MCDONALDS TEAM FINISHES 17TH AT CHARLOTTE

Results (starting pos.) from the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
1.    (4) Clint Bowyer, No. 15 Toyota
17.  (30) Jamie McMurray, No. 1 McDonald’s Chevrolet
19.  (22) Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Chevrolet

McDonald’s Team Gets 17th-Place Finish at Charlotte

CONCORD, N.C.  (Oct. 13, 2012) – Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver Jamie McMurray returned to Charlotte Motor Speedway on the 10th anniversary of his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory, which came at the same 1.5-mile track.  The No. 1 McDonald’s Chevrolet started the 334-lap race from the 30th-position and would complete the night with a 17th-place finish.

From the drop of the green flag, the McDonald’s Chevrolet showed potential as McMurray quickly picked up positions.  The McDonald’s crew had good pit stops and worked hard to make adjustments under mostly green-flag conditions. After battling to maintain lead-lap position just past halfway in the race, the No. 1 would go one lap down, eventually missing the ‘lucky dog’ by just one spot on the final caution of the night.  Crew chief “Bono” Manion would gamble on fuel strategy after the final pit stop to pick up some track-position. The gamble paid off as McMurray was able to pick-up several spots in the closing laps en route to a 17th-place finish.

“We had a pretty good McDonald’s Chevy tonight”, said McMurray.  “Our guys had good pit stops and made some good changes on the car.  Once we got caught a lap down there weren’t many cautions and we couldn’t get in position for the lucky dog. We were able to pick up a few spots in the end on fuel mileage though.  I am proud of the effort from all of our guys”

Notes:
• In 21 career starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, McMurray has two NSCS victories in the Bank of America 500
• The No. 1 team hosted honorary pit crew member Chris McKendry, co-host of mid-day Sports Center on ESPN
• The Bank of America 500 marked McMurray’s 10th anniversary of his first-ever NSCS career victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway
• McMurray remains 20th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return to Kansas Speedway next weekend for the Hollywood Casino 400.  The race will air live on ESPN and radio stations affiliated with MRN on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. EDT.