McMurray's crew wins Pit Road Precision Award at Chicagoland: Jamie McMurray's crew grabbed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday night's (July 10) NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway. It was the second Tissot win of the season for the No. 1 McDonald's crew, which also took top honors at the May 8th Cup race at Darlington Raceway. McMurray No. 1 McDonald's Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road 189.002 seconds during the LifeLock.com 400. The fast and accurate work by the McDonald's crew helped McMurray to a fifth-place finish. For the second straight week Clint Bowyer's No. 33 Cheerios crew came in a close second (190.819 seconds). Finishing third was Martin Truex Jr.'s No. 56 NAPA crew (191.086). McMurray's over-the-wall crew consists of: Cory DeMarco (front-tire changer), Doug Riepe (front-tire carrier), Chris Taylor (rear-tire changer), Adam Mosher (rear-tire carrier), Tracy Duncan (jackman), Benjy Grubbs (gasman) and Eric Hoyle (catch can). The team's crew chief is Kevin Manion. Jeff Gordon's No. 24 crew leads in the Tissot standings with four wins. McMurray's crew along with the crews for Truex and Matt Kenseth are tied for second with two wins. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver (Tissot).
Thursday, May 20, 2010
McMurray to sport NWTF logo at Charlotte: The National Wild Turkey Federation's flying turkey logo will appear on the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's Bass Pro Shops sponsored No. 1 Chevy driven by Jamie McMurray in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the No. 3 Chevy Silverado driven by Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. McMurray will be trying to win the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 22nd at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Bass Pro Shops salute to the NWTF is a part of the Conservation Fund's "Racing for America's Wildlife" program. The program is designed to engage the NASCAR community in conserving America's hunting and fishing heritage through habitat protection, restoration, education, and outreach. The NWTF is an over 500,000 member conservation organization with chapters across the United States, Canada and 10 other foreign countries. The Federation has worked with its volunteers, partners and wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations to 49 states and in parts of Canada. Bass Pro Shops is a dedicated supporter of NWTF's Women in the Outdoors, JAKES, and Wheelin' Sportsmen outreach programs.(Bass Pro Shops/EGR)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
McMurray's No. 1 crew wins Tissot Pit Road Award in Darlington: Jamie McMurray's over-the-wall crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday night's Showtime Southern 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the historic Darlington Raceway. The No. 1 crew, which became the 10th different Tissot winner of the season [in 11 races], edged out the competition in Darlington with seven quick pit stops. The performance helped McMurray post a second-place finish. McMurray's McDonald's Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road – 305.523 seconds. McMurray's over-the-wall crew consists of: Cory DeMarco (front-tire changer), Doug Riepe (front-tire carrier), Chris Taylor (rear-tire changer), Adam Mosher (rear-tire carrier), Tracy Duncan (jackman), Benjy Grubbs (gasman) and Eric Hoyle (catch can). The team's pit crew coach is Chip Goode, and the crew chief is Kevin Manion. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. Martin Truex Jr.'s No. 56 crew continues to lead the Tissot standings with two wins after eleven races. Nine teams are in second place with one win.(Tissot)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
McDonald's to sponsor McMurray: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates officially announced an agreement with McDonald's USA to become a sponsor of the team's No. 1 Chevy driven by Jamie McMurray in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) for the balance of the 2010 season. The program, which debuted in Las Vegas earlier this month, will include multiple races as the primary sponsor. The McDonald's paint scheme will appear again, when the NSCS returns to Martinsville Speedway, this Sunday, Mar. 28. As part of the relationship, McDonald's iconic golden arches will grace the hood of Jamie McMurray's red No. 1 McDonald's Chevrolet for multiple races. They will also receive associate sponsor placement on the No. 1 Chevy for the remaining events in the 2010 NSCS season. In addition McDonald's will receive primary logo placement on McMurray's firesuit, the pit equipment and crew uniforms. The agreement will also include several activation elements aligned with McDonald's overall marketing and community initiatives.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Montoya forgives teammate McMurray after incident: Juan Pablo Montoya says he has accepted teammate Jamie McMurray's apology for the wreck that collected both last weekend and that he told McMurray, "Let's move forward." The two crashed while running side-by-side at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Montoya blamed McMurray, his new teammate at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, for the incident and was on the radio criticizing McMurray's driving to his crew. Montoya also was critical of McMurray in an interview with Fox during the race broadcast. Montoya, according to a story at autosport.com, said he and McMurray traded text messages after the race. McMurray texted Montoya: "Hey I'm sorry, I'm sure you're mad at me. You want me to call you and talk through things?" Montoya said he replied: "Don't worry. It happened. Yes, I was real mad, but let's move forward." (The Virginian Pilot)
