#1-Jamie McMurray continued to celebrate his Daytona 500 championship by returning to his home state of Missouri on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The driver made two stops, a surprise visit to the Bass Pro Shops General Manager’s conference in Branson and to the State Capitol of Jefferson City to be honored by state dignitaries. The theme of the 2010 edition of Bass Pro Shops General Manager’s conference “Crossroads” could not have been any more appropriate, as the company looks to turn the next corner in their own history so too does Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s Jamie McMurray. This very reason is why Bass Pro Shops Founder/CEO, Johnny Morris invited McMurray to be a surprise guest for their dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 24. McMurray’s story of inspiration and perseverance brought this group of manager’s and corporate representatives from Bass Pro Shops to their feet as McMurray revved the engine of his replica Daytona 500 winning car, driving it right into the ballroom where the manager’s were seated for dinner. The Bass Pro Shops family is just that, a family, and the manager’s welcomed McMurray into their family with a standing ovation. Johnny Morris then presented McMurray with a special gift from the company, not only recognizing Jamie’s success on the race track but forever tying Jamie to his home state of Missouri. Jamie was presented with a set of Indian artifacts – stone axe heads, found buried on the site of what is now modern-day Joplin, MO (Jamie’s hometown).
Governor Jay Nixon and Senator Gary Nodler of the 32nd District welcomed McMurray to the state capitol on Thursday, Feb. 25 to honor him by proclaiming the day as Jamie McMurray Day in the state of Missouri. Upon arrival to the Jefferson City Airport, McMurray was greeted by Missouri State Troopers ready to escort him to the state capitol to be honored. However, this was no ordinary motorcade as McMurray and Bass Pro Shops Founder/CEO Johnny Morris proceeded to drive away in a replica of McMurray’s Daytona 500 winning #1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevrolet. Upon arrival to the state capitol, McMurray and Morris were greeted by hundreds of fans and legislators ready to honor their accomplished Missourians. Governor Nixon then proclaimed the day as Jamie McMurray day and also recognized the accomplishments of Bass Pro Shops Founder before the two were whisked into the State Senate Chamber and State House of Representatives. The gentlemen were once again recognized before each group of legislators. The two then headed off to Senator Nodler’s office for a lunch reception, photos, and many an autograph signing as legislators and office assistants came to see the most recent sports hero from Missouri.(EGR)(2-27-2010)
