First Win for Casey Mears and Team Target

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 14, 2003) --- Casey Mears won his first career stock car race today in his No. 77 Target Dodge in the Michigan ARCA race.  This is the first win for Team Target in a stock car as well.

Mears set a new track record while earning the pole at Michigan International Speedway on Friday.  His lap was recorded at 188.073 mph (38.283 seconds), which was three miles faster than the old track record set by Jason Jarrett (185.000mph).

Although Mears won the pole, he had to start 26th due to a misunderstanding in the garage area before the race.  Team Target did not get their car through tech in the allotted time.  Team Target was not the only team who had the misunderstanding, seventeen other cars had to move to the rear of the field for the start of the race.

The 26th place start was no problem for Mears; by lap 13 of the 100-lap event he was in fourth place.  Mears took the lead on lap 45 and never looked back.  Team Target dominated the race and took home their first stock car victory.  

"I really don't have a history in stock cars," Mears said.  "All of these other guys I'm racing with have modified wins and wins in other stock car series.  I do need to learn more and I'm kind of starting my stock car history right here.  That's why we're here.  This is my first win in a stock car and Target's first win in a stock car.  We also got the pole here and set a qualifying record.  So there's a lot to celebrate today."

Team Target will compete in the Winston Cup Series race tomorrow at Michigan International Speedway.  The Sirius Satellite 400 will be broadcast live on FOX television and MRN radio on Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. ET.