Friday, February 26, 2010
McMurray honored in home state of Missouri: Jamie McMurray continued to celebrate his Daytona 500 championship by returning to his home state of Missouri on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The driver made two stops, a surprise visit to the Bass Pro Shops General Manager's conference in Branson and to the State Capitol of Jefferson City to be honored by state dignitaries. The theme of the 2010 edition of Bass Pro Shops General Manager's conference "Crossroads" could not have been any more appropriate, as the company looks to turn the next corner in their own history so too does Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's Jamie McMurray. This very reason is why Bass Pro Shops Founder/CEO, Johnny Morris invited McMurray to be a surprise guest for their dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 24. McMurray's story of inspiration and perseverance brought this group of manager's and corporate representatives from Bass Pro Shops to their feet as McMurray revved the engine of his replica Daytona 500 winning car, driving it right into the ballroom where the manager's were seated for dinner. The Bass Pro Shops family is just that, a family, and the manager's welcomed McMurray into their family with a standing ovation. Johnny Morris then presented McMurray with a special gift from the company, not only recognizing Jamie's success on the race track but forever tying Jamie to his home state of Missouri. Jamie was presented with a set of Indian artifacts - stone axe heads, found buried on the site of what is now modern-day Joplin, MO (Jamie's hometown). Governor Jay Nixon and Senator Gary Nodler of the 32nd District welcomed McMurray to the state capitol on Thursday, Feb. 25 to honor him by proclaiming the day as Jamie McMurray Day in the state of Missouri. Upon arrival to the Jefferson City Airport, McMurray was greeted by Missouri State Troopers ready to escort him to the state capitol to be honored. However, this was no ordinary motorcade as McMurray and Bass Pro Shops Founder/CEO Johnny Morris proceeded to drive away in a replica of McMurray's Daytona 500 winning No. 1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet. Upon arrival to the state capitol, McMurray and Morris were greeted by hundreds of fans and legislators ready to honor their accomplished Missourians. Governor Nixon then proclaimed the day as Jamie McMurray day and also recognized the accomplishments of Bass Pro Shops Founder before the two were whisked into the State Senate Chamber and State House of Representatives. The gentlemen were once again recognized before each group of legislators. The two then headed off to Senator Nodler's office for a lunch reception, photos, and many an autograph signing as legislators and office assistants came to see the most recent sports hero from Missouri.(EGR PR)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
McDonalds to sponsor McMurray at Vegas: Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray will be sponsored by McDonald's for 11 Sprint Cup races this season, beginning with Sunday's event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a source close to the situation tells ESPN.com. The source said the deal has been in the works since last year and was not sparked by McMurray's win in the 500. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has been looking for a second primary sponsor since Bass Pro Shops, on McMurray's car for the 500, announced last season it was cutting back on the number of races it would sponsor the No. 1 car.(ESPN.com)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
McMurray takes part in Victory Tour through San Francisco: Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray celebrated his victory with a true taste of Northern California in San Francisco on Wednesday, complete with Dungeness crab, world-class chocolates and a bottle of Sonoma Valley wine. McMurray took the checkered flag in the Great American Race on Sunday, and arrived in the Bay Area just three days later for a San Francisco Victory Tour onboard a motorized cable car led by a California Highway Patrol escort. The appearance also marked the Official Countdown to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Infineon Raceway, June 18-20 (Father's Day weekend). McMurray and his wife, Christy, enjoyed a one-of-a-kind tour of San Francisco, crossing the historic Golden Gate Bridge and visiting Grotto No. 9 at Fisherman's Wharf. McMurray learned how to crack a Dungeness crab under the guidance of co-owner Anthony Geraldi. The tour continued to Ghirardelli Square where the McMurrays received a basket of gourmet chocolates and were treated to ice cream sundaes. The cable car ride culminated at Willie Mays Plaza, at the home of the San Francisco Giants, where McMurray greeted race fans and the Northern California media. Giants Vice President Russ Stanley presented McMurray with an official team jersey, complete