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[/media-credit]They always say what a difference a year makes. In the case of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, what a difference two years make. 2010 was a banner year for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing starting off with Jamie McMurray’s emotional win in the Daytona 500 as he held off a charging Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the final lap. McMurray once again won on a big stage that June winning the Brickyard 400 following that win with another at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October. Juan Pablo Montoya put EGR back in Victory Lane with a dominant performance at Watkins Glen. Earnhardt Ganassi combined for 4 wins, 15 top 5’s, and 26 top 10’s in the 2010 season.
Unfortunately EGR hasn’t found the same success over these last couple of seasons. Over the last 2 full seasons combined. Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya have combined for 4 top 5’s and 17 top 10 finishes over the last 62 NSCS races.
These last 15 races of 2012 are crucial for EGR and the chance for redemption is great this weekend at Watkins Glen. Where Juan Pablo Montoya will lead them to the green flag after a track record qualifying run and Jamie McMurray will start 10th. Judging by the remainder of the schedule there are some good opportunities for EGR to salvage what has been a rough 2012 season but the organization received some good news today as Jamie McMurray announced he will be with the team through 2013 and Juan Pablo Montoya also has a contract through the 2013 season.
The goals for EGR for the remainder of 2012 are simple. Wins, consistency, and returning to being competitive every week they hit the track. Chip Ganassi will continue to push forward and find what is needed to get the #1 and 42 teams back in contention for wins and ultimately contention for the chase. This week at the Glen is a golden opportunity to do just that looking ahead to 2013.
