hearing that Jamie McMurray, current driver of the #42 Texaco Dodge for Chip Ganassi, has signed a multi-year agreement with Roush Racing to drive the #6 Ford beginning in 2007. Hmm…so who drives the #6 in 2006?(7-6-2005 – 2am)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that it will part ways with driver Jamie McMurray following the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. “Jamie’s made a decision to go in another direction after we’ve both fulfilled the commitment that we made to each other in 2002,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “We didn’t do a good job of conveying to Jamie where this team is headed, but we expect a lot of success with Jamie the rest of this year and next year, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors beyond that. Team owner Felix Sabates added, This is a total team sport and the Texaco/Havoline team will continue to stay focused on making the Chase and running for the Championship this season, next season and well into the future.”(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(7-7-2005)
UPDATE 2: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says they got the man who was at the top of their wish list of drivers to replace Mark Martin in the #6-car. Jamie McMurray will part ways with Chip Ganassi after next season to pilot what is now the Viagra Ford. He was at the top thats for sure, but we didnt know whether it was going to be available and when and so we were able to work through it and were good to go in 2007.” If McMurray is released from his contract with the 42-car at the end of this season it would free him to join Roush next year; however Smith isnt counting on that. Were not planning on that at all at this time. The message hes conveyed to us is that hes expecting to stay in the #42-car all next year. Were not planning on any scenario other than that one.” So, who takes over for Mark Martin in 2006? Smith said, There have been so many balls in the air that weve been juggling between drivers and sponsors and when this came up we could do this for 2007 thats now triggered us into a whole new round of assessment about what were going to do for 2006. We hope in a very short period of time well have our 2006 solution figured out.”(PRN’s Garage Pass), Ricky Craven is one driver rumored as a driver for the #6 for one year.(7-7-2005)
AND from Roush Racing: Roush Racing announced today that it has signed Jamie McMurray to a multi-year contract to drive its #6 NASCAR Nextel Cup entry commencing with the 2007 season. No decision has been made with regard to the driver of the #6 for the 2006 season.(Roush Racing PR)
UPDATE 3 – McMurray’s statement: “I have signed a multi-year agreement with Roush Racing to drive the #6 car beginning with the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. However, my focus and commitment remains with the #42 Texaco/Havoline/Home123 team as we continue our bid for the Chase for the Championship.” — Jamie McMurray.(Jamie McMurray Enterprises PR)(7-8-2005)