with his name and car number on the back. "I have to say, New York was cool, but San Francisco has been awesome," said McMurray after the tour. "The weather is beautiful and it's so great to see the fans come out here. As a driver, you can't imagine what this means to me. It's been wonderful." Raceway President Steve Page also presented McMurray with a commemorative magnum of Sonoma Valley wine. "What great representatives Jamie and Christy are for the sport," said Page. "It's terrific to have someone who is a great road racer and has a good history at our track win the Daytona 500. We're really excited to see him back in Sonoma in June." Fans joined the Victory Tour onboard a fan-only cable car, which followed McMurray's lead cable car on its celebratory route. The fans purchased seats on the tour as part of a special ticket package offered by the raceway, which included a weekend ticket to the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Tickets are now available for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, including special packages featuring drivers Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson. Be sure to call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com for more information.(Infineon Raceway)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
McMurray discusses NASCAR's pothole with Letterman: Jamie McMurray's Daytona 500 victor's celebration is complete with a trip to CBS' "Late Show." And you know David Letterman couldn't resist the pull of that vortex known as "the pothole." As Letterman congratulated McMurray, he asked about the length of the race, which was extended because of a pothole in the track. Letterman: "You have issues with potholes in the parking lot, not in the racetrack, for God's sake." At the end of the interview, Letterman asked, "Will there be potholes in future races?" McMurray replied, "We hope not." McMurray was a good sport throughout the interview.(Sporting News)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
McMurray, EGR's No. 1 Chevrolet inducted into Daytona USA: Winning the most prestigious race on the NASCAR circuit finally started to sink in Monday morning for 2010 Daytona 500 champion Jamie McMurray, who celebrated with his Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team during the Daytona 500 Champion's Breakfast at Daytona 500 Experience. "It's kind of sinking in," McMurray said. "Every time we do something it's a little more real. Whether it's getting the jackets or the ring or just everything that's a part of this, it's just really, really exciting." After a late night of celebrating their coveted victory in "The Great American Race", the team handed over their No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevy to be inducted into the attraction's Gatorade Victory Lane. The winning car will be on display until next February when it will be returned to the team prior to the 53rd annual Daytona 500. Winning crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion was enjoying the surreal experience. "Everything's been in fast forward," Manion said. "Pictures, media center, inspecting the car, pushing the car to the trailer to come over here and then a couple hours of sleep for some of us. It's just been so exciting. (On) rain delays you stay over but winning the race and you have to stay over and have breakfast -- that's pretty cool." Also enjoying the festivities was co-owner Chip Ganassi, who is one of only two owners to win both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. "Jamie showed me a text from (last year's Daytona 500 champion) Matt Kenseth where he said, 'You'll never want this day to end.' I agree completely. I don't want this day to end. "You have a complete flashback of your entire racing career -- thinking about the possibility of something like this happening. You're always shooting for that and you're always trying for that. It's just so reflective right now. Every sacrifice you made and every tough meeting I've had with a crew chief or a driver the ups and downs of this business. It all seems worth it now." McMurray, who also unveiled the logo for 53rd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20th, is now on a whirlwind media tour making appearances on Late Show with David Letterman and Live with Regis and Kelly in New York City as well as making stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles before Sunday's race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Despite his hectic upcoming schedule, McMurray knows the memory he's going to take away from all of this."The thing that I'm going to remember is getting out of the car and running up and grabbing the flag and then running back down and seeing the Daytona (painted) in the infield (grass) and seeing 'Daytona 500'. I don't think I'll ever forget that. That's the memory I have burned in my head right now of the 500; that's something I'll never forget." The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return in July for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola July 1-3. For tickets, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Allmendinger & McMurray to race karts at Daytona: Hundreds of go-kart racers from across the country will spend their holidays at the Daytona International Speedway participating in World Karting Association races on three different courses. The Speedway's three-ring circus includes its famous 3.56-mile road course, the Sprint track in Turns 3 and 4 and the newly constructed quarter-mile dirt track outside Turns 1 and 2. For the third straight year, Jamie McMurray, is expected to return to his racing roots during Daytona KartWeek. AJ Allmendinger, who drives a Richard Petty Motorsports Ford, is also expected to compete in the karts. Meanwhile, Volusia Speedway Park is hosting the second day of its Christmas In Dixie dirt racing program. Those races are sanctioned by the American Kart Racing Association.(Daytona Beach News Journal)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
