Hendrick confirm Mears for 2007

The move has been expected since Mears announced at Pocono last weekend he would not re-sign with his current Chip Ganassi Racing team for next year.

It also became came clear last weekend that Hendrick would have a seat free, with Brian Vickers making it known that he asked to be released from his multi-year contract with the team to pursue a drive elsewhere.

Mears, whose best result in more than three years in the sport is second at this year's Daytona 500, has signed a multi-year contract that will keep him with the team until at least 2009. Financial details were not disclosed.

"Casey is a talented driver and a high-character person who is going to be a great fit with our organization," team owner Rick Hendrick said.

"He has the ability to win races and ultimately contend for championships, so we're thrilled to welcome him to Hendrick Motorsports."

It is the second successive year that the driver of Ganassi Racing's famous number 42 car has jumped ship. Jamie McMurray quit the squad during the winter for Roush Racing.

"I'm committed to winning races and going after championships with the No. 25 team," said Mears, the nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Rick Mears.

"This is an opportunity for me to work with close friends and start fresh with one of the top organisations in all of sports.

"It's an exciting situation for me, both personally and professionally."