Diecast of Jamie McMurray's 2003 rookie season car, a Dodge Intrepid, that is part of the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame at the Davy Allison Memorial, "The Fan's Favorite".
The partnership between Texaco/Havoline and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates began with the 2003 season. At that time, newcomer Jamie McMurray assumed driving duties of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge. McMurray, subbing for injured teammate, Sterling Marlin, won his first Nextel Cup Series race in his second start in October 2002, setting a new NASCAR modern-era record by winning a Cup series race in his second start.
"I'm sure I made some people mad, and that's all part of it, but I tried to do my best to respect all those guys and race them when I needed to," said McMurray, 27. "And when I didn't have a car that was capable of racing them, I tried not to do something stupid to cause a wreck or hold someone up."
McMurray, driving the #42 in 2003, was the top-finishing rookie in the standings at 13th and was voted TSN Rookie of the Year by fellow drivers. He posted five top fives and 13 top 10s and won the pole for the season finale at Homestead. During 2003 season, he competed in 19 NASCAR Busch Series races, posting two wins, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes. Jamie McMurray was the third Texaco/Havoline driver to win Rookie of the Year, joining Davey Allison (1987) and Kenny Irwin (1998).
