Jamie McMurray Heads to Talladega with History on His Side

Media Contact: Jason Wise
Chip Ganassi Racing
(704) 500-6121
jwise@ganassi.com

-For Immediate Release-

Jamie McMurray Heads to Talladega with History on His Side
Havoline Racing Driver Pays Tribute to Davey Allison with "Battlestar" Paint Scheme

TALLADEGA, Ala., (September 23, 2003) --- When Jamie McMurray's No. 42 Havoline Dodge takes to the track this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR fans will be brought back in time. McMurray will be sporting a "retro" paint scheme to honor the life and racing legacy of Davey Allison.

Allison, who drove for Havoline Racing from 1987 - 1993, passed away on July 13, 1993 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed in the infield at Talladega Superspeedway. The "BattleStar" paint scheme that McMurray will be running this weekend at Talladega is a replicable of the design that Allison made famous during his 1987 rookie campaign in NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing. Allison, who won Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 1987, drove "Battlestar" into victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway in May 1987. The victory was Allison's first as a Winston Cup driver.

"I am truly honored to get to run this paint scheme this weekend at Talladega," McMurray said. "Davey has left a great legacy in racing, and I feel very fortunate that I'm the one that gets to help pay tribute to him in this way. Havoline has a long history in NASCAR and it all started with Davey. When you look back at all the drivers that have been behind the wheel of the Havoline car, it can be overwhelming. Davey certainly set the standard. Hopefully years from now people will look back and think that I helped carry on the legacy."

"I'm anxious to hear and see the fan response when we take to the track on Friday," McMurray added. "It seems that everywhere we go, there is still someone who comes up to me wearing a Davey Allison t-shirt or hat. He still has a loyal fan base, especially in his home state of Alabama, and it means a lot to me to carry on the tradition."

Joining McMurray in the anniversary celebration is Allison's widow, Liz, and their children - Robbie and Krista. Bobby and Judy Allison will also take part in the weekend of memories.

"Robbie, Krista and I are so excited that Talladega is finally here," Liz Allison said. "This tribute means so much to our entire family. We are so grateful to Chip, Felix, Havoline and of course Jamie for allowing this all to take place. The children and I are proud for Davey and thrilled for his fans. I can only imagine the stands when Jamie takes the lead. I am sure it will be just a matter of time before he makes it to the front. The whole Allison clan will be rooting him on."

Celebration activities planned for the weekend include:

* Jamie McMurray will join Liz Allison and her children for a tour of landmarks related to Davey Allison's life and legacy. Locations include Davey's childhood home, his Busch Series' shop, Talladega Superspeedway, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Talldega/Texaco Walk of Fame.

* McMurray, along with Liz Allison, Robbie and Krista Allison, and Bobby and Judy Allison will be in the infield media center at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, Sept. 26 from 2 - 2:30 p.m. to answer questions and discuss the Davey Allison Anniversary Celebration.

* McMurray will take part in the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony with Liz Allison and her children Saturday night at the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame in Talladega, Ala. McMurray will help induct Dale Earnhardt, Jr. into the Walk of Fame. Induction ceremonies start at 7:00 p.m.

McMurray comes into Talladega as one of the hottest drivers on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit. The Joplin, Mo. native has posted four top-10 finishes in his last five races. McMurray has earned five top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 2003 and currently sits 18th in NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings. McMurray also leads the way in the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year standings as he holds a 19-point advantage over Greg Biffle.

Talladega Superspeedway is also the site of McMurray's first NASCAR Winston Cup Series start. McMurray, who filled in for injured Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Sterling Marlin last fall, made his Winston Cup debut last October at Talladega Superspeedway.

Qualifying for Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is scheduled for Friday at 3:05 p.m. CST. The EA Sports 500 will be televised LIVE on NBC Television Sunday at 12:30 p.m. CST.

JAMIE MCMURRAY TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY STATS:

Date Finish Start LC / TL Money Status
Winston Cup:
4/6/03 27 14 154 / 188 $65,395 Running
10/6/02 26 5 187 / 188 $88,012 Running
Busch:
4/20/02 27 18 25 / 117 $16,115 Accident
4/21/01 29 13 86 / 113 $15,675 Accident

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Jason Wise
Media Relations
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
Office: (704) 662-9642, ext. 1125
Cell: (704) 500-6121
Email: jwise@ganassi.com