The Associated Press

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jamie McMurray has been hired to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

The hiring has long been in the works, and gives one of the last remaining open seats for 2010 to McMurray. It also reunites McMurray with car owner Chip Ganassi, who gave the driver his first Cup ride in 2002.

McMurray, a Joplin native, drove 114 races for Ganassi, but left after the 2005 season to join Roush Fenway Racing. He is losing that ride because Roush must drop one team to meet NASCAR’s four-car limit that begins next season.

McMurray has three career Cup wins, including his victory at Talladega earlier this month. He set a NASCAR record by winning in his second Cup race while driving for Ganassi in 2002.

The opening with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing came when Martin Truex Jr. signed with Michael Waltrip Racing on July 7.

“I am really excited about this opportunity with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, as I think Juan Pablo and Martin have shown this season (that) their equipment is as good as anyone’s in the garage,” McMurray told NASCAR.com. “I am really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of their cars and once again competing for a NASCAR championship.”

McMurray ranks 22nd in the current standings with 3495 points, 131 behind Kevin Harvick, entering the final race of the season at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday.

“To be able to sign a veteran driver with the talent and experience of Jamie was imporant to us,” Ganassi told NASCAR.com. “We know Jamie and understand what makes him tick as a driver. We had a lot of success with Jamie in the early part of his career and are looking for more of the same.”

McMurray has 30 top-five finishes and 80 top-10s in the Cup Series. His best finish in the point standings was 11th in 2004.