Casey Mears is 28th in the Nextel Cup Series points heading to Chicago. Credit: Gavin Lawrence/Getty Images

Struggling Mears hopes for insight on his future

JOLIET, Ill. -- Now that Jamie McMurray's long-term future has been determined, Casey Mears hopes he's the next Chip Ganassi Racing driver to find out where he'll hang his helmet.

McMurray will be driving the No. 6 Ford for Roush Racing, starting in 2007. Mears? Well, that's not nearly as clear-cut.

	Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
	Inside the Numbers Casey Mears in the Nextel Cup Series Category Stat Starts 89 Wins 0 Top-5s 2 Top-10s 11 Poles 2 Laps Led 136 Avg. Start 20.1 Avg. Finish 25.3 ALSO •   Dodge Fast Track

"Jamie's deal is his deal," Mears said Friday at Chicagoland Speedway after qualifying third for Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400. "He's a talented driver and has been a good teammate and will be a good teammate.

"If it feels like that's a better opportunity for him, then more power to him, go do it."

However, Mears said he feels like he's in limbo -- as he hasn't heard a definitive answer from his boss, Chip Ganassi.

"I've been told they want me around next season but that's the extent of it," Mears said. "I just haven't seen anything solid that says I'm going to be there. I'm just kind of hanging out, hoping things go well the next couple of races.

"Whatever they tell me, hopefully soon, we'll know."

After finishing last in last weekend's Pepsi 400, Mears dropped to a season-low 28th in points. But Mears considers his run at Michigan -- where he started second -- to be more indicative of what he's capable of achieving.

"We took the same car from Michigan to here, and we're real fast again," Mears said. "It's going to be tough to find the right balance for race day, but I feel real good about it."

What Mears doesn't feel good about is not knowing what's to come.

"I'm happy with the team," he said. "I really like working with [crew chief Jimmy Elledge]. I really like the guys I work with.

"I think we can improve and do a lot better than we're doing now, so if I stick around, I'd be happy with that. If not, I'm keeping my options open to go do something else as well, but right now it's their option and as soon as they let me know, I can make a decision."

And waiting is the hardest part for Mears right now.

"The longer they wait to tell me anything, hurts me," he said. "Bottom line. If (Ganassi) could tell me tomorrow he wants me there and actually gives me a piece of paper that says I am going to be there, great.

"The way the series is right now, there are a lot of good rides open for next year. I'm just not too worried about it. I'm focused on trying to run good every weekend and hopefully he gives me an answer soon."