With a season that has not fufilled Rick Hendrick's wishes, Casey Mears will make his last start in the No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports.

Things have looked different in the past nine races for Mears, as he has been able to grab strong finishes and bolt up five spots in the point standings.

"The last nine races of this season have been the high note of the season for the Kellogg's/CARQUEST team," Mears said. "We got our intermediate package figured out and really improved there. And our short track racing has really been our best of any track this year. I really want to win for the (No.) 5 team, and Miami is the last chance to do that. It's been a good track for me in the past, and hopefully we can make the best of our last opportunity on Sunday."

Next year Mears will make the move to Richard Childress Racing to take command of the No. 07 Chevrolet, as Mark Martin has been called to drive the No. 5 in 2009.

With a up and down career at Hendrick Motorsports, Mears is grateful that he had the opportunity to race with one of NASCAR's most powerful organizations.

"I earned my first Cup win with Hendrick Motorsports, and that will always be very important to me. There were good moments, but there were also times of frustration. I appreciate the opportunity that Rick (Hendrick) gave me to race for him."