Speed Mail: Busch in '07; 'Dega redone
by Jamie McMurray, FOXSports.com
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| © 2006 Roush Racing (Walter Arce/Action Sports Photography, Inc.) |
Rusty racing relationship
Margaret from Tacoma, Wash.: Hey Jamie! I have to say first that I've really enjoyed watching you race this season! Keep up the great work. My question might be a little strange, but I was wondering about your relationship with Rusty Wallace Racing. Was Roush pretty understanding about you continuing to race with Rusty? Also, do you plan to continue racing for Rusty when Steven becomes a full-time Busch driver?Jamie McMurray: I believe this will be my last season running for Rusty in the Busch Series. When I came over to Roush, I still had the deal with Rusty, which Roush was very understanding of. Next year, my plan is to run some Busch races for Roush because I really feel like it helps you prepare for Sunday's race.
'Dega paving
Tony from Lakeland, Fla.: They are paving the Talladega Superspeedway, where you have the sixth-best average finish among active drivers at 14.6. How will the new asphalt affect racing and your success there?Jamie McMurray: I certainly hope it doesn't alter my success at the track! Yes, I have enjoyed racing at Talladega, and we will just have to wait and see what the new surface is like. It will be interesting when we visit there in the fall.
Snapping slumps
Joe from Brazil, Ind.: I have found that when my kids start a slump in a sport, going back to the basics normally will bring them back to life. We get so tied up with all the extras heavy-duty finesse stuff that we can't continue with the success that got us to where we are. Do you think this holds true in NASCAR? Is there a way to return to the basics of driving and setting up a car that would shed new light to the thought process?Jamie McMurray: No, I think sometimes you have to take a break from everything a few days to just get away from it all. Whenever I feel really stressed out, I take a few days just to myself. Sometimes, just the time by yourself and away from the track is enough to give you the boost you need for the next weekend.
No stress with new drivers
Robert from Lake Worth, Fla.: With Juan Pablo Montoya jumping to NASCAR and now the rumors of other open wheel drivers doing the same, is there any feeling in the NASCAR garages that drivers' jobs are in jeopardy? In other words, will this create more pressure on drivers to produce/win or else they will be let go to make room for a bigger name driver?
| Speed Mail Jamie McMurray |
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Jamie McMurray: First off, I think it is awesome that Juan Montoya is coming over to NASCAR; it is helping to bridge the gap between the two series (open wheel and stock car). I hope he has a lot of success in his new role. Back to your question, no, I don't think it puts drivers' jobs in jeopardy or creates added pressure. Every weekend, each driver goes out and does the best job possible; they give it 100 percent every weekend.
No Chase changes
Sonya from Jay, Okla.: Do you think that NASCAR should change the system to determine who makes the Chase for the Nextel Cup? What kind of changes would you like to see?Jamie McMurray: I kind of like the Chase format exactly how it is. Right now, it seems to be working for everyone. All that matters is that the fans, you guys, enjoy the Chase format.


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