On Feb. 18, NASCAR driver Casey Mears of the Jack Daniel’s car number 7 was in Bakersfield at Randolph’s Lounge for a meet and greet with family and friends.

Also on hand was Mayor Harvey Hall to present Mears with the key to the city.

Mears was born in Bakersfield and graduated from Stockdale High School, and he was in town to sign autographs and greet fans.

Jack Daniel’s Master Taster, Jeff Norman, was also on hand to present the lounge with a hand-selected barrel of Single Blend.

Hall declared Feb. 18 Casey Mears Day in Bakersfield and acknowledged the 30-year-old driver for his lifelong dedication to racing, the persistence and determination it takes to succeed on a national level, his commitment to advancing Jack Daniel’s statement “Pace Yourself – Drink Responsibly” and for the loyalty he has demonstrated to Bakersfield.

When Hall was younger, he raced with Mears’ dad Roger Mears. “I am very much a NASCAR fan,” Hall said.

“Any time that there is a special event in the community, I am always asked to be a part of the event. Randy, the owner of the lounge, asked me to be here, and I was happy to respond.”

Mears visited and talked to family and friends while holding on to a drink, and when someone he had not seen in a long time approached him, he put his drink down and gave a handshake or a hug to that person.

Mears was busy with everything at the event, and he will be in demand throughout the year with many events.

Mears’ manager, Mike DiCio, said, “Mears will be very busy with over 100 meet and greet events which promote the racing team.”

When Mears spoke to everyone in the crowd, he said he was very thrilled with the turnout and was glad to be back in Bakersfield.

“I am newly engaged and have a 4-month-old baby girl that I love to spend time with,” Mears said.

When asked about his birthday, which is coming up in March, he said, “I don’t know what I will be doing for my birthday, but I will probably be with my fiancée and my baby girl.”

Many of the people at the event said they had a great time with the live music, drinks of Jack Daniel’s and pictures and autographs from Mears.