Post by labontefanboy on Dec 10, 2013 12:49:24 GMT -5
McMurray unhappy at CGR
The 2007 Nextel Cup Series season is barely underway, but silly season has already kicked off. To date, two sponsor agreements for 2008 and beyond have been reached, in addition to one new driver named for next season. One of the hottest garage-area rumors, however, is the Jamie McMurray is already beginning a search for a new team. McMurray has driven for Chip Ganassi Racing all of his career, dating back to his rookie season of 2003. However, McMurray reportedly told a close friend that he was "fed up" with team management and "couldn't wait to move to a better place". The initial flash of brilliance in the 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 when McMurray won in just his 2nd career start has yet to be replicated. In fact, the 30-year old driver's career appears to be trending downwards already. After two solid seasons to start his career (13th and 11th place points finishes), McMurray has struggled mightily. He dropped from 11th in points to 25th in points for the 2005 season, and was even worse in 2006, finishing 33rd. After 23 top 10s in 2004, many insiders believed McMurray would take the next step and earn a Chase berth for his 3rd season, but he did the opposite, with just 6 top 10s. Zero top 10 finishes capped off the dismal 2006 campaign, and team-wide struggles prompted Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates to change manufacturers to Toyota. Thus far, the change hasn't appeared to work out. Sophomore Reed Sorenson ranks 17th after 2 races, but a top 5 finish at a wild-card restrictor-plate track doesn't indicate season-long performance. David Stremme ranks 36th, and McMurray ranks 39th with finishes of 33rd and 36th to begin the season. A frustrated McMurray refused to talk to reporters after last Sunday's Auto Club 500, indicating that tensions within the Chip Ganassi Racing hauler are very high. While nobody can pinpoint a team that is after McMurray just yet, some believe Dale Earnhardt Incorporated or Michael Waltrip Racing could be a possible destination for the Missouri native. (MikeMulhern.net) (2/29/07)
The 2007 Nextel Cup Series season is barely underway, but silly season has already kicked off. To date, two sponsor agreements for 2008 and beyond have been reached, in addition to one new driver named for next season. One of the hottest garage-area rumors, however, is the Jamie McMurray is already beginning a search for a new team. McMurray has driven for Chip Ganassi Racing all of his career, dating back to his rookie season of 2003. However, McMurray reportedly told a close friend that he was "fed up" with team management and "couldn't wait to move to a better place". The initial flash of brilliance in the 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 when McMurray won in just his 2nd career start has yet to be replicated. In fact, the 30-year old driver's career appears to be trending downwards already. After two solid seasons to start his career (13th and 11th place points finishes), McMurray has struggled mightily. He dropped from 11th in points to 25th in points for the 2005 season, and was even worse in 2006, finishing 33rd. After 23 top 10s in 2004, many insiders believed McMurray would take the next step and earn a Chase berth for his 3rd season, but he did the opposite, with just 6 top 10s. Zero top 10 finishes capped off the dismal 2006 campaign, and team-wide struggles prompted Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates to change manufacturers to Toyota. Thus far, the change hasn't appeared to work out. Sophomore Reed Sorenson ranks 17th after 2 races, but a top 5 finish at a wild-card restrictor-plate track doesn't indicate season-long performance. David Stremme ranks 36th, and McMurray ranks 39th with finishes of 33rd and 36th to begin the season. A frustrated McMurray refused to talk to reporters after last Sunday's Auto Club 500, indicating that tensions within the Chip Ganassi Racing hauler are very high. While nobody can pinpoint a team that is after McMurray just yet, some believe Dale Earnhardt Incorporated or Michael Waltrip Racing could be a possible destination for the Missouri native. (MikeMulhern.net) (2/29/07)