McMurray to test for EGR: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will have a dress rehearsal with Jamie McMurray and the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops team next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at New Smyrna Speedway. EGR principal Steve Hmiel says it will give the team an opportunity to get acquainted.(FOXSports.com)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
It's Official: McMurray in EGR's No. 1: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced that they will add Jamie McMurray as a teammate of Juan Pablo Montoya, to drive the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevy for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. McMurray will return to Ganassi whom he raced for from 2002-2005. Bass Pro Shops will once again return for their fifth season as one of the primary partners on the No. 1 Chevy. The Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF), created in 2006, was formed to promote awareness of, and raise funding for, research, education and support for individuals and families affected by autism. The JMF is dedicated to bringing the financial backing and support of the NASCAR community, together with the passion and commitment of the autism community to promote better understanding of this challenging disability. Bass Pro Shops, of Springfield, Missouri, will enter their fifth season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as one of the primary sponsors of the No. 1 Chevy.(Earnhardt Ganassi PR )
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Report: McMurray signs 1-year deal with EGR: Apparently, a one-year deal was inked last Wednesday between Jamie McMurray and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and is expected to be announced sometime on Tuesday. Kevin "Bono" Manion is expected to continue on as the crew chief.(FOXSports.com)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Report: McMurray to EGR's No. 1: Jamie McMurray, fresh off his first Sprint Cup Series win in two years, now appears to have a full-time job for the 2010 season, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned. McMurray is set to drive Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing's No. 1 Chevrolet starting next season, reuniting the 33-year-old driver from Joplin, Mo., with his first team owner in Cup, Chip Ganassi, multiple sources said Sunday. A formal announcement of McMurray's move to the Earnhardt-Ganassi team is expected by the Nov. 22 race at Homestead, Fla., sources said. (ThatsRacin.com)
Tuesday, Novemeber 3, 2009
McMurray has contract with EGR? It's no secret that Bass Pro Shops has a contract to sponsor the No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing car that McMurray is slotted to drive next year. And it's no secret that Bass Pro Shops wants to move to the No. 39 car with Ryan Newman. Now, this is not a knock on BPS, which has offered tremendous support to many racing programs in and beyond NASCAR. But McMurray's contract with EGR has been prepared but lacking signatures for some time. No, McMurray is not going to apply for his NRA membership any time soon, but he will go above and beyond for his sponsors whether it's Bass Pro or anyone else.(FOXSports.com)
Monday, November 2, 2009
McMurray to EGR's No. 1? An announcement on the driver that will replace Martin Truex Jr. could come this week, sources close to the situation said. Jamie McMurray, who is losing his ride at Roush Fenway Racing because the organization has to reach the four-car cap, is one candidate. Bobby Labonte, the 2000 Cup champion, is the other. EGR co-owner Chip Ganassi wants McMurray. Bass Pro Shops, which will sponsor the No. 1 for 20 races next season, isn't sure he fits the image.(ESPN.com Insider)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
McMurray to replace Truex at EGR? It's not etched in stone, but the speculation surrounding Jamie McMurray-to-Earnhardt Ganassi Racing isn't exactly written in chalk, either. Neither McMurray nor anyone at EGR has confirmed the move, but garage-insiders say there's a strong likelihood the driver of the Roush Fenway Racing No. 26 Fusion will replace Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1 Chevy next year. The wild-card in the scenario is the sponsor. Bass Pro Shops would like to have an "outdoorsman" type of driver, one who'll appeal to their customer base. To some degree, Truex Jr. fulfilled that role; less so McMurray, who's not exactly the world's most passionate hunter, fisherman or camper.(Ford Racing)
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
