 2007]. Vickers decision to move on has been especially emotional for Hendrick saying Its both the car and the driver thats been a real emotional deal for me. This was my Dads team and he and Ricky decided to joint venture this car and the Busch Series car. Brian was Rickys pick and Brian has been like a part of our family…and I think thats been good and bad for both Brian and I. I think its created a feeling that somethings missing for Brian that Rickys not here and I think its made it hard for me in trying to talk to Brian and treat Brian like just another driver. But at the same time I want whats best for Brian…Brian and Ricky were close but Ricky and Casey were close so this deal is almost like one of my children is going on to do something else and Im getting one of my other children back in the car. So, that way I think its been a little bit easier for me. I want the best for Brian whatever that is and I want him to be comfortable and have every opportunity to do everything in the sport he wants to do. As far as the on-track run-ins between Casey Mears and Kyle Busch, Hendrick said both drivers have addressed their problems. Hendrick said I think that deal has already been put to bed. I think there were a lot of things that have happened that the two guys just never got a chance to sit down and talk. Thats already happened now…thats history and I dont think there will be any problem at all. If neither driver makes the Chase for the Championship Hendrick has no immediate plan to try and put Mears in the 25 car before the end of the season, but he also said never say never. I think a lot of things have to fall into place said Hendrick. We want to do whats best for our sponsor and look after our team and right now were focused on running the 25 with Brian Vickers. Chip Ganassi and Felix (Sabates)…I dont know what their plans are…there could be a time in the future where we could all sit down and talk and it might make sense to do something different…but…were just keeping all of our options open. Right now were just going to focus on Brian and the 25.(PRN’s Garagepass Radio Show)(6-16-2006)
