At the start of the 2008 Sprint Cup season Jamie McMurray did little to impress the Hardcore Race Fans around the world. Collecting less than stellar results, McMurray was quickly sinking to the bottom. Up until the final six races of the season McMurray accounted for only six top-10 finishes.

Beginning at the Bank of America 500 in October McMurray spontaneously combusted. He went on a streak that would last the remainder of the season, collecting four top-5 and five top-10 efforts in the final six events of the 2008 season. McMurray's efforts were highlighted by his three consecutive third place finishes to close out the year.

"We ended the 2008 season on a very strong note, especially the final three races, so we’re planning to continue that strong performance now under Donnie’s command," stated McMurray. "I think that Donnie brings a little something extra that our team needs in order to put us in contention for the Chase.”

Donnie Wingo is coming over from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and will serve as McMurray's crew chief in 2009. The two previously worked together when McMurray raced at the former Chip Ganassi Racing. The two have still kept in touch over three years of seperation, making for an easier switch.

“The whole goal for our team this year is to win races," noted Wingo. "I’m also a new guy here at the Roush Fenway Racing group and so I’m still learning the system here. Learning how we get cars built, learning about what information is discussed in meetings, sharing information from track
to track, etc.

 “Donnie’s remained my friend for all these years and that’s been great that he and I have kept in touch because it makes it a rather smooth transition for us to work together again this year," said McMurray. "When we went to Phoenix for a tire test that was the first time this year that I hopped in the car and heard Donnie on the radio, and I have to admit that it was pretty cool because it felt like things had never changed."

With aspirations to win races and ultimately earn a spot in the Chase, the new duo certainly has an advantage with the momentum McMurray created at the end of 2008.

“The things that I would like us to accomplish this year for sure are to win races this season as well as to make the ‘Chase'," stated Wingo. "The other big focus is not to beat ourselves this year. Jamie’s been really close in the past to making the ‘Chase' and I feel that for him it’s a must this year and I really feel like we have all the pieces ready for that to happen."