Several notable drivers have been part of Chip Ganassi Racing, including IndyCar stars Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti, along with Mr. Excitement Jimmy Spencer, Casey Mears, and Jeremy Mayfield.
Kyle Larson holds Ganassi’s single-season win mark with four. But despite having all-star quality lineups, the one race that has eluded the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee Chip Ganassi is the Daytona 500.
More Daytona 500 coverage: Daytona 500 Team Preview: Team Penske
Chip Ganassi Racing ’third’ car
Ganassi has fielded two cars in recent years, but for the 63rd Edition of The Great American Race, a familiar name will return. Former Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray will trade in his NASCAR on FOX analyst suit and tie for a one-off try for a second Harley J. Earl Trophy.
He won’t be driving under the Ganassi banner but in the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro entry from Spire Motorsports sponsored by AdventHealth, a team partner with Chip Ganassi Racing.
McMurray’s season-opening victory came in 2010, the last time the Daytona was held on Feb. 14, as it is this year.
Returning to the team is 2004 Cup Series Champion and 2017 Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch. He entered his third season and recorded a win in each of the previous two.
Joining him will be rookie Ross Chastain, who drove with Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series last year.
More Daytona 500 coverage: NASCAR Speedweeks and Daytona 500 ticket information
Here are their thoughts, shared during a virtual press conference.
Kurt Busch, No. 1 Camaro ZL1 1LE
On what it feels like to strap in for the Daytona 500:
More Daytona 500 coverage: Austin Cindric will attempt to make the Daytona 500 in fourth Team Penske car
Ross Chastain, No 42 Camaro ZL1 1LE
On the time required for photoshoots, interviews, and preparing for the Daytona 500:
Jamie McMurray, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE
On getting back into the car for the biggest race of the NASCAR season:
0 votes
