Jamie McMurray realized one of the biggest dreams in motorsports earlier this season by winning the Daytona 500.
The Missouri native has since been toasted by a variety of national media outlets, with his final lap charge becoming the stuff of NASCAR legend.
While McMurray said the attention has been nice, he’s focused on the big picture with his new team.
"It’s very special to have the memories and trophy from Daytona, but honestly I really don’t feel any different," said McMurray in a phone interview. "With our schedule, we really haven’t had much time to celebrate."
For McMurray, the sweetest part of the victory was seeing reactions of his crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion and team owner Chip Ganassi.
McMurray returned to the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team this year after a star-crossed four-year stint at Roush Fenway Racing.
"It was great to hear Bono’s voice as we were coming off the final turn at Daytona, and it was great to win for a guy like Chip who has won everything else in racing," McMurray said. "Those memories are maybe not a big deal to the average guy, but they mean a lot to me."
McMurray took time earlier this week to participate in a celebration with employees at Earnhardt Childress Racing Engines.
Entering Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, McMurray is 19th in Sprint Cup points but he feels the smooth chemistry with Manion will lead to better days.
"I really like Bono’s attitude and our relationship," McMurray said. "Bono has a really good sense of humor, and he’s not a big believer in blowing up if something goes wrong. [Manion] handles everything the right way."
Due to the cramped racing conditions at BMS, emotions always run high. McMurray expects more of the same this weekend, especially following the high-speed dispute between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Atlanta Motor Speedway two weeks ago
"That’s not over with," McMurray said.
McMurray feels that the actions of Edwards by intentionally wrecking Keselowski merited more than the three-race probation levied by NASCAR officials.
"I don’t think the punishment was severe enough," McMurray said. "I think [Edwards] should have gotten more than three races."
While many drivers dread the mental and physical challenges at Bristol, McMurray said he’s long been fascinated by the speed and enormity of .533-mile concrete creation in the mountains.
"[Bristol] is the one track that’s a must-do for NASCAR fans," McMurray said. "I walked up to the top of the stands at Bristol between Turns 1 and 2 around six or seven years ago. You are up so high, but there’s not a bad seat in the place. I see why they sell so many tickets."
As for the recent modification to the corners at BMS, McMurray doesn’t foresee a big change in the favor of the racing.
"We’ll just have to want and see," McMurray. "I’ve always enjoyed running at Bristol. I remember when I first went to Bristol with Roush. I know what to expect know. It’s a lot easier going back."
McMurray spent part of this week reviewing old tapes of Bristol events. He hopes to find the magic formula with the revamped Ganassi team.
"Bristol will be my first short track with these guys," McMurray said. "I feel good about what we can do."
The media buzz continues to be hot for McMurray, but the landmark win now justs as a cool memory.
"I saw that race on tape, and then I just moved on," McMurray said.
agregory@bristolnews.com I (276) 645-2544
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