Even for a veteran who has spent years racing in the pinnacle of the sport, returning after a five-year hiatus can be an intimidating challenge. FOX broadcaster and former driver Jamie McMurray is feeling that challenge first-hand.

Jamie McMurray is all set to return to NASCAR to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series at the San Diego Street Course. He will take charge of the No. 25 RAM Truck for Kaulig Racing in the inaugural race at Coronado.

Ahead of his race on Friday, McMurray sat with another NASCAR driver, Corey LaJoie, to speak about the feeling of returning to NASCAR in the Stacking Pennies podcast. "Terrified" is the word that he used to describe it.

"I honestly think it's just been a long time since I've raced. And I've heard, I've had a lot of fans, family be like, 'Oh, it's just like riding a bike.' I'm like, 'Well, I want to ride that bike fast, though.' You know what I mean? Like, it's easy to get back on and be a part of it, but it's just, it's been harder for me than what I thought it was going to be."

McMurray isn't fearing the comeback; he's fearing being slow at it. For a driver who spent years competing at NASCAR's highest level, just showing up is not going to be enough. Especially when he's competing with the best at the job.

The summary of Free Agent drivers who drove for Ram this year shows it's going to be tough. Out of all, only Parker Kligerman had the cleanest result, finishing 11th at Texas.

The race is set to be McMurray's first race since his participation in the Daytona 500 in 2021. As for the Truck Series, he will make his first appearance in the Truck Series since 2008. McMurray has 25 Truck races and 584 Cup races to his name.

"Yeah. I would say honestly up until I stopped, I felt pretty good about where I was. Yeah. 2011, 12. So, I stopped in 18. It was my last year racing and I still felt like I mean, I was 42,43 years old then. I felt pretty good about everything like prep, fitness, all that. I mean reaction, I felt really good there," McMurray further added.

McMurray will drive the same Truck that Tony Stewart, Parker Kligerman, Conor Daly, and Clint Bowyer, among many others who drove this season, under Kaulig and RAM's Free Agent driver program. Just like McMurray, another big name is taking to the track on Friday.

Jimmie Johnson set for Coronado Truck race

Seven-time Cup Series champion and race team owner (Legacy Motor Club) Jimmie Johnson will drive in the Coronado Truck Series race on Friday. He will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra backed by his official partner, Carvana.

"Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track," Johnson said in a statement earlier this year.

"So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality."

Layne Riggs of Front Row Motorsports is leading the championship with 497 points after 12 races. Kaden Honeycutt and Chandler Smith are following him closely with 471 and 407 points, respectively.

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason