Mears races his way into the Daytona 500

Daytona Beach, Fla.  (February 13, 2003) --- Casey Mears held it wide open
on the last lap of the Gatorade 125 qualifying race and barely finished 15th
to make the field for his first career Daytona 500.

"We were hurting there at the end," Mears said.  "We weren't sure if we were
going to make it in.  We just made it happen on the last lap.  I wasn't
going to lift.  We had to make it in so I held it wide open."

Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate, Mears, started the race in 12th
position.  He raced up front for the first part of the 50-lap race, until he
couldn't find any drafting help.

"I couldn't get anyone to help me out there," Mears said.  "We were in good
position there at the beginning and I think it was Kenny Wallace who pulled
in the inside of me and everybody just dumped me to the back.  It was like
'Well, you've got those yellow stripes on the back so here you go.'  I just
need to make it through the Daytona 500 and earn some respect from these
guys and make them feel comfortable with me."

Mears will start 29th in his first career Daytona 500 on Sunday but he feels
that his Target Dodge needs some work before then.  

"We've got some work to do for Sunday," Mears said.  "If the car handles the
way it did in the 125s, I'm not too optimistic.  The car was not working
that well in the 125s.  It was real tight in the center off and loose
getting in to the corner to the center.  But if we can get it working better
I know we'll be good.  Staying out of trouble on Sunday is the biggest
thing."  

Mears and Team Target will start 29th in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February
16.  The race will be broadcast live on POX television and MRN radio.