NASCAR drivers racing in Missouri: Springfield Raceway officials announced today that two of Missouri's biggest NASCAR personalities will be attending their 2nd Annual NASCAR Raining Money Night on Thursday night October 1st. Bordertown Casino will sponsor the event marking McMurray's first public appearance since he made the move from Joplin to North Carolina in 1999. Jamie began his racing career as a youngster racing go-karts at Springfield Raceway, which was then called Airport Speedway. St. Louis native Kenny Wallace will join McMurray on October 1st and will be racing his Jeg's Sponsored Modified against the local racers. (KSPR)
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
McMurray to the No. 1? The merger between Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing all but made it official that Jamie McMurray will move to the No. 1 at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing next season. McMurray has been in discussions with EGR for several months after being told he would not be re-signed by Roush Fenway Racing to drive the No. 26 next season. Roush had to shrink from five to four cars to reach NASCAR's four-car cap rule.(ESPN Insider)
Monday, July 27, 2009
McMurray's future at Roush depends on sponsorship dollars: DeWalt's departure from Matt Kenseth's team after this season could impact Jamie McMurray's future with Roush Fenway Racing. "The question with Jamie is whether or not we can close out with more sponsors before he has to accept an offer from somebody else," said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing. The organization must cut back from five teams to four after this season to meet NASCAR guidelines. Smith said that three of the four teams Roush plans to keep are those of Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and David Ragan. Then, it's down to Matt Kenseth and McMurray. Smith admits there's much interest in companies to sponsor Kenseth. "It makes it harder for the 26," Smith said of finding funding for McMurray's team with interest high in Kenseth's team. "Matt has got in the hierarchy of things in the garage, Matt is viewed as more pre-eminent." (Virginian-Pilot)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
McMurray & Crown Royal offering "Safe Rides Home": Before hitting the bricks at one of the most historic tracks in all of motorsports, NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray will show off his skills on the street when he provides adults free and safe rides home from Indianapolis-area hot spots on Friday, July 24. The Crown Royal “Safe Rides Home” designated-driver program provides adult consumers safe rides home via a fleet of four (4) replica purple and gold No. 26 Ford Fusion cars. The program will take place at the corner of Jackson Place and South Meridian on Thursday, July 23, with safe rides home made available from 8pm – 12am. McMurray will headline the event on Friday, July 24 at the corner of Broad Ripple Avenue and Guilford Streets from 7:30 – 9:30pm, with rides continuing until midnight. In addition to his spot in the driver’s seat, McMurray will make appearances at various local venues in the Broad Ripple-area to meet with fans and sign autographs. This marks the fifth year the Safe Rides fleet will take to the streets of Indianapolis prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend. During that span, the “Safe Rides Home” program has provided residents and race fans in the area hundreds of free rides totaling more than 5,000 miles. Throughout the years, Indianapolis residents and bar owners have commended Crown Royal for offering this service. Consumers can sign up to receive a free safe ride home at special Crown Royal No. 26 taxi stands on Thursday they will be located at corner of Jackson Place and South Meridian and Friday at the corner of Broad Ripple Avenue and Guilford Street. Eligible residents must be 21 or over and live within a 20-mile radius of the signup location. There is a four-passenger limit per car.(Taylor PR)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Jamie McMurray's No. 26 crew visits VJGC: Before the No. 26 IRWIN Industrial Tools pit crew travels to New Hampshire this weekend for Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301, members of the pit crew traveled to Randleman, NC for the Victory Junction Gang Camp's weekly "NASCARnival" event. The No. 26 team visited the camp on Tuesday, June 23rd and had the opportunity dine, dance, and demonstrate pit stops to the campers. Members of the team in attendance were: Sean Meckelson (jackman), Bryan Huitt (front tire carrier), Kevin Novak (front tire changer), Chris Tompkins (rear tire changer), Ben Surface (rear tire carrier), Wesley Lape (tire specialist), Ryan Flores (tire support), Chris Brady (fuel runner), and Jim Watson (driver assist - 8th man). The team arrived at the camp Tuesday afternoon and had the opportunity to tour the facility before they were invited to dine with the campers. Following dinner, the campers entertained the Roush Fenway crew by teaching them dance moves to their favorite songs. After the entertainment, the No. 26 team demonstrated their lightening-fast pit stops with a series of demonstrations for the campers.(Roush Fenway PR)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Roush Fenway President on McMurray: We’d like him to stay: Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith on the team cutting from five teams to four after this season (as mandated by NASCAR to meet its four-car limit): “We’re still messing with the sponsorship pieces,’’ Smith said. “We’re still not sure how it’s going to lay out. We thought we’d be done by now but we’re not.’’ One of the teams will move to Yates next year, Smith said. Smith also was asked about the status of signing Jamie McMurray to a contract extension: “Jamie wants to stay. We’d like him to stay. We’re hoping we can have sponsorship around Jamie before he has to decide how much longer he can wait. We’ve been working together. Hopefully we’ll have that worked out pretty quickly before he has to turn his attention to the marketplace.’’(The Virginian-Pilot)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
