Jamie McMurray Powers His Way Into the Top Five at Richmond

The Energizer Bunny was all charged up on Sunday afternoon.

Entering Richmond International Raceway 11th in points, Jamie McMurray was set to continue the momentum at one of his best tracks since he rejoined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Starting ninth for the Toyota Owners 400 on Sunday afternoon, the No. 1 team stayed inside the top 10 for the entire race.

McMurray’s Chevrolet cracked the top five early in the going, but failed to show enough speed to make ground within the first half of the race. However, after a caution on Lap 170, his car excelled on the long run. Taking the lead momentarily over Kurt Busch a mere 60 laps after the halfway point, he showed how powerful his car was after restarting 30th following a loose lug nut during the competition caution on Lap 50.

“Well, this Energizer Chevy was just good on the long runs,” McMurray said following the race. “It wouldn’t take off real quick, but after 30 laps it was about the same as the leaders. It was so much fun at the end to be that much quicker than those guys. So, it was a lot of fun to get to be the guy that had the speed at the end.”

Finishing fourth, McMurray now has three fourth-place results in the last four races at Richmond. He now sits ninth in the championship standings, which currently gives him a spot inside the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Working with rookie crew chief Matt McCall, the two have been off to a fast start. Leaving Richmond in 2014, McMurray was 18th in points with Keith Rodden leading the way. Moreover, the chemistry has continued for the new tandem.

Heading into Talladega, McMurray has a pair of top fives, with four top 10s through nine races.  

Joseph Wolkin