In NASCAR history, few teams have seen the rollercoaster as vividly as MBM Motorsports. The team has always fought an uphill battle. Founded by Carl Long, and once co-owned by driver Derek White, the team faced a major crisis in 2016 when White was arrested in connection with a massive smuggling operation. Suddenly, Long found himself solely responsible for keeping MBM afloat. Against all odds, he did—piecing together sponsorships, fielding cars, and keeping his team alive in NASCAR’s ruthless landscape.
The team has spent years defying the odds, taking on NASCAR’s elite with limited resources. Now, just as MBM seemed to be gaining ground for Martinsville, another blow has landed. This time, it wasn’t legal trouble but a devastating five-word verdict that has left fans fearing the worst.
A celebrated return turns uncertain for Casey Mears
Just days ago, NASCAR fans were thrilled to hear about Casey Mears’ return to the Cup Series. The 47-year-old veteran was set to pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Garage 66 at Martinsville. Sponsored by HutchGO, an on-demand trailer services provider in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and beyond, the race marked Mears’ long-awaited comeback to a track he’s always favored.
“I’m happy to be back in a race car and look forward to returning to Martinsville, one of my favorite tracks,” Mears said on the announcement for his 490th start at the highest level. “I’m excited to have HutchGO, Mosby’s Towing and Transport, and Coble Enterprises on board as we chip away at 500 NASCAR Cup Series starts,” he further added. His past performances at the short track have been solid, with multiple top-10 finishes. Given his experience and Martinsville’s emphasis on veteran skill, optimism surrounded his return. But just when things seemed to be falling into place, MBM Motorsports dropped an unexpected update.
The team confirmed that Canter Power Systems and Coble Enterprises would now serve as co-primary sponsors, with Acrisure and Mosby’s Towing & Transport remaining onboard. However, HutchGO was notably missing from the announcement. Naturally, fans took notice, and curiosity took the better of them!
One X user bluntly asked, “Is it okay to know what happened to HutchGO?” MBM’s response was brief yet telling: “Did not fulfill their obligations.” The five-word statement sent shockwaves through the fanbase, leaving more questions than answers about what had transpired. Fans were skeptical about HutchGO as a sponsor from the beginning, even comparing them to the D.C. Solar situation, though there is no substantial evidence of a correlation or the partnership being illegitimate.
is it okay to know what happened to HitchGO?
— vroomaroni (@vroomaroni) March 27, 2025
The exact details remain unclear, but sponsor exits are never a good sign for a smaller team like MBM. Whether it was a financial dispute or contractual issue, one thing is certain: Mears’ much-anticipated return, though confirmed, now carries an air of mystery and never-ending controversy. With last-minute sponsor changes, the team faces yet another hurdle as they prepare for Martinsville. Well, the team is marred with controversies, and it looks like there is more to come!
MBM Motorsports’ array of disasters
MBM Motorsports has faced several challenges throughout its history. One significant incident involved co-owner and driver Derek White, who was arrested in 2016 on charges related to a massive tobacco smuggling operation. White, the first Native American driver in the Sprint Cup Series, faced seven charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud against the government and profiteering as a criminal organization. Doesn’t feel fresh enough? Well, another instance might be recallable.
In early 2025, MBM Motorsports encountered another controversy involving veteran driver Mike Wallace. At 65, Wallace aimed to qualify for the Daytona 500 with the team but was denied approval by NASCAR due to his prolonged absence from the Cup Series and lack of experience with the Next Gen car. This decision left Wallace in “shock” and “devastation,” as he had secured sponsorships and believed he had NASCAR’s support.
The team’s rebranding to Garage 66, too, was met with mixed reactions. Some fans viewed it as a desperate move following the Mike Wallace controversy. Others questioned the effectiveness of a name change without addressing underlying performance issues.
Despite these controversies, the team continues to strive for success in the highly competitive world of stock car racing. With the HutchGO fallout adding to its turbulent history, MBM Motorsports once again finds itself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Whether this setback will derail their Martinsville plans remains to be seen.
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