CREW CHIEF: Matt McCall
TEAM: Chip Ganassi Racing
POINTS: 13th
WINS: 0
TOP 5s: 4
TOP 10s: 10
LAPS LED: 14
POLES: 0
WHAT WENT RIGHT: In theory, a lot. McMurray made the Chase for the Sprint Cup for the first time in his career. He also ended with his highest season finish since he wound up 12th in 2005. … He developed a good rapport with new crew chief Matt McCall, his second crew chief in as many seasons. … Had best per-race finishing average of 14.9, his best since 2004. … He earned $5,680,016.
WHAT WENT WRONG: Like what went right, in theory, a lot as well. He had fewer top fives and top 10s (4 and 10, respectively) in 2015 than 2014 (7 and 13). He also had zero poles in 2015 than 2014 (2). He also led just 14 laps, the lowest of his career. … Even though he made the Chase for the first time in his career, he failed to get past the first round of eliminations. … Has not won a race since 2013 and just one race overall since 2011.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2016: McMurray and McCall had a strong debut season together in 2015 and should likely continue to expand their relationship in 2016. McMurray needs to work more with teammate Kyle Larson, who has his own challenges, particularly to finally win his much-anticipated first career Sprint Cup race. Frankly, I think McMurray and Larson can have outstanding seasons and potentially be one of the biggest surprise organizations in 2016. … Both need to work on consistency and improve on top-five and top-10 finishes, but they certainly have the talent and support crew around them to do so.
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