Not knowing every intricate detail of the story, but privy to enough information to have a decent idea, it seems to me the state of affairs at Chip Ganassi Racing is a bit chaotic.
Employees are uninformed (the No. 42 team learned of Jamie McMurray's decision to leave the organization by reading a story on NASCAR.COM). Therefore morale is far from optimum.
And you can't blame McMurray one bit.
NASCAR is a cutthroat, me-first business, and he's seen the way Sterling Marlin and Casey Mears have been treated this season. Marlin's phone calls weren't returned, and eventually he was shuffled out in favor of David Stremme.
Mears' fate still hangs in the balance, depending solely on Ganassi's decision whether to pick up his contract option or send him off into NASCAR's version of free agency. If Ganassi does choose to pick up Mears' option he'll stay put, possibly in a fourth Cup Series car if Ganassi also picks up McMurray's option.
Ganassi has commented that he has plans for Mears. If indeed those plans fail to spawn a ride, Mears likely will head to Penske or Evernham. The reason I name those two organizations in particular because, considering Ford already nabbed McMurray, it stands to reason that Dodge will do whatever it takes to secure Mears in a Charger. Just my opinion.
Granted, to Ganassi's credit he has assembled a stellar group of young driving talent. Stremme will impress at the Cup level, and Reed Sorenson is one of NASCAR's fastest-rising stars.
Speculation in the Cup Series garage suggests Sorenson already is signed to a Cup Series contract for 2006, though there has been no confirmation thereof.
Regardless his intentions for Mears or Sorenson or anyone else, Ganassi needs to let McMurray go, if for no other reason than to show other young drivers he's willing to be flexible in the name of the greater good.
After the way Marlin and Mears have been handled, young drivers might be leery inking a long-term deal.
The only viable reason to retain McMurray's services is if Texaco/Havoline's sponsorship depends on it. If that's the case, he'll just have to get over it. It is too much money to Ganassi to forego.
Otherwise, why keep a guy whose heart is somewhere else?
Let him go and get started on making him wish he hadn't.
Should Chip Ganassi release Jamie McMurray to join Roush Racing in 2006?
Once again, barring a breach of agreement with Texaco/Havoline, absolutely.
Petrohead: Absolutely. Roush will need to buy out the current and all contracts Jamie has before it can happen. There has been without a doubt big money already spent for the 2006 season in advertisement, development, etc. for Jamie.
Ya just don't walk away from multi-million dollar contracts. If that is satisfied, he's in. Jamie ain't that hot and Roush can't afford that kind of hit. The sad thing is, Roush not having the same respect for Mark Martin as Mark does for Roush.
Pressuring Mark into another season so Roush can secure sponsorship for the No. 6 car is just sad. Watching Roush over the years has led me to the conclusion that he wants nothing more than championships at any cost.
I have no problem with that. Five teams. After the first 10 races of the year, he's got four pawns and one he's gonna put everything into. Again, no problem, that's business. But to put Mark up as a pawn to secure sponsorship is as low as it goes.
Judging by Martin's comments to me last weekend at New Hampshire, Roush isn't leaning on him in the name of sponsorship, Drazen. Pfizer is out at the end of 2005, but Roush Racing has more sponsorship than cars on which to place it.
Martin's decision is more about the team having to deal with two driver changes in as many years. And believe me, Martin is quite conflicted. I'll delve further into the subject, and Martin's thoughts on it, in Thursday's column.
Lowes48Fan22: The real question is "Should Ganassi let Roush buy out the remaining year on his contract?" The answer is yes. Jamie obviously has some value as a driver. Ganassi owns him for another year.
Why would Ganassi want to keep Jamie on for another year knowing that he is leaving? That's a lose-lose situation there. Jamie is under no pressure to perform well next year under Ganassi. Ganassi is under no obligation to fully support Jamie as a driver.
Would Ganassi want to give Jamie access to any "tricks of the trade" that team may have next year so that Jamie can take them to Roush? Sell out his last year let him go to Roush.
Roush would love to have him so they can get started with his Roush development instead of putting a temp driver in there for a year. That makes it a win-win-win scenario.
I tend to agree that keeping McMurray in a ride he has proven he doesn't want and has no future in seems futile. But if Ganassi is unable to find a desirable successor, he may be forced to exercise that option.
And not to sound like a broken record, but Texaco loves McMurray and from what team sources say, want to keep him in the No. 42. Bobby Niblock agrees:
lowes48man: Without knowing how the sponsors of the No. 42 will react, this is a tough question to answer. Assume for a moment that Texaco/Havoline are locked in without a chance to pull out. Chip's two other race teams will be piloted by Casey Mears (assuming he doesn't get the ax) and David Stremme.
