Jamie McMurray signs with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
Getty Images for NASCAR
AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 IRWIN Ford, stands on pit road prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- As expected, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has hired Jamie McMurray to drive its No. 1 Chevrolet for the 2010 Sprint Cup season.
The Observer and ThatsRacin.com first reported the deal for McMurray to be reunited with former car owner Chip Ganassi on Nov. 8.
McMurray earned his first Cup win in 2002 at Lowe's Motor Speedway with Ganassi driving as a substitute for Sterling Marlin, who had injured his neck. He remained at Ganassi through the 2005 season, when he left to join Roush Fenway Racing.
"We know Jamie and understand what makes him tick as a driver. We had a lot of success with Jamie in the early part of his career and are looking for more of the same," Ganassi said in a statement released late Wednesday.
"The duo of McMurray and (Juan Pablo) Montoya creates a very formidable team as we look to continue the momentum that has been established this year in our chase for the championship.”
McMurray said he was looking forward to returning to Ganassi and said the equipment was "as good as anyone's in the garage."
"It will also be fun to work with some of the people that I worked with when I was there a few years ago. They have really good people there," he said.
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