Jamie McMurray.....Out At Roush

[Mafesto]

DOVER, Del. - The driver dominoes in the Sprint Cup Series are apparently beginning to fall into place.

Jamie McMurray will not return to Roush Fenway Racing next season and has been actively seeking other employment, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned.

In the past week or so, representatives on behalf of McMurray have notified other Cup teams of his availability beginning next season, multiple sources confirmed on Sunday.

McMurray finished 10th in Sunday's Best Buy 400 - just his second top-10 finish of the season. An attempt was made to reach McMurray after the race, but he left the track without comment to the media or the Ford Racing manufacturer's representative.

McMurray's departure could accomplish two important goals for Roush.

The organization has been in discussions with sponsor Crown Royal to pair that sponsorship with driver Greg Biffle beginning next season, although a final decision has not been made, sources said. Officials with Crown Royal could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

It remains unclear whether the sponsor would move to Biffle's No. 16 Ford, or Biffle would move to McMurray's No. 26 next season. Biffle has been in negotiations with Roush for a contract extension for almost a year, but it remains unfinished.

In addition, McMurray's departure could also open the door for Roush Fenway to move from five to four Cup teams by 2009, one year sooner then required by NASCAR's four-car limits on ownership.

NASCAR officials on Sunday said they have had no discussions with Roush regarding the organization's movement to four teams in 2009.

McMurray entered the Cup series driving for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates with great fanfare in 2002, winning the fall race at Lowe's Motor Speedway while substituting for an injured Sterling Marlin. He went on to spend three more seasons with Ganassi before leaving for Roush in 2006.

McMurray snapped his career-long 166-race winless streak in Cup last season, taking the July race at Daytona Beach, Fla.

He is now 22nd in points, 259 outside the top 12 that will qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

 

[Blu Du]

not a surprise he sucks. I really liked kurt busch and should of never canned him

 

[AndrettiDog]

He reminds me a lot of Casey Mears. Both seem to have the organization and equipment, but have only been able to salvage a win or two. I can't see why they don't run any better. I'm a Hendrick fan and I really think the only reason Casey will survive the season and be back next year is because of that great last name of his.

 

[dragon12]

Do you think Rick Hendrick is looking at his garage thinking he dumped the wrong driver last year? McMurray will find a ride somewhere. Roush won't miss him.

 

[Snow Fox]

McMurray is Medicore at best, I don't know why he doesn't run better than what he does? Edwards, Biffle, and Kenseth are always so much better, he should be running comparable equipment so that makes me think it is his driving that is causing all of the poor results. He may become a name that just fades away like so many others. I am curious as to all of these open wheel stars that are now racing in Nascar, so far I am not that impressed. I wish I could be, I am a Dodge fan...........

 

[Blu Du]

making room for Danica?

 

[AndrettiDog]

Do you think Rick Hendrick is looking at his garage thinking he dumped the wrong driver last year? McMurray will find a ride somewhere. Roush won't miss him.

No, I don't think he feels that way. No doubt that Busch is the best right now. But nobody is even close to Jr. when it comes to marketing. The next closest person is Jeff Gordon, and he has him too. I think things are peachy at JGR right now, but eventually Busch won't be winning and we will see how well the marriage is then. He is a punk in my mind. A very good driver as well.

 

[bullfrog123]

Jamie Mac is a seat filler for sure, handfull of wins, but no real consistency. Kind of like Mayfield, (hence the reason he has no full time job).

As far as Hendrick, Jr was for the money and fame and nothing else IMO.

And JGR is sitting FAT right now with Busch, Hamlin, Stewart, and Lagono waiting in the wings. He is showing some real stuff so far. 6th in NW race for a debute is pretty dang good for an 18 yr old. Joe, J.D. , and Makar know how to work with drivers and make a winning organization.

 

[Kevco]

Im a Hendrick fan too...H e l l yes he let the wrong guy go. Not a big fan of little rubber head, but he can drive.

 

[dragon12]

I wasn't talking about the Kyle for Jr trade. I was talking about keeping Casey Mears and dumping a chase driver and possibly a championship driver. Like him or not, he can drive pretty darn good.