[BringBackWilkesboro]

I just heard on ESPN that F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya will take over Chip Ganassi's #42 car full time next year. It jut came out so there is no article, but here is the one from Jayski when it was a rumor. At the bottom, they have added the news that its official:


Montoya to NASCAR? #42?: Another big F1 name which very recently surfaced in regard to a possible American move is former open wheel champion and Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya, who likely is losing his F1 ride with the Mercedes-McLaren team at the end of this season. In the past few weeks, Montoya's name has been linked to his old boss, Chip Ganassi, who last month told Autosport magazine, "I'd love to have Montoya back. I'd take him in a second," a comment which many had interpreted as having the Colombian take a seat in one of Ganassi's IRL cars. However, according to sources close to Montoya, what the 31-year-old former CART champion really is interested in is Ganassi's soon-to-be vacant #42 Nextel Cup car. Despite never having competed in a Cup car, Montoya did spend some time behind the wheel of Jeff Gordon's Monte Carlo in June 2003. Most observers agree that Montoya did a fine job his first time in a stock car, although he did misjudge the braking power of the much-heavier stock car and overshot the first turn. He went on to run six laps at full speed. Last weekend at the U.S. Grand Prix, Montoya was part of a press conference with DaimlerChrysler chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche [Ask Dr Z], his current boss Ron Dennis and NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, who helped usher Dodge back into NASCAR. DaimlerChrysler is the manufacturer of both the Dodge and Mercedes Benz brands, and Ganassi, of course, runs Dodges in Nextel Cup. Although staged during the F1 race weekend, the press event was designed to reaffirm DaimlerChrysler's commitment to motorsports and specifically to NASCAR, which it recently has been rumored to be leaving. However, it also provided an excellent opportunity for Montoya to be reintroduced to the American press and linked to NASCAR, as well as to be embraced by DaimlerChrysler's top execs. They see Montoya as a strong link between their company and the Latino audience, especially in regard to a series like Nextel Cup. Should Montoya take up residence with Ganassi's NASCAR team, he would replace another former open wheel racer in Casey Mears, who heads to Hendrick Motorsports next season.(in part from Yahoo Sports)
MORE: been told that Montoya has been signed by Ganassi to take over the #42 Dodge in 2007 and will run a few Busch Series races this year.(7-9-2006)

[Nevadastars]

Now this should be interesting. The great open wheeler is jumping from F1 to Nextel Cup next year. I dont think Montoya has much stock car experience, but it's obvious he can drive. They may be biting off more than they can chew without going at least one season in Busch or the truck series. My 2 cents.

There is going to be a press conference about it soon.

[Nevadastars]

We must have been posting about this at the same time.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

We must have been posting about this at the same time.

kinda funny

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

We must have been posting about this at the same time.

Great minds think alike

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by WVGrandma4Kasey

Great minds think alike

True, although Ive never been known for having a great mind. Also, I like what Nevada said about Montoya's stack car experience. All I can think of is when he and Jeff Gordon did that car swap thing at the brick yard where they drove each other's car around a few laps. If this is going to work out, It'll take a while. At least Ganassi has a good plan to put him through ARCA first.

[Nevadastars]

I didn't hear the ARCA thing, I heard about him running a few Busch races though.

[Lefty Noob]

Viola, and magically the two threads become one!

Montoya may not have much of a stock car background, but from what I've read about the guy, he's got an International F3000 title, a world title in the CART FedEx Championship Series, and race victories in the Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix under his belt, so like Nevadastars said, it's obvious he can drive.

How much of an adjustment will there be for him, switching to NASCAR and the Nextel Cup?

[Nevadastars]

Lefty, I have more of a concern with the other drivers giving him respect. Does anyone remember the welcome Scott Pruitt or Steve Kinser got when they came to Cup? They were treated as pinballs and were wrecked nearly every week. Both finally succumbed to the treatment and went back to their previous forms of racing. Hopefully Nascar has matured enough now that they give Montoya a fair shake. They guy is an awesome talent and I personally hope he does very well.

P.S. That's a neat trick merging both threads.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

Now this should be interesting. The great open wheeler is jumping from F1 to Nextel Cup next year. I dont think Montoya has much stock car experience, but it's obvious he can drive. They may be biting off more than they can chew without going at least one season in Busch or the truck series. My 2 cents.

I agree that the lack of experience will be a lot for him to overcome. Not really sure what Ganassi is trying to accomplish other than getting a higher profile driver in the seat. High profile doesn't always bring you to victory lane.

[Smoke842]

Who is that other open wheel driver that's now in Nascar? Can't think of his name. He hasn't done anything but wreck. I feel sorry for him.

[Nevadastars]

I assume you are talking about either Michael Jourdain or Paul Tracy. Both have been in Busch cars, but neither are near the talent of Montoya, although that fathead Tracy probably thinks he is.

[wardfan]

first thought that came to my small mind is an attempt to attract more international fans (meaning more marketing dollars) to NASCAR'S pocket

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by wardfan

first thought that came to my small mind is an attempt to attract more international fans (meaning more marketing dollars) to NASCAR'S pocket

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! As we all know, Na$car is all the money these days.

[wardfan]

I must have clicked on the right spot because somebody answered me. Don't laugh, I might learn this 'puter stuff.