Driver Profile: Jamie McMurray

The 2010 NASCAR season has been a year full of teammate rivalries, domination, and especially, a year of firsts. We've seen great racing action and hard fought battles on the track each and every week. We've even said adios to the wing, and brought back the spoiler. We've even seen the young and talented Joey Logano break out of his shell and confront Kevin Harvick after a late race punt for a top 5 position.

But we all know that. This past weekend at Indianapolis will be one for the history books. Chip Ginassi becomes the first ever owner to win the biggest 3 events in motorsports: the Daytona 500 in February, the Indy 500 back in May with driver Dario Franchitti, and the Brickyard 400 this past weekend. Jamie McMurray has been the driver to give Chip 2 out of those 3 major wins. It might sound trite, but 2 out of 3 ain't bad!


Jamie McMurray started his Cup career in 2002 with Chip Ginassi as the replacement driver for Sterling Marlin, who injured his neck in a pretty bad crash at Kansas Speedway and was unable to finish the season. In only his second start, McMurray went on to win his first race: the 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway.

In 2003, McMurray won ROTY honors; 37 points over Greg Biffle even without winning a race that year. He would stay with Chip Ginassi and the #42 from 2003 until 2005. From 2006-2009, McMurray drove for Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing. Unfortunately, McMurray didn't excel at RFR.

A couple of years ago, all NASCAR teams were told that they were only allowed to have 4 drivers and teams; those with more, would have to find another team to race for. RFR was one organization that was put into this predicament. The driver who was the odd man out for the 2010 season was: Jamie McMurray with the #26 crew needing new jobs.

Since Martin Truex Jr had announced he was leaving Earnhardt Ginassi Racing at the end of last season, McMurray jumped at the chance to work for his old owner again in the #1 Bass Pro Shops/Mcdonalds Chevrolet.


McMurray has won 5 career Cup races including his 2 major wins at the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 this year; he also won the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in '09, the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in '07, and as previously mentioned, the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway in 2002.

If i do say so myself, Chip Ginassi and Jamie McMurray is a match made in NASCAR heaven. After being away from Chip for a couple of years, Jamie is back to his winning ways. At age 34, I believe McMurray's career can only go up from here. Yes, he's won 2 of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, but he hasn't and probably wont stop there. Congrats Jamie on the awesome year you are having. You're a great racecar driver.

Oh, and how could i forget. CONGRATS ON BECOMING A FATHER IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

Until next time, i'm Steph Piech for The Finish Line