Warning: Objects in this post may be the only way to successfully live through the NASCAR off-season. For best results, read rearview mirror early and often.
Driver: Jamie McMurray
Team: No. 26 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
'08 Final Standing: 16th (-2875)
Best Race: Texas, Phoenix & Homestead (3rd-place)
Worst Race: Bristol (43rd-place)
Season in a box: I don't know if there was a driver who had more of a roller coaster season than Jamie McMurray, but the way the ride ended surely was pleasing for the driver from Joplin, Missouri.
Finishes of 26th, 22nd, 25th, 40th and 43rd led off the season for McMurray in a way that had no other description except for "embarrasing". After that dead-last result at Bristol, McMurray found himself 36th in points and soon after, reports surfaced that McMurray was done in the No. 26 at Roush Fenway at season's end.
The reports were never confirmed and McMurray improved marginally through the season. It was, however, until the season entered its final turn that the No. 26 showed some signs of the potential driver Jack Roush thought he was getting. After getting caught up in one of the many Talladega wrecks, McMurray posted a fifth-place finish the next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Mechanical problems plagued the team the next weekend at Martinsville, but from there, the No. 26 was more than impressive with finishes of 7th, 3rd, 3rd and 3rd to end the season.
Through the crystal windshield:There was just one driver who finished the 2008 season stronger than Jamie McMurray's final three races and that was his teammate Carl Edwards. Other than Edwards -- two wins in two races will trump most drivers -- the three third-place finishes to finish out the season are a huge momentum booster for McMurray heading to 2009.
It's no secret that McMurray, in the last year of his Roush Fenway contract, has to make considerable gains in 2009 to find himself driving within the confines of the Roush organization that includes Yates Racing. He'll be aided in doing so by teaming up with his old friend and crew chief Donnie Wingo in a move that will be closely-watched after his impressive finish to 2008.
Next up: Martin Truex Jr.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-20-2008 @ 10:40AM
JamieMcMurray26Fan said...
I am a huge Jamie fan, and it was great to see him finish the season so strongly!
Yes, Jamie and the 26 team had horrible bad luck, but here is how his season really went...... : they would run somewhat good in the race and then they would get wrecked.... Then they would run a little better and they would get wrecked..... Then they would run great and get wrecked.... BUT then Jamie and his boys would run awsome and get an awsome finish! (except Martinsville).
I was a little upset when they annouce that Jamie and Larry would no longer be together but the more I think about it, Jamie and Donnie should be awsome together... again!
2009 I think, will be a VERY impressive season for Jamie and Donnie, and I can't wait to see Jamie back in Victory lane!
:D ....... Kayla (JamieMcMurray26Fan)
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12-21-2008 @ 8:49PM
CJ said...
I like Jamie too, i dont like who he drives for, but he's the only Ford driver i actually pull for and i'm glad to hear that even if he was let go, that he'd have options. I was hoping the rumors earlier in the year were true about McMurray going to RCR cause i think he would've been a great fit there, but if he leaves Roush next year, or if fired whatever, ill still pull for him. I think if i was Larry Carter i'd be pissed because they just moved him to the most successful and winning team of Ford's to the second rated and stuck him with Paul Menard, who only has a ride because of daddy's money. I do think though that Donnie Wingo is a better crew chief than Larry Carter and you have to admit, Roush is giving it his all to try and make McMurray work at Roush. I know if i was starting a Cup team or owned one and was going to have an open spot, id hire him. I'd love to see him replace Kevin Harvick at RCR next year. I dont like Harvick and his contract is up after next year.
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2-16-2009 @ 7:56PM
Gianna said...
I don't care how Jamie messes up, or what happens by fate. I have followed him from the beginning of his career. I have been into NASCAR since Davey Allison days. I will be with Jamie no matter where he goes. GO JAMIE!!!! I LOVE YA MAN!!!!!!!
GIGI
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