McMurray could be in for legal battle
Jamie McMurray has been mentioned as the leading candidate to drive a third car for Joe Gibbs Racing next year, but his departure won't be cheap.
His current car owner, Chip Ganassi, exercised his right to extend McMurray's contract this week, meaning if McMurray still plans to leave it's going to be expensive.
Ganassi settled a lawsuit last year filed by former driver Jimmy Spencer after Ganassi replaced Spencer with Casey Mears in the No. 41 Dodge. Spencer had a year remaining on his contract and a judge eventually decided the car owner was responsible for payment.
Now it's Ganassi's turn to use a contract in his favor.
Generally drivers are excited to learn their contracts have been renewed. But when McMurray was asked about his new deal, his only response was: "No comment."
While some close to McMurray insist that he is unhappy enough to want to leave Ganassi - or sit out the 2005 Cup season - others say he will bite the bullet and remain another year. However, some close to McMurray say he may battle the legal enforceability of the Ganassi contract.
If McMurray were to sit out the 2005 Cup season, that might well be a first. McMurray is signing a deal to drive Busch cars for Rusty Wallace next season, and it is unclear if Ganassi's contract covers McMurray's Cup efforts or Busch options, too.
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Jamie McMurray has been mentioned as the leading candidate to drive a third car for Joe Gibbs Racing next year, but his departure won't be cheap.
His current car owner, Chip Ganassi, exercised his right to extend McMurray's contract this week, meaning if McMurray still plans to leave it's going to be expensive.
Ganassi settled a lawsuit last year filed by former driver Jimmy Spencer after Ganassi replaced Spencer with Casey Mears in the No. 41 Dodge. Spencer had a year remaining on his contract and a judge eventually decided the car owner was responsible for payment.
Now it's Ganassi's turn to use a contract in his favor.
Generally drivers are excited to learn their contracts have been renewed. But when McMurray was asked about his new deal, his only response was: "No comment."
While some close to McMurray insist that he is unhappy enough to want to leave Ganassi - or sit out the 2005 Cup season - others say he will bite the bullet and remain another year. However, some close to McMurray say he may battle the legal enforceability of the Ganassi contract.
If McMurray were to sit out the 2005 Cup season, that might well be a first. McMurray is signing a deal to drive Busch cars for Rusty Wallace next season, and it is unclear if Ganassi's contract covers McMurray's Cup efforts or Busch options, too.
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