McMurray talks about move finally: Jamie McMurray, who gained his release from Chip Ganassi Racing this week to join Roush Racing a year early, said the decision to leave was strictly business. McMurray won in his second Nextel Cup start in 2002, substituting for teammate Sterling Marlin, but never won in the No. 42 Dodge he drove full time since 2003. He is winless in his past 110 Cup races. "If you did this based on personal feelings, I would still be at Chip Ganassi Racing," he said. "You move on because in this sport you want to win. When you go two or three years and you don't win, you look at that and you have to figure out what's best for you and where you need to try to win." (St. Petersburg Times)
Nov. 8, 2005:
IRWIN tools and Sharpie to sponsor McMurray: Jamie McMurray announced that he will drive the IRWIN Industrial Tools/Sharpie Ford for Roush Racing in 2006. The announcement ends the speculation of when one of the most coveted driver's seats in racing would be filled. "The addition of Jamie McMurray as driver of the IRWIN/Sharpie Ford is a development that's exciting to our employees, customers and fans," said Eric Pinkham, director of motorsports for Newell Rubbermaid. "There's no question that Jamie now has the right tools to achieve even greater NASCAR success and make a permanent mark on racing history." IRWIN and Sharpie racing will compete in 15 races throughout the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series next year, including special Sharpie paint schemes at each event at Bristol Motor Speedway. The brands' sponsorship will feature interactive marketing at tracks, retail appearances, advertising and consumer and customer promotions. (Sharpie/Sanford PR
Nov. 7, 2005:
Diageo to be Jamie McMurray's primary Roush Racing sponsor: Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, today announced that it will take over primary sponsorship of Jamie McMurray's Roush Racing Ford beginning in the 2006 season. The company's Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE brands will own the primary paint scheme on the Roush Racing Ford for 21 races next season, with Newell-Rubbermaid retaining the remaining 15 races. In 2004, Crown Royal became the first spirits brand to enter the sport after NASCAR announced that spirits companies would be allowed to participate as team sponsors. "We are thrilled that Crown Royal is becoming primary sponsor, and that we're partnering with one of the sport's rising talents in Jamie McMurray and one of racing's best teams in Roush," said Debra Kelly-Ennis, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo. "As we have witnessed with both Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE, NASCAR continues to be a great platform for our responsible drinking programs, and we look forward to having an even greater presence in 2006 to continue these efforts." "I am excited about the opportunity to start a new era in my career with Crown Royal and Roush Racing," McMurray said. "I know that with this new partnership comes greater responsibility, as I will be counted on to help Crown Royal and Smirnoff ICE reach millions of fans with messages related to the importance of responsible drinking." Extending best wishes to Kurt Busch as he heads to Penske Racing, Debra Kelly-Ennis added, “Our association with Kurt has been enormously positive, and together we’ve been able to connect with millions of adult NASCAR fans about the importance of responsible drinking. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” (True Speed Communications)
Nov. 1, 2005:
REPORT: Busch Released, McMurray Released: According to published reports, ESPN's Mike Massaro is reporting that Roush Racing has released 2004 Nextel Cup Champ #97 Kurt Busch from his 2006 contract obligations, allowing Busch to go to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge. Also, reported that Jamie McMurray has been released from his 2006 Ganassi Racing contract to drive the #42 Texaco Dodge, allowing him to go to Roush Racing, taking over for Busch.
