MCMURRAY FINISHES 36TH IN THE LONE STAR STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Media Contacts
Jeff Dowling                                 No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet

Results (starting pos.) from Texas Motor Speedway
1.      (5) Tony Stewart  No.14 Chevrolet
18.  (15) Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Chevrolet
36.  (22) Jamie McMurray, No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet

DIFFICULT DAY IN THE LONE STAR STATE FOR NO. 1 TEAM

Ft. Worth, Tex. (November 6, 2011) – With the final 500 mile race of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on the schedule the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops team entered the weekend at Texas Motor Speedway hoping to put together a string of solid runs to close out the 2011 season.  Unfortunately a late race mechanical issue would force the team to the garage for some lengthy repairs and the team would finish in the 36th-position.

After posting the 22nd fastest time in qualifying on Friday, the Bass Pro Shops team turned their attention to the final two practice sessions on Saturday in preparation for the AAA Texas 500.  Jamie McMurray had the car running consistent lap times during the happy hour session and ranked among the top-10 teams on the speed chart fastest 10-lap average.

The No. 1 team worked hard to keep the Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet on pace with the leaders during the long green flag runs, as the race was slowed by caution only five times for 21 laps.  Unfortunately McMurray fell off the pace after slight contact with the wall near the halfway point of the race.  The No. 1 team made repairs and was able to stay on the lead lap, however the effort was spoiled when McMurray reported motor issues and was forced to the garage for repairs.  After returning to the track, McMurray finished the race in 36th-postiion, 38 laps down.

McMurray commented following the race, “I feel bad for our team today.  I had a brush with the wall and caused some damage to the right rear and that hurt us from an aero standpoint.  That in addition to the engine issue spoiled our chances for a solid finish today.”

Notes:
- McMurray has one pole, two top-five and four top-10 finishes this season
- McMurray is currently 27th in the point standings

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will move on to Phoenix International Raceway for the Kobalt Tools 500 on Sunday November 13 at 3:00 p.m.  ET.  ESPN and MRN radio affiliated stations will have live coverage.