McMurray doesn't see move to Yates Racing as demotion: Jamie McMurray said he's had no discussions with anyone at Roush about his future. He said it twice, then said he didn't know how to make it any clearer and that the issue is essentially a media creation. McMurray also took exception to the idea that the team that gets moved would be a castoff of Roush Fenway Racing. "The media has made it that the team that's gonna get moved is going to be demoted or it's gonna be devastating. The fact is, we build all of Yates' cars and obviously our engines come from the same place and we share a lot of technology with Yates. It's really not a lot different from what the Stewart-Haas team has this year with Hendrick." (Orlando Sentinel)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Roush: No decision made on 2010 driver lineup: Team co-owner Jack Roush said Friday that no decision had been made regarding what his organization’s NASCAR Sprint Cup team lineup would look like in 2010. Jamie McMurray, currently one of five Roush Fenway Racing Cup drivers, has been mentioned in media reports as the likely choice to go elsewhere, most likely to join Yates Racing next season. “That is premature,” Roush said of one recent report which said McMurray’s team was expected to be dumped. “And if I had something to announce, there would be something written on the shelf back there [in the media center]. “We’re not thinking about next year yet, we’re thinking about this year. Certainly there was nothing that has happened in the last week that is noteworthy or newsworthy and I wouldn’t care to speculate.” (SceneDaily.com)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
McMurray expected to be released from Roush-Fenway after 2009 season: Jamie McMurray team is expected to be dumped by Roush when it has to cut back to four Cup teams after this season. So far, he's not showing much reason for other teams to go after him. He's fallen nine spots in points in the last three races. (The Virginian-Pilot)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
McMurray accounts frozen after fraud investigation: NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray is trying to gain access to five investment accounts frozen in the multi-billion-dollar fraud investigation of Stanford Financial Group. Some of the funds in the accounts are used to pay expenses associated with his racing team, including employees, according to a filing in Dallas federal court. McMurray's Chicago-based attorney did not respond to phone and email messages Monday evening. McMurray's motion, filed late Friday, says he did purchase one of the problematic CDs from Stanford International Bank, but it is held independently from his frozen accounts. A total of more than $308,000 was deposited into two of McMurray's accounts on Feb. 17 and 18. These were "direct cash deposits in connection with McMurray's employment as a NASCAR driver and are unequivocally not connected with the alleged fraud," his filing says. (Dallas Morning News)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
McMurray suffering flu-like symptoms: Jamie McMurray had the fastest Ford in Saturday's final practice session, but a bout with the flu prevented him from feeling good about his chances at a win. McMurray, seventh fastest overall, headed to the infield care center after practice to ask for new medication. "The medicine that I've got right now is not really working," said McMurray, who fell ill Tuesday night. "You think you'd be better by now and I'm not, so I'm going to see if they'll give me something else to help with my chest. My eyeballs are the biggest issue right now. There's a lot of pressure on them and when the car loads up in the corner it really hurts my eyes." (ESPN.com)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Donnie Wingo named McMurray crew chief: Roush Fenway Racing announced that Donnie Wingo will serve as crew chief for Jamie McMurray and the No. 26 Crown Royal / IRWIN Industrial Tools team. Wingo, who has more than 15 years of NASCAR experience, will lead the No. 26 team in the upcoming Sprint Cup Series season. “I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie again,” said Wingo, who served as McMurray’s crew chief for three seasons at Ganassi Racing. “Jamie and I had some good runs together at Ganassi and we were pretty successful on the track. I’ve seen how well Jamie has performed in the past and I hope with coming over to Roush Fenway Racing we can build on that success. Not only do I get to work with Jamie, but I get to work with four other really good crew chiefs here at Roush Fenway Racing. With the support of them and everyone at Ford Racing, I’m really looking forward to next