Jamie McMurray was the York Galleria Thursday evening signing autographs as a part of the Coca-Cola Experience. We asked him some questions.
Q. How do you like doing these shows? A. “It was fun. It was well organized. It is fun to come out, especially when you get to come out to a smaller town. You feel like they appreciate it more than somebody (who) gets to see NASCAR drivers all the time. It feels like everybody really enjoys it.”
Q. Women call you hot, what is that like? A. “This is my eighth or ninth year of doing this and at first I thought they were serious, then I realized they say that to everybody. It doesn’t seem to matter what you look like.”
Q. What is the strangest thing you have signed? A. “Quilts or bathroom tiles. I had a fan come through with a little four-by-four tile and was having all the drivers sign it. They were going to go home and finish their bathroom with those tiles.”
Q. How much tougher is NASCAR circuit than Busch Series? A. “The first year when you make that switch is a tough transition. But now, it doesn’t seem that bad. You certainly have to have everything well organized and planned out and it is not that big a deal.”
Q. NASCAR is involved with so many charity organizations. How important is that for the sport? A. “The Victory Junction Gang is incredible - what Kyle Petty has been able to do there. Most of the drivers have a foundation or an organization they work with. It is an easy way to give back. It is nothing more than your time and there seems to be plenty of that.”
The Victory Junction Gang is a camp that hosts kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses at no cost. The camp is located in Randleman, N.C. and was founded by Kyle Petty, in honor of his son Adam Petty, who was killed on the track in a practice run.
Meeting Jamie was great. He's been my favorite driver since 2002. I just wish there would've been more time to actually talk to him.