Mears replaces Papis in the No. 13 Cup car

Casey Mears will take over the driving duties in the Germain Racing No. 13 Toyota for the remaining races this year in which the team has sponsorship from Geico, team officials announced Wednesday.

Mears and Papis

Mears replaces Max Papis, who will move into the team's No. 9 Camping World Truck Series ride full time in 2011.

Mears will make his initial Sprint Cup appearance with the team at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Sept. 5 race weekend. It will be the first of seven remaining races this season for the group with Geico backing.

"It's a great opportunity, and I believe with all the hard work that Germain Racing has put into their Cup program, as well as our relationship with Michael Waltrip Racing, that we'll be able to do good things," Mears said. "I've known [crew chief] Bootie Barker for a long time, so I think we'll work well together."

According to the team, Mears is scheduled to compete in 18 events in 2011 in which Geico will provide sponsorship.

Papis is currently 38th in drivers' points. He has made 18 starts this season, with a best finish of 22nd (at Texas and Watkins Glen). His best career finish in Cup is eighth, which came last year at The Glen.