McMurray says he's close to finalizing contract

Jamie McMurray, winner of this year's Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, is close to announcing a contract extension with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, McMurray told Sporting News Tuesday.

"We're getting really close," said McMurray, who signed a one-year contract when he came to EGR this season to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet. "Hopefully, within the next week or so, we will be able to announce everything that's going on."

As of his most recent victory on Oct. 16 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, McMurray has three Cup Series victories, doubling his career total since joining Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to start the season. McMurray also has won four of his seven career poles this year.

McMurray said he has tried to ignore recent reports that EGR was considering a manufacturer switch to Ford next season. EGR began discussions with Ford in late July, but given the success the organization has had with Chevrolet and the power of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies engines, a change would seem unlikely.

"I'll tell you what I have learned -- that I have to stick to driving race cars and leave all of the other decisions that are made with the race team to the people that understand what's going on," McMurray said.