NASCAR enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to! With the Cup Series gearing up to resume as the Olympic break wraps up, the excitement is palpable. Adding to the thrill, Juan Pablo Montoya is making a remarkable comeback to NASCAR after a ten-year absence. That’s right!
The former Formula 1 star, celebrated for his bold and skillful driving, will be behind the wheel of the No. 50 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen International later this year.
Although he may not be at the peak of his career, fans are sure to gather at ‘The Glen’ to witness the seasoned driver in action, potentially for the last time in the Cup Series. However, as noted by The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, it’s important to temper expectations regarding Montoya’s performance after such a lengthy break from stock car racing.
Jordan Bianchi is managing his expectations regarding Juan Pablo Montoya’s return to the Cup Series.
Watkins Glen International has been a successful venue for Montoya, especially during his two tenures in the Cup Series. He clinched victory there in 2010, secured fourth place in 2008, and finished fifth in 2013, amassing five top-ten finishes on the 2.450-mile track. However, none of these achievements were accomplished in the Next Gen car, and it’s been quite some time since the 48-year-old last raced in the Cup Series. So, what has motivated his comeback?
It’s his passion for racing! The 48-year-old aims to give his NASCAR career a fitting farewell. Despite Montoya’s impressive history at Watkins Glen International and his extensive experience, NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi is tempering his expectations.
In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Bianchi expressed his views, noting, “Juan Pablo Montoya is 48 years old, just like Jimmie Johnson. While Mark Martin continued racing into his 50s, the situation is different for drivers who have been away from the sport and are now making occasional appearances. Montoya hasn’t driven a stock car in almost ten years, which presents a significant challenge, so I wouldn’t raise my expectations too high.”
Bianchi, a contributor for The Athletic, added, “I honestly don’t foresee him returning to form after such a lengthy hiatus. Although the car might feel similar to a sports car, his only experience with the Next Gen model has come from a recent test.” Nevertheless, Montoya will have strong backing as he makes his comeback to the Cup Series. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has been performing well lately, with Tyler Reddick currently in third place in the driver standings and Bubba Wallace in a good position for the playoffs.
This season, 23XI Racing’s third entry has only participated in two races. Kamui Kobayashi drove at the Circuit of the Americas, while promising newcomer Corey Heim made his Cup Series debut in the eye-catching black and gold Camry at Nashville Superspeedway. Even though Montoya lacks extensive experience with the Next Gen car, his varied background in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR gives him the versatility to face new challenges head-on.
Juan Pablo Montoya is determined to make a mark at The Glen. Those who have followed Montoya’s journey know that his competitive spirit is unmatched. Although NASCAR has evolved significantly since his last race in the Cup Series with Team Penske back in 2014, the 48-year-old driver is eager to showcase his skills upon his return. Watkins Glen International holds a special place in his heart, being one of the two tracks where he has celebrated victory in NASCAR, the other being Sonoma Raceway in 2007.
This means that younger competitors, who may not be aware of Montoya’s fierce winning attitude, could be making a grave error by underestimating the two-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Reflecting on his upcoming race at Watkins Glen International, Montoya shared, “At this stage in my career, I’m not searching for a job … but when an opportunity like this arises, I believe I can still be highly competitive and have a real chance. So why not? I’ve raced at The Glen numerous times with IMSA and IndyCar, and I know the track inside and out. I thought it would be a great experience. People often forget my motivation for racing; it’s my passion. If I didn’t believe I could compete, I wouldn’t be here.”
Montoya stands out as one of only three drivers to have triumphed in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR. If anyone can navigate the challenges of the Cup Series and extract maximum performance from the Next-Gen car, it’s this seasoned driver. His career has been marked by a remarkable ability to transition across various motorsport arenas, and he is set on making a triumphant return to NASCAR, aiming for a spot in Victory Lane.
NASCAR reporter cautions fans about the excessive hype surrounding Juan Pablo Montoya, making a startling assertion.