season.” In 2008, McMurray finished 16th in the Sprint Cup Series point standings with four top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. “Donnie and I have been friends for years,” said McMurray. “Even when he wasn’t my crew chief, I would still call and talk to him - not just about racing - but anything. He is one of the hardest workers I know, so to be able to have him come over to Roush Fenway and be a part of this No. 26 Crown Royal / IRWIN Industrial Tools team is really exciting. We ended our season on such a high note, that I can’t wait to get back to Daytona. We have a few changes we are going to make to the No. 26 team during the off season, but I totally expect that we will be able to start the 2009 season just as strong as we finished 2008. I’m excited to have Donnie back as my crew chief and I am looking forward to next season here at Roush Fenway Racing.”(Roush Fenway Racing)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
McMurray expected to stay with Roush Fenway in 2009: Jamie McMurray said he'll remain with Roush Fenway Racing despite reports that he'll drive elsewhere next year. "The truth is I'll be there with [sponsor] Crown Royal," McMurray said Saturday. "There's not a question. It's 100 percent. I will be here ... at Roush Fenway." (Roanoke.com)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Three drivers on Stewart's wish list? Stewart said that Ryan Newman is just one of three drivers on his short list. Presumably, Martin Truex Jr. and Jamie McMurray are the other two. And Stewart is battling car owners Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress, who are both also looking for drivers. McMurray's future with car owner Jack Roush has been up for debate the past several weeks, and the speculation has become intense that Roush would be releasing McMurray. But apparently sponsor Crown Royal is pushing Roush to keep McMurray in the fold, and as tough as good sponsors are to find, that could well end that whole debate. McMurray has been mentioned as being on Childress' short list for his new fourth team. But Childress now appears to be back in the market trying to sign Truex. A Childress-Truex deal was in the works earlier this year, until Teresa Earnhardt, who owns DEI, said she would hold Truex to the option year on his current DEI contract for 2009.(Winston Salem Journal)
May 27, 2006:
Stewart and McMurray to the hospital: NEXTEL Cup Champion Tony Stewart, and driver Jamie McMurray were taken to local hospital, after separate accidents during the Busch series Car Quest 300. Both drivers were evaluated, later released and are expected to race in tomorrow Coca-Cola 600.
April 4, 2006:
McMurray to be designated driver for the night: Everyone wants a reliable designated driver and you would be hard pressed to find a better driver than a NASCAR star. Some lucky bar patrons will experience that very scenario on Thursday night, April 6, leading up to the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. That's when NASCAR's Jamie McMurray will lead a fleet of 10 No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusions as they provide free, safe, rides home to Dallas / Ft. Worth area nightlife revelers. Crown Royal's annual "Safe Rides Home" initiative to help promote responsible decision making has provided rides for hundreds of patrons and NASCAR fans since its inception in 2003. Bar patrons can sign up for free rides home at a specially decorated taxi kiosk at Rodeo Plaza in downtown Fort Worth as part of Crown Royal's "Be a Champion. Drink Responsibly." program that promotes responsible drinking. Crown Royal is the primary sponsor of McMurray's No. 26 Ford, and the purple and gold colors will run again in the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. (Alan Taylor Communications)
March 29, 2006:
McMurray Tire Change, Kruschek OK: Joe Kruschek, rear tire changer for the No. 26 Roush Racing Ford Fusion, was injured in last Monday’s race in Atlanta during a routine pit stop. Kruschek sustained injuries to both hands when the jack was released while he was still in the process of tightening lugnuts. Kruschek suffered a broken left thumb, a broken right middle finger and a cut right index finger. He successfully underwent surgery on Tuesday, March 21st, in a local hospital in Griffin, Georgia, and was transported back to the Charlotte, North Carolina area by Roush Racing. Kruschek will be in a cast and will undergo physical therapy for at least a couple of months, but the prognosis is good for a satisfactory recovery. Upon welcoming Kruschek back to the Charlotte area, team owner Jack Roush contacted Dr. Jerry Petty, a Charlotte neurosurgeon, to further evaluate Joe and refer him to a hand specialist. “We’re going to see that Joe Kruschek has the best possible care and that the most appropriate specialists are consulted and brought on board. Joe is a racer and I know that more than anything he wants to get back to work at the race track, but first and foremost we want him to be healthy,” commented Jack Roush. This is Kruschek’s first year with Roush Racing. (Roush Racing PR)
March 15, 2006:
McMurray to drive Irwin tools scheme at Atlanta: Atlanta will mark No. 26 Jamie McMurray's first run in the IRWIN Industrial Tools Ford. The weekend will showcase a special IRWIN paint scheme featuring the IRWIN Vise-Grip. (Roush Racing PR)
Born: Jan 3, 1976