Night riders

Coca-Cola 600 holds promise of a 'cool' drive

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I last wrote to you and we've had a race since then -- The Winston. It was a very short night for the Havoline Dodge. We took a brand new car to the track and we had problems on our pit stop during the qualifying run and started the race from the 23rd position.

During the first segment of The Winston, the car wasn't that bad. We just lost track position when we had a long pit stop and I just could not make up enough ground to make it in the top 20, and our night was over after the first segment. While everyone was disappointed, all you can do is regroup and get ready for the next race.

Next up for us is this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. This is our longest race and it's become a Memorial Day tradition. I remember watching that race on TV and thinking, 'Man, that's cool to start the race in the day and have it end at night.'

We're taking the same car we ran last weekend in The Winston. We've made some changes to it this past week that I think should make us a contender. Everyone's been asking me, "What's the secret to getting around Charlotte since you won here last year?" I don't really know that I have an answer. The track is very temperature sensitive and as the race progresses into the night, the team that can adjust its car the best I think will be up front. Hopefully our Havoline Dodge will be the one that's out front when it counts.

It's been a very busy two weeks for me. There have been tons of media interviews and promo shoots, but it's all been pretty cool. I got to appear on Totally NASCAR and Inside Winston Cup, and we've done several autograph sessions for the fans. It's always nice to meet someone who was at Charlotte last fall for my win in the 40 car and have them come up and tell you their story.

These two weeks I've been in Charlotte have been a nice reminder of just how much my life has changed since the win in Charlotte. Glad you're able to experience the ride with me.

Jamie McMurray drives the No. 42 Texaco Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. His diary appears weekly on SI.com.

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