SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

In a release at the site of Sunday's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 race in Loudon, N.H., Hendricks said Mears will finish the 2008 Sprint Cup campaign in its No. 5 Chevrolets. His replacement for the 2009 season will be announced at a later date.

"We've put a ton of emphasis on the No. 5 program", said team owner Rick Hendrick. "It's been a total team effort, and Casey has worked as hard as anyone to help us improve. We've tested more than we ever have, but the results just haven't come."

Mears's best finish this season was Feb. 14 when he ran fourth at the Gatorade Duel event at Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported Friday that Mark Martin is expected to join Hendrick Motorsports next season and will drive the No. 5 Chevy.

 BREAKING STORIES

Kyle Busch wins Nationwide race

Rain wipes out NASCAR qualifying

Report: Edwards, Harvick in incident

Canada dropped from 2009 F1 schedule

Stewart declared winner at Talladega

Kvapil gets first Sprint pole at Talladega

NASCAR practice crash wrecks five cars

Castroneves pleads not guilty in tax case

National Guard sponsors NASCAR truck racer

Report: 'Dancing' winner Helio indicted

Bank of America raises auto event purses

Jimmie Johnson wins Kansas Sprint Cup race

Alonso wins F1 race in Singapore

Denny Hamlin wins Nationwide auto race

Johnson declared Sprint Cup pole winner

Officials boost NASCAR Hall of Fame budget

Biffle wins second straight Sprint race

NASCAR amends drug-testing plan

Busch gets 8th Nationwide race this year

Jeff Gordon wins Delaware pole position