McMurray Battles From 40th To Take Checkered Flag 11th at Texas
FT. WORTH, Tex. (Nov. 6, 2005)
--- It certainly wasn't a picture perfect race for Jamie McMurray and the Texaco/Havoline team at Texas Motor Speedway, but the end result was rewarding. McMurray started the Dickies 500 at the 1.5-mile speedway in 40th, fighting a primarily tight race car for a majority of the 334-lap event. Even with the handling problems, however, he was able to maintain position in the top-15 for much of the race. To cap it off, a two tire pit strategy call during the final stop afforded McMurray and crew an 11th-place finish, and more importantly helped them extend their lead over 12th-place in the standings with two races remaining.
The Texaco/Havoline Dodge was "pretty loose" in the opening laps according to McMurray, and although the problem remained, the bigger issue was a tight condition that developed exiting the corner just prior to the race's first caution on lap 28. McMurray brought the No. 42 Dodge onto pit road in 28th position for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment to the front tires. The crew performed the service and sent him back into competition in 26th.
Racing resumed on lap 33, and although he was still battling much of the same in the handling department McMurray was able to race up to 20th before the next caution period on lap 82. The driver requested air pressure and track bar adjustments during the ensuing pit stop, and after some quick work by the Texaco/Havoline over-the-wall crew he returned to the track in 18th.
The next run of the race saw McMurray drive up to 14th. He commented that the car was much better, but his foot had fallen asleep and was sliding off of the pedal at times. McMurray would ride it out until pitting under green on lap 147 for four tires, fuel, air pressure and track bar adjustments. Although the handling had improved, McMurray needed the car to be freer in order for him to compete with the top-10 running cars.
The No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge cycled out in 15th after the round of stops on lap 152. McMurray was able to hold position in the top 15 for much of the remainder of the event, just falling outside of it late in a run.
During the final few pit stops of the event, the team made some drastic changes to the chassis to hopefully free it up enough for McMurray to make a run a the top 10. The changes definitely worked as the car became extremely loose/fast during the closing laps of the race.
McMurray found himself running in 15th with the final caution flag flew on lap 319. With just a handful of laps remaining, he and crew chief Donnie Wingo decided to gamble and take two tires only. The decision was the correct one because McMurray returned to the track in 12th and was able to overtake 11th position before taking the checkered flag.
"I'm really happy with our performance today," said McMurray. "To come out of here with an 11th place finish says a lot about this team. The car just wasn't that good, but we kept adjusting on it and the guys kept me in position with great pit stops. The call to take two at the end was definitely the right one. The last few weeks have felt like the end of the season last year. I hate to see the season come to a close because we're starting to hit our stride."
The Texaco/Havoline Team maintained 11th position in the overall standings after the completion of the Texas race. They are currently 51 points ahead of 12th place and in position to receive the season ending $1 million bonus with just two races remaining. The NEXTEL Cup Series teams head to Phoenix International Raceway next for the Checker Auto Parts 500 on Nov. 13. McMurray's Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates teammates Casey Mears and Sterling Marlin finishes fourth and 23rd respectively.
View the Dickies 500
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Media Relations Contact Information
Heather Kincel
Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates
8500 Westmoreland Drive
Concord, NC 28027
Ph: (704) 662-9642
Fax: (704) 662-9643
Email: Heather Kincel
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