Sunday’s running of the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway was an unequivocal success for Roush Fenway Racing.  With 4 cars finishing in the top 5, the so called Roushkateers did what they had to do in order to improve their standing in the Race for the Chase.  However, instead of celebrating, the Roush Fenway drivers are disappointed by the fact that their 5^th teammate, Jamie McMurray, was not there to join them.  McMurray’s 10^th place finish, while respectable, had devastating consequences for the dinner plans made by the team before the race.

“We were all going to go out for pizza after the race to celebrate Joe Gibb’s Racing getting caught cheating.”  said Roushkateer David Ragan.  “Everyone knew the plan, we were all going to follow each other for 400 miles, meet in Victory Lane then all leave the track together.  Of course McMurray didn’t get the message.  When we all pulled in with top 5’s we looked around and big surprise, no Jamie.”

While it was understood by the Roush Fenway teammates that circumstances might not have been entirely in McMurray’s control, they are quick to point out that the problem isn’t that it happened, the problem is with how McMurray handled it and how the incident shows a pattern of behavior. 

“I was bummed out,” said Matt Kenseth.  “I get out of the car and look around and we were all there celebrating our top 5’s and Jamie wasn’t there.  Then I look at my phone and there’s a message.  Can you believe that?  He didn’t even have the guts to tell us in person so he leaves a message.  He was like, ‘Sorry dudes, I hope you get this in time.  But I can’t make it.  I’m running like six tenths of a second late.’  Six tenths of a second?  That’s an eternity.  Just how many unscheduled pit stops did he take?”

McMurray blames “really bad traffic” for not being able to meet his teammates on time, but his teammates are skeptical and say they managed to get through just fine.  

“It just sucks.  He’s always pulling this crap.  If it’s not traffic, it’s a flat tire,” said Carl Edwards.  “I remember one time we were going to Jack’s [Roush] for a pool party and Jamie didn’t show.  He said it was because he had the flu but we know he went to see Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2 with his girlfriend.  We found the ticket stubs.” 

The Rouskateers admit that they will be able to put this latest incident behind them but there are concerns about the effect these problems will have on the overall chemistry of the team.

“It’s just Jamie.  That’s just the way he is,” said Greg Biffle.  “ It’s not the biggest deal in the world But it’s just awkward when we made plans to finish in the top 5 together and when we all get out of our cars Kyle Busch is standing there wanting to know where we are going.  It’s just awkward.”