In the world of motorsport, the decisions you make — or the ones made for you — can shape the trajectory of your career in unexpected ways. Former Cup Series-driver-turned-FOX-analyst Jamie McMurray recently sat down for a chat on “Backstretch Banter” and revealed a career twist that could have changed everything. McMurray drove in NASCAR from 2002 all the way till 2021, picking up seven wins and 169 top 10s across a 19-year-long career spanning 584 races.

Sitting down with Chris Childers and Kevin Woods in the RFK Racing studio, Jamie took a trip down memory lane with his former team. The conversation brought up memories of an opportunity that McMurray nearly had to step into the iconic ride belonging to one of his heroes at RFK Racing, a moment that, even years later, he vividly remembers as potentially pivotal.

A conversation with a NASCAR legend

Revisiting the conversation, McMurray shared the excitement and weight of being approached by none other than the great Mark Martin. “Wow. You’re bringing back some memories,” said McMurray. He was with Chip Ganassi Racing at the time, but Roush Fenway Racing (RFK) was a dominant force in NASCAR, winning an impressive 17 races in 2005. Roush cars were a powerhouse on the mile-and-a-half tracks, and McMurray recalled the sense of awe he had when thinking about those legendary machines.

“Mark came to me, and he’s like, ‘Listen, I’m going to retire at the end of 2006,’” McMurray said, noting that Martin wanted him to be the driver to take over the storied No. 6 car. “I was very humbled and honored. That was such an iconic car. I mean, Mark Martin is one of the best ever to race in NASCAR,” McMurray added, in awe of Martin and at how significant the opportunity felt.

Mark Martin, the man who had once envisioned McMurray in his No. 6 car, is a legend of the sport, known for his 40 Cup Series wins and the distinction of being one of the “greatest drivers never to win a championship”. McMurray’s admiration for Martin is evident, and the missed chance to take over that iconic ride is a moment he reflects on with a mixture of pride and wonder. “To be considered for something like that by Mark, someone who’s done so much in NASCAR, is still pretty incredible,” he admitted.

But in the world of NASCAR, plans can change in an instant. Kurt Busch, then driving for Roush and Martin’s teammate found himself in trouble after an incident in Phoenix. His departure from the team happened sooner than expected, causing a ripple effect that ultimately redirected McMurray’s path. Instead of taking over Martin’s No. 6, McMurray ended up in Busch’s No. 97 car, which McMurray renumbered to 26. “I forgot about Mark approaching me. That’s a good bring back,” McMurray amused at just how much his career journey had twisted and turned.

From Ganassi to Roush: A rocky transition

The move to Roush Fenway Racing marked a new chapter for Jamie McMurray, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2003 with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he had shown tremendous promise, McMurray’s time at Roush was filled with highs and plenty of challenges. His Cup Series debut in 2002 remains one of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history when he stepped in for the injured Sterling Marlin and won in only his second career start at Charlotte. It was an incredible start that set high expectations for his career.

However, joining Roush Fenway Racing wasn’t quite the fairy tale McMurray might have envisioned. The 2006 season, his first in the No. 26 car, proved to be a test of perseverance. The team struggled with consistency, and despite flashes of brilliance — like leading the most laps at Dover before finishing second — McMurray found himself 25th in the standings by the end of the year. It wasn’t until later seasons that he found more rhythm, but his tenure at Roush was always marked by what-ifs and close calls.

In a sport defined by split-second decisions and unexpected turns, Jamie McMurray’s story is a reminder that most path follows a straight line. Yet, it’s the twists, like nearly landing the No. 6 ride, that make his NASCAR journey unforgettable. As the years roll on, McMurray’s stories remain a blend of extraordinary wins, a storied career, and a handful of what-might-have-been.