Jamie McMurray 2006 Preview

Jamie McMurray joins the Roush team in 2006, driving the #26 (Formally #97) Irwin Tools/Crown Royal Ford. The last few season's Jamie has drove for Ganassi Racing but not since his second race ever (driving for an injured Sterling Marlin) in the cup series has Jamie been able to find victory lane. He signed with Roush with the intentions of driving the #6 after Mark Martins retirement but before that could happened Kurt Busch decided to leave for Penske Racing, leaving the #97 (#26) open. Lasy year Jamie once again found himself right outside the chase finishing in the top fifteen. Will a new team result in success for McMurray?

Team: Roush Racing Sponsor: Irwin Tools/Crown Royal Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig

2005 Driver Stats:

0 Wins
1 Pole
4 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
12th in Final Standings

Team Stats (Under Kurt Busch):

3 Wins
0 Poles
9 Top Fives
18 Top Tens
10th in Final Standings

Jamie McMurray should benefit from the move. I believe McMurray is a talented driver who could easily make the top ten if his luck remains good. Plus, he assumes a team that is a proven championship team, winning the 2004 Cup with driver Kurt Busch. Jamie should excel under veteran Crew Chief Jimmy Fennig furthermore it does not hurt for the team to have a driver that is as relaxed and easy going as Jamie to work with. Jamie will pick up more than one victory in 2006.