McMurray's Bid into NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Falls Short - 22 May 2004
CONCORD, N.C., (May 22, 2004)
--- After a dominating performance that saw NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray lead 20 of the 30 laps in the NEXTEL Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge crossed the finish line in third place. As a result of not winning the Open and not winning the fan vote, the night was over for McMurray and the Texaco/Havoline team.
"It's disappointing because I felt like our Texaco/Havoline Dodge was the best car out there in the Open," McMurray said. "The car just got really loose during the last 10-lap segment and I'm still amazed I was able to save it coming off the corner. It would have been fun to get the chance to run in the All-Star Challenge, so now we just need to go out and win a race so we'll be in the All-Star Challenge for next year."
After qualifying third, McMurray was able to avoid a multi-car accident on the opening lap of the NEXTEL Open that involved eight cars. As the cars came back around to the yellow flag, McMurray was shown as the leader.
Once the race restarted, McMurray pulled out to a commanding lead over the field and led the remaining laps in the 20-lap race. During the break between segments, McMurray headed for pit road and was serviced with four tires and fuel. He exited pit road in second place.
The final 10-lap shootout saw McMurray and teammate Sterling Marlin in a spirited battle for the lead. McMurray grabbed the lead from Marlin on lap 25 and looked to be poised to advance to the All-Star Challenge until his Texaco/Havoline Dodge broke loose coming out of the turn on the final lap. While McMurray was able to regain control of his machine, Marlin and Jeremy Mayfield shot past. When the checkered flag fell, McMurray crossed the finish line in third place.
Marlin advanced to the All-Star Challenge along with Ken Schrader, won was voted in by the fans.
As a result of McMurray leading 20 laps, he was able to raise $840 for his "Drive for a Cure" campaign for the Autism Society of America. With pledge matches from Chevron and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, a total of $2,520 was raised during the NEXTEL Open. So far in 2004, $17,640 has been raised for "Drive for a Cure."
Next up for the Texaco/Havoline team is the Coca-Cola 600 this Sunday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.
View the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge
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Media Relations Contact Information
Jason Wise
Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates
114 Meadow Hill Circle
Mooresville, NC 28117
Ph: (704) 662-9642,
ext. 1125
Fax: (704) 662-9643
Cell: (704) 500-6121
Email: Jason Wise
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