LOUDON, N.H. - According to published reports, NASCAR driver Casey Mears will leave Hendrick Motorsports at the end of this season.

His replacement in the No. 5 Chevrolet Impala is expected to be stock-car veteran Mark Martin. An official announcement from the Hendrick team regarding Mears' replacement has not yet been made.

Martin has been running a part-time schedule this year for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

Mears has been with the Hendrick team since 2007. He moved from the No. 25 Chevrolet into the No. 5 after Kyle Busch left following last season.

"We've put a ton of emphasis on the No. 5 program," team owner Rick Hendrick said in a news release. "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.

"None of us, Casey included, has been satisfied with the situation this season. But he's confident there are other options out there for him in 2009, and we feel like Hendrick Motorsports will have some opportunities, too."

The Hendrick team is one of the most powerful in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, having won numerous championships -- including the last two in a row won by Jimmie Johnson. But Mears has only one victory since joining the team, and his performances reportedly have not met expectations.

Entering Sunday's race at New Hampshire International Speedway, Mears ranks 24th in the season point standings and has only three top-10 finishes in 16 races.

Teammates Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Johnson all are in the top seven in points.

"I've never put more energy into racing (than this season)," Mears said. "But, for whatever reason, we just haven't been able to make it click. It's certainly not for lack of dedication on anyone's part."

Mears moved out of the No. 25 car, which became Earnhardt's No. 88, into the same car in which Busch had a victory and 20 top-10 finishes last season en route to finishing fifth in points. Busch was dropped from the Hendrick team to make room for Earnhardt, Jr.

Busch, meanwhile, has been the Sprint Cup series' hottest driver this season, having won five times for Joe Gibbs Racing and leading the points race.

Asked Friday about Mears being released, Busch said: "It's tough. That team may be expected to run somewhat what we ran last year. Hopefully, Casey can find another deal."

Labels: Chevrolet Impala, Hendrick Chevrolet Sunday's Race, Hendrick Motorsports, Hendrick Motorsports Opportunities, Hendrick NASCAR's., Mears' Replacement, NASCAR Driver Casey Mears, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet