McMurray and Mears ready for Daytona Test

McMurray and Mears head to Daytona readying for their first Daytona 500.

MOORESVILLE, N.C., (January 6, 2003) --- Two of NASCAR's "Young Guns" for the 2003 Winston Cup season will tackle the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. this week in preparation for the season opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears will each take part in a three-day test at Daytona this week as NASCAR Winston Cup teams invade the speedway to prepare for the sport's biggest event.

McMurray, who will pilot the No. 42 Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates during the 2003 campaign, is excited about the chance to prepare for his first Daytona 500.

"I'm looking forward to heading to Daytona this week to get ready for the 500," McMurray said. "We need to make sure we speed up the learning curve by getting everyone on the same page and communicating effectively. We want to be in good shape when we return to Daytona in February."

For Mears, the Daytona test also marks his first step towards making his first Daytona 500. Mears hopes to leave the Daytona test with the No. 41 Target Dodge for Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates near the top of the speed charts.

"I'm really excited about getting ready for my first Daytona 500," Mears said. "We've already had several tests during the off season and I feel like we're in good shape heading into Daytona. We've got a great group of guys on this Target team and I'm looking forward to getting the season started."

McMurray and Mears will join other odd-numbered teams in the final 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup car owner point standings for a three-day test Jan. 7-9 at Daytona Int'l Speedway.

McMurray and Mears will both be competing for 2003 Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year honors on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series circuit.

To learn more about Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears, visit www.chipganassiracing.com <http://www.chipganassiracing.com>.

-cgr-