Daytona debut for new Phillips 66 Dodge intrepid.

Welliver-Jesel Motorsports today unveiled a new look for the No. 66 Phillips 66 Dodge Intrepid, which will compete in the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division.

Casey Mears will pilot the newly identified No. 66. Mears is the son of off-road racing legend Roger Mears and nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears.
Welliver-Jesel Motorsports will field the only two full-time Dodge Intrepids in the Busch Series this season for Mears and veteran driver Hank Parker, Jr., who will drive the No. 36 GNC Live Well Dodge.

"Our decision to move to Dodge (from Chevrolet) this season was based upon the potential overall value of the Dodge program," said Welliver-Jesel Motorsports partner Wayne Jesel. "After reviewing the Dodge Intrepid engine and body packages, we decided to make the move to Dodge this season. It's been a big undertaking for everyone within the organization to make this major change-over, but we will be ready to race at Daytona."

The manufacturer change won't be the only change for the No. 66 Phillips 66 Performance Team this season. Officials at Phillips 66 decided the timing was right to make a change to the overall look of the car as well.

"We've run the same paint scheme for the last three years," said Bob Pomeroy, Phillips 66 Director of Sponsorships. "With the addition of Casey, a new, young driver, we felt the time was right to perform a complete visual overhaul of the car."

Mears will get a chance to test his new ride during the Busch Series testing session at Daytona International Speedway on January 21 & 22, while teammate Parker, Jr. will take to the track on January 24 & 25.