Oct. 22, 2005:
3 way deal puts Rudd in 42? Instead of retiring at the end of this year, Rudd could leave the No. 21 car to drive the No. 42 car for Chip Ganassi next season. Jamie McMurray would be released from the final year of his contract with Ganassi so that he can drive the No. 97 Ford for Roush Racing, thus freeing up Kurt Busch to get out of his contract with Roush one year early to replace Rusty Wallace in the No. 2 Dodge next season. Sources indicate that Ganassi could also receive payment from the Roush camp, which in turn likely would receive funds from Penske Racing South and primary sponsor Miller Lite for Busch's early release to replace Wallace. Consider who the sponsor of the No. 42 car is: Texaco Havoline, the same colors Rudd flew for three seasons (2000-2002) during his term with Robert Yates Racing. From what I've heard, Texaco Havoline is not pleased with having McMurray as a moody, unhappy lame-duck driver in '06 and has been applying pressure to Ganassi to let McMurray go. Texaco Havoline would then build a significant one-year farewell tour marketing campaign around Rudd. (More at Yahoo! Sports)
Oct. 19, 2005:
McMurray Fans win: Forty two lucky participants have the chance to win a complete set of four limited edition No. 42 Texaco/Havoline "Shine On" diecast cars signed by Jamie McMurray. To register, visit www.texacohavoline42.com . The replica cars driven by McMurray at Texas (April), Charlotte (May), Sonoma and Talladega (Oct.) are a part of the "Shine On" series celebrating the history of the Texaco brand with four retro logos on the hood. The sweepstakes began on Sept. 20 and ends on Nov. 30. (Havoline Weekly PR)
Oct. 16, 2005:
Ganassi waiting on driver to replace McMurray: Penske South officials remain optimistic that Kurt Busch will replace Rusty Wallace in 2006, but they say it will not happen unless Jamie McMurray is released to join Roush Racing. That would open the door for a three-way deal in which Penske would get Busch, Roush would get McMurray and Chip Ganassi Racing would get a driver to replace McMurray. “Jamie has to get free first,” said Penske Race president Don Miller before Saturday night’s Nextel Cup race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.” Roush president Geoff Smith agreed. “For us, that’s step one,” he said of McMurray, who is signed for the 2007 season to drive Busch’s No. 97 car. “They know what our criteria are. I believe there are discussions with Chip from Penske.” Ganassi, who has insisted for months that he would not release McMurray, softened his stance this weekend, saying he would be willing to listen. “I need a solution, not a pile of money,” he told reporters. “I need a driver to replace Jamie.” (The State)
Oct. 7, 2005:
Leading Laps for Autism Awareness: Jamie McMurray led a total of 38 laps last weekend at Talladega. As a part of his "Driving Autism Awareness" campaign, he will be donating $42 dollars for each lap led to benefit the Autism Society of America (ASA). Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and McMurray's sponsors Cheveron Corp. and Home123 will be matching his contribution, together making a donation of $6,384 to ASA. For more information about the fundraising campaign or ASA visit www.autism-society.org or www.jamiemcmurray.com (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
Oct. 3, 2005:
No penalty for McMurray: Jamie McMurray's car failed a post-race inspection but won't be penalized, a series official said. McMurray finished 12th and was the car randomly selected for post-race inspection. The car was too low but a series official said no penalty would be levied because the car was damaged during the race. (New-Record)
Oct. 1, 2005:
Still possibility of McMurray departure for '07? #42-Jamie McMurray said leaving Chip Ganassi Racing a year early to join [#6] Roush Racing remains a possibility. "If people above me get things worked out and it happens, I'd rather be at Roush Racing next year because that's where my future is," said McMurray, who has a year left at Ganassi and signed with Roush for 2007. "It's going to be tough to stay with a team that you know you're not going to be with the following year." This week, #97-Kurt Busch affirmed #2-Rusty Wallace's comment at Dover that lawyers are working to move up Busch's departure from Roush Racing to Penske Racing South by a year. (Richmond Times Dispatch)
Sep. 13, 2005:
McMurray to 97? When Jamie McMurray joins Roush in 2007, he may drive Busch's No. 97 car rather than Martin's No. 6 car as originally planned, Roush said. McMurray is scheduled to join Roush in 2007, after his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing expires. Busch is leaving no later than 2007 to take over Rusty Wallace's No. 2 Dodge at Penske Racing South in 2007. Busch's contract with Roush runs through next year. (Tampa Bay Tribune)
Aug 20, 2005
McMurray talks about Ganassi/Roush: McMurray, silent since announcing July 7 he had signed with Roush for 2007 (for a reported $3.5 million a year, considerably higher than his current salary), finally opened up: "I've been with Chip three years. I was very fortunate to win in my second start. That's when our organization was winning a lot of races. "This is my third year, and we've come close to winning, but I just don't feel we're improving enough from where we started three years ago. That has nothing to do with the people; we have a really intelligent group of people and beautiful cars, some of the nicest in the series. But sometimes things just don't work out. "If I had won a championship last year and two or three races this year, you couldn't get me to leave, because that's what it's all about, winning. I want to go where I think I can win. "Chip has been through this before. Chip understands I'm doing what I feel is best for me. When I sat down with Chip in Daytona (in early July) I told him I was going to sign a contract with another team 'and I don't want you to counter-offer, because I'm not doing it for money.' He said 'OK, as long as you're committed to me through 2006.' I said 'Definitely.' (In Part from Salem-Journal)