Why not give Sterling Marlin the No. 42 ride to keep some experience in the garage? It would give Sterling an opportunity for a year-long salute to his fans and end on his terms. It would also give Reed Sorenson another year of Busch seasoning so he can jump right into the No. 42 for 2007.
Of course, if Texaco/Havoline give any indication that they may back out, you gotta ask the question, "Is there anyone better available?" I don't believe there are, so you must keep McMurray in the seat. This is still a business, and those sponsors are paying for most of the salaries in Chip Ganassi Racing.
Niblock hammered that one. Home. Run.
dave1588: Anymore, contracts aren't worth the paper they're printed on. It would be nice to see "MacMary" honor his contract, but I wouldn't hold my breath for fear of passing out.
I'm not saying he's not an honorable man -- I've never met him -- I'm just saying that in today's instant gratification society, I don't think any of the concerned parties are willing to wade through an entire season of closure.
I think it would be best for all parties to move forward with their respective lives. Cup year 2006 would be a banner year for Jamie, and Chip Ganassi would have a full season to build on '07.
Thing is, Duke of Parma, McMurray is honoring his contract. He's driving the No. 42 car and adhering to a pre-arranged personal appearance schedule for the remainder of 2005.
Until Ganassi chooses whether or not to exercise that option, that's all that is required of him.
joe_johnston: A contract is a contract. If you start messing around with them, they are not worth the paper they are written on. In many other professional sports you will see renegotiating all the time. We do not need this in our sport.
It's hard enough trying to figure out what number goes with what driver already. I've never seen so many seat changes in my life from season to season as I have the last few years. I play the EA Sports game "Chase for the Cup" and as soon as it comes out, it's obsolete.
So to answer the question of whether or not McMurray should be able to get out of his contract early, my answer would be no. Anyway, I wouldn't mind have one more salute tour from Martin.
I said that very same thing to Martin last weekend, JoJo. He was struggling with the possibility that his return may be perceived as reneging on his Salute To You program.
Whatever. His fans would love 38 more Salutes.
And, man, about fans struggling to keep up with driver numbers and sponsors, my wife is with you. Lainie still thinks Johnny Benson drives the Cheerios car and Ricky Craven's in the Tide ride. Classic.
BradJFelix: I am a huge McMurray fan and I think that Jamie driving for Jack Roush is a mistake. After being at the races this weekend in Loudon and seeing Matt Kenseth's actions I am fearful of what will happen when he becomes part of the team.
Some of Jack's drivers are not well liked on and off the track and I fear it will hurt Jamie's reputation as an easy-going well-liked driver. As far as his performance I think Jamie will finally win a few races, his talent is there, it just seems as if the team's strength with Ganassi is not as strong as it could be.
I think Roush Racing has strong teams who are capable of winning races and obviously of winning championships. However, I hope that Jamie would stay with Ganassi for the remaining of his contract. In all reality I was hoping to see Jamie take over the No. 2 car since he already is driving part time for Rusty in the Busch Series.
It seems like it would all work out. I am not a big fan of Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle, now after this weekend Matt Kenseth so I fear the outcome of Jamie joining the Roush team.
First things first, Otto Messmer, which of Roush's drivers aren't well liked? To infer McMurray's reputation would suffer by aligning with Roush's driving stable couldn't be further off mark.
Yes, Kenseth ran plumb over McMurray. But that doesn't mean he's a bad guy. Big E ran over Terry Labonte, but folks never questioned his personal integrity. At least Kenseth admitted fault. That's more than you can say about a lot of folks.
Busch has shown his rear at times during his career, but he's a stand-up individual. Edwards and Biffle? They're everyday people like Arrested Development. McMurray fits very well there.
kdunlap53: There are three problems going on here. If I were Ganassi, no, McMurray is there. It's late in the season, and drivers are swapping like square dance partners.
There's no telling who's gonna end up where. Take a year to really find someone worth it all. If not, you could end up with someone you don't want if you don't act quickly.
I'm not so sure Roush wants McMurray out yet, either. If he gets McMurray in 2006, Mark's gone. You know he wants Mark for another year. Who wouldn't?
If I'm Mark, then I'm hoping and praying to God that Jamie can come on aboard. I've got my mind set on truck racing, and taking 13 weeks off from the Cup schedule, and all but one Sunday off for the entire season.
I can't wait! But all of a sudden, Roush pulls a guilt trip on me, and I'm stuck in the 6 for another year. What about the merchandise? What about my legacy? What about my future? I think Mark is the one getting the raw end of the deal with this.
I am in 100 percent agreement. And once again, following a lengthy interview with Martin at Loudon, I will comment more on that Thursday.
