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Life is good Team sets sights on Daytona 500 after solid qualifying runPosted: Wednesday February 12, 2003 4:05 PM
I can breathe again. Daytona 500 qualifying is over, and after a one-day delay due to rain, we placed the No. 42 Havoline Dodge 11th fastest on the qualifying charts. That was a big relief for me and all the guys on the team. With the No. 42 team being a new team, we don't have any provisionals in the first four races of the season, so qualifying for Daytona was crucial for us. We weren't that fast during practice, and I thought we were going to run about 20-25th in qualifying trim. But the guys on the team made some changes, and we went out and laid down a lap that's fast enough to get us into the Daytona 500, even if we have problems in Thursday's Twin 125s. We'll be taking part in drafting sessions over the next few days to see how our car is going to handle and run in the draft. What you saw in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout gives you an idea of what to expect in Sunday's Daytona 500. We're all going to be running together in a pack for most of the race. Hopefully, everyone will use his head, and we'll have a safe race. Other that getting ready for Sunday's race, I've been rather busy with media interviews and photo shoots as everyone is trying to get all their stuff taken care of down here in Daytona. I continue to be amazed at the interest that surrounds people wanting to interview me. I feel honored to be the driver of the Havoline Dodge, and I think that probably has a lot to do with the media interest. When you look back on the history of the drivers that have been behind the wheel of the Havoline car, it's very impressive. Hopefully, I can carry on the tradition. Hopefully, next week when I write my next diary entry, I'll have some exciting news about getting a strong finish in my first Daytona 500. Sometimes it still feels like I'm living in a dream world. Life is good, and I'm a lucky man. Enjoy the race on Sunday. Hopefully, I can give you something to cheer about. McMurray's answers to fans' questions:
I hope you remember me from high school. I'm happy to see all the success you are having, and congratulations on your Winston Cup ride. My question is, what realistic goals have you set for yourself this year? Thanks for the question. It's been overwhelming to hear from everyone back home and to see all the support that I've gotten. To answer your question, we're not going to base our year off of what Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman did last year. Our goal as a team is to run consistently each week, and I think if we do that, we'll put ourselves in contention for wins and strong runs. My goal is to give 100 percent each week and continue to learn.
Do you think there will be more pressure on you compared to the other 2003 rookies because of the spectacular way you came into NASCAR and the talent you showed by winning in just your second race last year? I know I'm not going to put any more pressure on myself than what I already do. All I can do is give 100 percent and let the rest take care of itself. I'm sure others are going to create pressure to have me live up to certain expectations, but if I let myself get caught up in that, it will hurt my concentration. My goal is to run consistently each week.
What help did Sterling Marlin give you last year and at the beginning of this season? Sterling has been extremely helpful to me and Casey Mears. He was very supportive when I drove the No. 40 car at the end of last season. The thing that I like about Sterling is he's one of those guys that what you see is who he really is. I know when he tells me something, I can believe him 100 percent. There's definitely not any competition between us. We both want to help each other run fast each week. Jamie McMurray drives the No. 42 Texaco Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. His diary will appear weekly on CNNSI.com. Jamie will devote a portion of his diary each week to answering questions from CNNSI.com users. Enter your question below, and Jamie will answer selected questions in future installments of his diary.
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