July 22, 2005
McMurray recognized for Autism Awareness: #42-Jamie McMurray received an achievement award from the Autism Society of America recognizing his commitment to raising autism awareness. The award was presented to him at the Autism Society of America’s 36th Annual National Conference and Exposition on July 14th in Nashville, Tenn. (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
July 9, 2005
More on Roush, McMurray and Gannasi: Jamie McMurray wasn't talking about his decision to sign with Roush Racing for the 2007 season yesterday, but his future car owner was. Jack Roush said McMurray was motivated to leave Chip Ganassi Racing because he didn't want to end up in a situation similar to last year when Ganassi didn't renew his contract in person. "It was important to Jamie to know where he was going," Roush said. "It's my understanding there wasn't much discussion between he and the management of that team before the option was picked up last year. A UPS driver brought him an envelope and he opened it up and found he'd been renewed. "So there's been no discussion, and he was expecting the same kind of drama in getting to September this year, and I think he was anxious to have it put it to bed. We were in position to say we wanted to build the future of our No. 6 program around him." Roush said McMurray was always on his list as a possibility to replace Mark Martin, who is retiring from the No. 6 Ford after this season. Ganassi has said McMurray will remain in the No. 42 Dodge through the end of next year, but Roush won't make a decision on a one-year stopgap in Martin's ride until September - the deadline for Ganassi to renew the last year of McMurray's contract. Garage insiders say Ganassi could change his mind and let McMurray go, but Roush said he would make no attempt to buy out the final year of the deal with Ganassi. (Times-Dispatch)
July 7, 2005
McMurray to join Roush in '07: Jamie McMurray has signed a multi-year contract to drive Roush Racing's No. 6 Fords starting in 2007, sources close to the driver confirmed Thursday morning. Roush Racing is expected to release a statement on the matter Thursday afternoon. Chip Ganassi Racing released a statement Thursday morning saying that the team and McMurray would part ways following the 2006 season. "Jamie's made a decision to go in another direction after we've both fulfilled the commitment that we made to each other in 2002," team owner Chip Ganassi said in the statement. "We didn't do a good job of conveying to Jamie where this team is headed, but we expect a lot of success with Jamie the rest of this year and next year, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors beyond that." Sources said McMurray signed the contract with Roush Racing late last week, and speculation began almost immediately that he was on his way out at Ganassi. No word has been given regarding an interim driver for 2006, but many feel Roush Racing Truck Series driver Ricky Craven is the team's first choice. (NASCAR.com)
Gannasi Statement: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that it will part ways with driver Jamie McMurray following the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "Jamie's made a decision to go in another direction after we've both fulfilled the commitment that we made to each other in 2002," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "We didn't do a good job of conveying to Jamie where this team is headed, but we expect a lot of success with Jamie the rest of this year and next year, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors beyond that.” Team owner Felix Sabates added, “This is a total team sport and the Texaco/Havoline team will continue to stay focused on making the Chase and running for the Championship this season, next season and well into the future." (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)
July 5, 2005
McMurray to host "Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in Nashville": Jamie McMurray will continue his ongoing relationship with the Autism Society of America (ASA) when he hosts "Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in Nashville" on Wednesday, July 13 from 7 - 9 p.m. CT at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. The event is part of ASA's 36th Annual National Conference and Exposition, and McMurray will host a Q&A session and photo and autograph sessions during this event. Special guest entertainment will be on hand, as well as light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 per person, $5 per child age 6-12; under age 5, free and are on sale now by visiting www.autism-society.org. Following Wednesday night's festivities, McMurray will host an exclusive special breakfast for ASA conference attendees and members on Thursday morning at the Renaissance Hotel. Tickets to the breakfast are $10 per adult and $5 per child under age 12 and can be purchased at the same online site. "I'm really honored that the Autism Society of America asked me to be a part of their annual convention," McMurray said. "The entire NASCAR community has really supported the 'Driving Autism Awareness' campaign that we started last year. The NASCAR fans continue to prove why they are the best in sports.(NASCAR.com)