For now, I have to unpack from Loudon and repack for Pocono before heading off to challenge Tony Stewart to a rock-wall climbing contest.
The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.
Employees are uninformed (the No. 42 team learned of Jamie McMurray's decision to leave the organization by reading a story on NASCAR.COM). Therefore morale is far from optimum.
And you can't blame McMurray one bit.
NASCAR is a cutthroat, me-first business, and he's seen the way Sterling Marlin and Casey Mears have been treated this season. Marlin's phone calls weren't returned, and eventually he was shuffled out in favor of David Stremme.
Mears' fate still hangs in the balance, depending solely on Ganassi's decision whether to pick up his contract option or send him off into NASCAR's version of free agency. If Ganassi does choose to pick up Mears' option he'll stay put, possibly in a fourth Cup Series car if Ganassi also picks up McMurray's option.
Ganassi has commented that he has plans for Mears. If indeed those plans fail to spawn a ride, Mears likely will head to Penske or Evernham. The reason I name those two organizations in particular because, considering Ford already nabbed McMurray, it stands to reason that Dodge will do whatever it takes to secure Mears in a Charger. Just my opinion.
Granted, to Ganassi's credit he has assembled a stellar group of young driving talent. Stremme will impress at the Cup level, and Reed Sorenson is one of NASCAR's fastest-rising stars.
Speculation in the Cup Series garage suggests Sorenson already is signed to a Cup Series contract for 2006, though there has been no confirmation thereof.
Regardless his intentions for Mears or Sorenson or anyone else, Ganassi needs to let McMurray go, if for no other reason than to show other young drivers he's willing to be flexible in the name of the greater good.
After the way Marlin and Mears have been handled, young drivers might be leery inking a long-term deal.
The only viable reason to retain McMurray's services is if Texaco/Havoline's sponsorship depends on it. If that's the case, he'll just have to get over it. It is too much money to Ganassi to forego.
Otherwise, why keep a guy whose heart is somewhere else?
Let him go and get started on making him wish he hadn't.
Should Chip Ganassi release Jamie McMurray to join Roush Racing in 2006?
Once again, barring a breach of agreement with Texaco/Havoline, absolutely.
Petrohead: Absolutely. Roush will need to buy out the current and all contracts Jamie has before it can happen. There has been without a doubt big money already spent for the 2006 season in advertisement, development, etc. for Jamie.
Ya just don't walk away from multi-million dollar contracts. If that is satisfied, he's in. Jamie ain't that hot and Roush can't afford that kind of hit. The sad thing is, Roush not having the same respect for Mark Martin as Mark does for Roush.
Pressuring Mark into another season so Roush can secure sponsorship for the No. 6 car is just sad. Watching Roush over the years has led me to the conclusion that he wants nothing more than championships at any cost.
I have no problem with that. Five teams. After the first 10 races of the year, he's got four pawns and one he's gonna put everything into. Again, no problem, that's business. But to put Mark up as a pawn to secure sponsorship is as low as it goes.
Judging by Martin's comments to me last weekend at New Hampshire, Roush isn't leaning on him in the name of sponsorship, Drazen. Pfizer is out at the end of 2005, but Roush Racing has more sponsorship than cars on which to place it.
Martin's decision is more about the team having to deal with two driver changes in as many years. And believe me, Martin is quite conflicted. I'll delve further into the subject, and Martin's thoughts on it, in Thursday's column.
Lowes48Fan22: The real question is "Should Ganassi let Roush buy out the remaining year on his contract?" The answer is yes. Jamie obviously has some value as a driver. Ganassi owns him for another year.
Why would Ganassi want to keep Jamie on for another year knowing that he is leaving? That's a lose-lose situation there. Jamie is under no pressure to perform well next year under Ganassi. Ganassi is under no obligation to fully support Jamie as a driver.
Would Ganassi want to give Jamie access to any "tricks of the trade" that team may have next year so that Jamie can take them to Roush? Sell out his last year let him go to Roush.
Roush would love to have him so they can get started with his Roush development instead of putting a temp driver in there for a year. That makes it a win-win-win scenario.
I tend to agree that keeping McMurray in a ride he has proven he doesn't want and has no future in seems futile. But if Ganassi is unable to find a desirable successor, he may be forced to exercise that option.
And not to sound like a broken record, but Texaco loves McMurray and from what team sources say, want to keep him in the No. 42. Bobby Niblock agrees:
lowes48man: Without knowing how the sponsors of the No. 42 will react, this is a tough question to answer. Assume for a moment that Texaco/Havoline are locked in without a chance to pull out. Chip's two other race teams will be piloted by Casey Mears (assuming he doesn't get the ax) and David Stremme.
Why not give Sterling Marlin the No. 42 ride to keep some experience in the garage? It would give Sterling an opportunity for a year-long salute to his fans and end on his terms. It would also give Reed Sorenson another year of Busch seasoning so he can jump right into the No. 42 for 2007.
Of course, if Texaco/Havoline give any indication that they may back out, you gotta ask the question, "Is there anyone better available?" I don't believe there are, so you must keep McMurray in the seat. This is still a business, and those sponsors are paying for most of the salaries in Chip Ganassi Racing.
Niblock hammered that one. Home. Run.
dave1588: Anymore, contracts aren't worth the paper they're printed on. It would be nice to see "MacMary" honor his contract, but I wouldn't hold my breath for fear of passing out.
I'm not saying he's not an honorable man -- I've never met him -- I'm just saying that in today's instant gratification society, I don't think any of the concerned parties are willing to wade through an entire season of closure.
I think it would be best for all parties to move forward with their respective lives. Cup year 2006 would be a banner year for Jamie, and Chip Ganassi would have a full season to build on '07.
Thing is, Duke of Parma, McMurray is honoring his contract. He's driving the No. 42 car and adhering to a pre-arranged personal appearance schedule for the remainder of 2005.
Until Ganassi chooses whether or not to exercise that option, that's all that is required of him.
joe_johnston: A contract is a contract. If you start messing around with them, they are not worth the paper they are written on. In many other professional sports you will see renegotiating all the time. We do not need this in our sport.
It's hard enough trying to figure out what number goes with what driver already. I've never seen so many seat changes in my life from season to season as I have the last few years. I play the EA Sports game "Chase for the Cup" and as soon as it comes out, it's obsolete.
So to answer the question of whether or not McMurray should be able to get out of his contract early, my answer would be no. Anyway, I wouldn't mind have one more salute tour from Martin.
I said that very same thing to Martin last weekend, JoJo. He was struggling with the possibility that his return may be perceived as reneging on his Salute To You program.
Whatever. His fans would love 38 more Salutes.
And, man, about fans struggling to keep up with driver numbers and sponsors, my wife is with you. Lainie still thinks Johnny Benson drives the Cheerios car and Ricky Craven's in the Tide ride. Classic.
BradJFelix: I am a huge McMurray fan and I think that Jamie driving for Jack Roush is a mistake. After being at the races this weekend in Loudon and seeing Matt Kenseth's actions I am fearful of what will happen when he becomes part of the team.
Some of Jack's drivers are not well liked on and off the track and I fear it will hurt Jamie's reputation as an easy-going well-liked driver. As far as his performance I think Jamie will finally win a few races, his talent is there, it just seems as if the team's strength with Ganassi is not as strong as it could be.
I think Roush Racing has strong teams who are capable of winning races and obviously of winning championships. However, I hope that Jamie would stay with Ganassi for the remaining of his contract. In all reality I was hoping to see Jamie take over the No. 2 car since he already is driving part time for Rusty in the Busch Series.
It seems like it would all work out. I am not a big fan of Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle, now after this weekend Matt Kenseth so I fear the outcome of Jamie joining the Roush team.
First things first, Otto Messmer, which of Roush's drivers aren't well liked? To infer McMurray's reputation would suffer by aligning with Roush's driving stable couldn't be further off mark.
Yes, Kenseth ran plumb over McMurray. But that doesn't mean he's a bad guy. Big E ran over Terry Labonte, but folks never questioned his personal integrity. At least Kenseth admitted fault. That's more than you can say about a lot of folks.
Busch has shown his rear at times during his career, but he's a stand-up individual. Edwards and Biffle? They're everyday people like Arrested Development. McMurray fits very well there.
kdunlap53: There are three problems going on here. If I were Ganassi, no, McMurray is there. It's late in the season, and drivers are swapping like square dance partners.
There's no telling who's gonna end up where. Take a year to really find someone worth it all. If not, you could end up with someone you don't want if you don't act quickly.
I'm not so sure Roush wants McMurray out yet, either. If he gets McMurray in 2006, Mark's gone. You know he wants Mark for another year. Who wouldn't?
If I'm Mark, then I'm hoping and praying to God that Jamie can come on aboard. I've got my mind set on truck racing, and taking 13 weeks off from the Cup schedule, and all but one Sunday off for the entire season.
I can't wait! But all of a sudden, Roush pulls a guilt trip on me, and I'm stuck in the 6 for another year. What about the merchandise? What about my legacy? What about my future? I think Mark is the one getting the raw end of the deal with this.
I am in 100 percent agreement. And once again, following a lengthy interview with Martin at Loudon, I will comment more on that Thursday.
For now, I have to unpack from Loudon and repack for Pocono before heading off to challenge Tony Stewart to a rock-wall climbing contest.
The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.
