Countdown to Daytona: Owner Point Style No. 17 (Jamie McMurray)

It’s official—my countdown is now 21-days-old!

OK, so it’s nowhere near as cool as say, a 21st birthday, but it’s still an accomplishment to say the least!

Today we look at a driver that I feel is in a make-it or break-it year in a Roush-Fenway Ford.

Jamie McMurray has got to prove that he belongs amongst the highly competitive Roush Stable.

Remember, this team has to eliminate one of its cars following the 2009 season. McMurray used to think his job was secure and that newcomer David Ragan would be the odd man out, but Ragan had a break-out sophomore season, and could be on his way to securing his spot among the Roush Fords.

McMurray came to this team, replacing a former champion in Kurt Busch. His performance has been anything but stellar, compiling only one win.

So here goes a look at the man who could be searching for a job this December:

Today’s Spotlight: No. 26

Team: Roush Fenway Racing

Driver: Jamie McMurray

Sponsor(s): Crown Royal(27 races)
Irwin Tools(11 races)
Irwin Tools Racing

To see paint schemes visit Jayski.com.

Driver 2008 Stats: McMurray earned just over $4 million in 2008 with 10 top-10 finishes and four top-fives. He finished the season 16th in points and averaged a finish of 20th.

News: During the offseason, this team was awarded a new crew chief in Donnie Wingo. Wingo brings more than 15 years of experience in NASCAR, as well as three years as crew chief for McMurray when the duo was at Ganassi Racing.

The relationship could be just what this team needs to succeed, and although a 16th place finish was great in ’08, they may need to make the Chase if they want to remain for 2010.

My Prediction for 2009: Bringing Wingo in will certainly help this team, and I see them finishing in the ballpark of 13th to 17th. Is this team ready to make the Chase: Nope. They will contend and may pull off McMurray’s third career win, but they aren’t consistent enough to make the 12-team playoff in 2009.

Will this team remain in top-35: Simple—Yes.

Up Tomorrow: No. 1 Martin Truex Jr.

This story also appears on my blog: Sports 101

Reminder: Only 17 days until the Budweiser Shootout!