[26 miles from Joplin]

It's been along season for this 26 fan. I can't decide what the prob is. Is Mac not telling the crew chief what he need's to know, to get the right set-up. Or is the crew chief making the wrong call's. I know the 16 and 99 aren't having great seasons either, but I expected more top 5's and top 10's even a win this year out of the 26 car. Tell me what you think I can handle it.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by 26 miles from Joplin

It's been along season for this 26 fan. I can't decide what the prob is. Is Mac not telling the crew chief what he need's to know, to get the right set-up. Or is the crew chief making the wrong call's. I know the 16 and 99 aren't having great seasons either, but I expected more top 5's and top 10's even a win this year out of the 26 car. Tell me what you think I can handle it.

Mcmurray has some talent, but he seems to be more of a pretty boy than a driver. He does have some skills... but he needs to develop them alot more. I think he thought he would have a breeze after seeing those roush cars last year. He found out you still need to be able to wheel those cars around the track. Give him another year and see what happens. As for the 16 and 99 well it's just one of those years after a great year... it happens all to often. Things will pick up.

[wingkey1]

McM indeed has the talent necessary to deserve an opportunity to prove himself. The learning curve (for most) cannot be described as "short".

McM may be suffering from expectations as a result of two happenings. Likely most can guest them:

1. The "win" in the 40 when Sterling was injured. This was much more a function of the team and the favorable track.

2. He "stepped in" to what was seen to be the 97 car. While this may not be at/near 100% accurate, it held as the perception of/for many.

Expect next year with Roush (if he survives the off season) will be telling. Promise will need to be backed with results. There are too many others all too ready to assume a "Roush ride" for "the Hat" to wait.

I'd like to see him succeed. Just not clear as yet that he can/will.

[LSC9901]

A few years back Kevin Lepage drove for Rousch and my perception of him was that 1.) He was/is not a great or even better than average driver. 2.) Jack Rousch needs someone to do on track/live testing for him. If Jamie works out and gets some wins then that is a bonus. If not then Jack gets some free testing.

Granted I may be way off base but I would tend to follow the thoughts that Jamie is an OK driver but a top 10 isn't in his near future without some major gains on his part.

[oncea3fan]

Well some drivers just don't click with a certin manufacturer. remember when dale sr. ran a FORD for Bud Moore, I think he did win a race but just didn't perform like he did in a chevy. so he swapped rides with ricky rudds RCR car and wrengles sponsored both cars.

I think JM is a decent driver, but I think he needs a solid crew chief, how many has he had this years, I think he'll do better next year if his team isleft alone to gel.