McMurray to Roush...in 2007.

Chip Ganassi Racing's Jamie McMurray has been tabbed as Mark Martin's long-term replacement in Jack Roush's #6 Ford, but his contractual obligations with Ganassi mean that he won't be taking the wheel of the #6 until 2007.

Missouri native McMurray had long been rumoured as the heir to Roush's #6 stable but the announcement that he would not be joining Roush until 2007 leaves a gaping hole in Roush's arsenal for the 2006 season.

With sponsors Pfizer/Viagra leaving, Roush has to find a Championship calibre driver willing to sign a one-year contract, albeit with a Championship calibre team.

Several veterans look like being available for the ride as McMurray sees out his current contract with Ganassi's #42 Texaco/Havoline team including McMurray's current teammate Sterling Marlin.

The 26 year-old McMurray, who has signed a multi-year deal with Roush, has a single Nextel Cup win to his credit thus far since joining the Nextel Cup ranks with Ganassi in October 2002.