From the July, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Jamie McMurray Captures First Cup Win in 166 Races
The ending to Saturday night's Pepsi 400 was nothing short of spectacular. With numerous lead changes over the final 10 laps of the race, it was only fitting that the race was decided by .005 seconds. .005 seconds in the NASCAR world translates to approximately 15 inches, and made the Pepsi 400 the second closest finish since NASCAR began electronic scoring in 1993. In those final seconds of the race, Jamie McMurray, with teammate Carl Edwards pushing, was able to edge out 15 inches in front of Kyle Busch to capture his first win at Daytona and only his second in Nextel Cup.Despite having one of the strongest cars in the field, Jamie McMurray's win did not come easily. After being penalized on lap 31 for passing the leader Jeff Gordon below the yellow line, McMurray found himself at the rear of the pack. However, by lap 123 Jamie had worked his way back up into the top 10.
Speaking emotionally after the win, "Every driver out here that goes through that (a lengthy winless streak) knows how special this is. I started crying. I'm Like, 'What are you crying for?' You're happy, celebrating, happy for all the guys." If McMurray can Continue to excel in the 2nd half the season, this season my turn to be an emotional one as well. Jamie currently sits 50 points out of the 12th and final Qualifying spot for the Chase for the Championship.
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