February 19, 2010
Joplin-born NASCAR champion expresses appreciation for support of Missouri fans and sponsors
Gov. Nixon congratulates Missouri's own Jamie McMurray on Daytona 500 victory
Joplin-born NASCAR champion Jamie McMurray expresses appreciation for support of Missouri fans and sponsors after his victory in the Daytona 500 stock car race.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon offered personal congratulations on Thursday to Jamie McMurray on his victory in last weekend's Daytona 500 stock car race. During a telephone conversation with the Joplin-born McMurray, Gov. Nixon told the driver that his victory is a point of pride for Missouri and for many of the state's racing fans.
"It was exciting to see this year's Daytona 500, especially the final laps and finish, and watch a driver with Missouri ties take the checkered flag," Gov. Nixon said. "I thought it was important to personally congratulate a native son of Missouri for winning the Great American Race, and was glad to spend some time talking with Jamie on the telephone about his victory."
McMurray told the Governor he is happy to have heard repeatedly that people in Missouri are excited about his win. He expressed to Gov. Nixon his appreciation for both the support of NASCAR fans in Missouri, and for the support of his Missouri-based sponsor, Bass Pro Shops. The iconic Missouri sporting goods and outdoor outfitter is also a sponsor of Missouri's Share the Harvest program, which encourages deer hunters to donate their venison to local food banks.
McMurray led just two laps of the 2010 Daytona 500 in edging out Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the victory. His win marked the latest in a series of successes for him at the Daytona International Speedway, as he finished a close second-place at the track in the Budweiser Shootout one year earlier, and recorded his second career Sprint Series race victory at that track during the 2007 Pepsi 400.