This weekend marks Juan Pablo Montoya’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series after a decade, and Denny Hamlin has high hopes for his performance. Montoya will be racing for Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team, taking the wheel of the No. 50 Mobil 1 car. This race represents the final appearance of the Mobil 1 scheme for the season, a result of a special collaboration between Toyota and the motor oil brand. As race day approaches, Hamlin shared his thoughts on Montoya’s comeback during his “Actions Detrimental” podcast.
Hamlin expressed enthusiasm about Montoya’s participation, saying, “Yeah, that will be exciting. You know, excited to see how he does.” Montoya recently tested at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR), an event Hamlin had discussed in previous weeks. According to Hamlin, Montoya’s excitement is clear, but he also expects some initial struggles as Montoya shakes off the rust from being out of NASCAR for so long. Despite that, Hamlin is optimistic Montoya will find his rhythm by the end of practice, especially with the extended practice sessions scheduled for the event.
While Hamlin is eager to see how Montoya performs in practice, he is less confident about predicting his race day results. Hamlin noted that Montoya’s preparation for the race may not be as intensive as others, especially when it comes to simulation work. He joked about Montoya’s likely attitude toward simulators, saying, “If I know Juan very well he’s probably going to be like, ‘Ah, simulation, whatever. I’m just going to go out there and run.’” Hamlin believes Montoya might be underestimating how much the NASCAR Cup Series has evolved over the last ten years. The level of competition has intensified, and Hamlin anticipates that Montoya may find it more challenging than expected to keep up with the current Cup field.
The NASCAR Cup Series has seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly on road courses. Drivers who dedicate time to simulators have developed an advantage in these races. One prime example is Tyler Reddick, who has transformed into one of the top road course racers in the Cup Series by utilizing simulators to sharpen his skills. This growing trend highlights how crucial simulation work has become in mastering NASCAR’s road courses, and it remains to be seen whether Montoya’s more traditional approach will hold up against the current competition.
Montoya’s return to NASCAR is sure to draw attention, as fans and fellow drivers are curious to see how he fares after a decade-long hiatus. His history in NASCAR includes both successes and challenges, but it’s clear that the sport has changed significantly since his last appearance. While Montoya’s driving talent is undeniable, the landscape of the Cup Series has shifted dramatically, with younger drivers and advanced technologies pushing the limits of what’s possible on the track.
As for Hamlin, he seems cautiously optimistic. He is excited to watch Montoya, but he also knows that racing today is vastly different from a decade ago. Drivers are faster, better prepared, and more technologically equipped. Montoya’s skill and experience will certainly be tested, and it will be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to these changes.
In the end, Montoya’s return will be a fascinating storyline in this weekend’s race. Fans will be watching closely to see if the former Formula 1 driver can recapture some of the magic from his earlier days in NASCAR. Whether or not he can compete with today’s top racers remains to be seen, but his presence on the track will undoubtedly bring an extra level of excitement to the event.
Denny Hamlin, always one to provide honest assessments, has laid out a realistic outlook for Montoya’s chances. While the initial practice sessions may show some rust, there’s a belief that Montoya will improve as the day goes on. However, race day will be the true test. With the level of competition at an all-time high, Montoya will need to bring his best effort to keep pace with the current field of drivers. Whether he relies on his natural skill or embraces the advancements in simulator technology, this race will offer a unique opportunity to see how Montoya fits into the modern NASCAR Cup Series.
Denny Hamlin exposes the expectations behind Juan Pablo Montoya’s NASCAR return at Watkins Glen.
