Montoya to race Nascar?

Question

Ja, ja, ja, ja, ja
This is they guy who claimed he was better than M.Schumacher.
Personally I think he deserves to race something like Nascar, he doesn´t belong to the F1 elite.

Answer 1

It's a very dissapointing move in my opinion. Yeah he's made mistakes but it's obvious that Montoya is a much better driver than many of the ones who remain in F1. He is a proven race winner (unlike Jenson Button who is so overhyped), and because he's been outclassed by Raikonnen doesn't mean he's no good for F1. Most of the drivers on the field would be outclassed in the same car as Raikonnen. I can't believe people are saying that NOW he will get to race with the best drivers in the world. Are you people insane? People who are only capable of turning left and crumble at road courses are not the best drivers in the world. Get that through your ignorant heads and open your eyes to what motor racing is supposed to be about: Racing in all weather conditions and turning in BOTH directions

Answer 2

To me it came to much of a surprise to see Montoya "step" down to Nascar. I can see how he would want to do so. Nascar is a popular series that can give him the competitive arena to display his talents. The F1 circus is hard to deal with Montoya did well compared to others. If Montoya would have had better cars he wouldn't have switched. In F1 if your car isn't up to par you will never win. If Montoya had been in a Ferrari he would have won more and possibly had contended for a F1 championship.

Answer 3

Montoya’s future has been one of the key talking points of the feverish F1 ‘silly season’.

McLaren had not taken up its option to retain him for 2007 and after a disappointing 2006 campaign to date his place in the Woking team was in jeopardy – especially with a bevy of other candidates in the frame for the coveted seat alongside new arrival Fernando Alonso.

With Toyota expected to re-sign Jarno Trulli for another three years and Red Bull’s interest apparently on the wane, Montoya’s options to remain in F1 were looking limited.

Ganassi recently expressed an interest in renewing his association with Montoya but it was assumed any overtures would be in connection with his IRL IndyCar squad.

Instead the Colombian will take on a completely new challenge after signing what was described as a "multi-year" deal.


He will become the first big-name F1 regular to compete in NASCAR full-time in the 58-year history of the stock car category.

“I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing racing league in the world,” he said.

“I’ve thought about this for quite some time, but the opportunity had to be right.

“I’ve known and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better for me.”

Ganassi revealed that negotiations began “just last week” and presented no complications.

“We’ve obviously enjoyed some previous success, and that made it a lot easier,” he told the Associated Press.

“We have some opportunities to do some things after that.

“We had a very quick negotiation – if you can even call it that.

“It’s nice to have somebody in your car who wants to be there, wants to be with your team, wants to be a part of it.

“He said, ‘I want to get back to racing’. The guy loves racing. And what better place than here?”

Montoya will drive the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger in NASCAR’s premier Nextel Cup class as well as contesting a limited programme of events in the second-string Busch division.

The only time he has ever driven a NASCAR was when he swapped cars with Jeff Gordon at a promotional event at Indianapolis in 2003 and sampled the American’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Several open-wheel stars have attempted to make a second career for themselves in NASCAR but in recent years only Tony Stewart has made the transition successfully.

Answer 4

Whine Montoya doesn't deserve to be in the Busch series, let alone Nextel or F1. NASCAR doesn't need another Jeff Gordon.

Answer 5

He still has concerns about his racing seat in F1, and that's where he plans to stay for another 2 or so years. He might move to nascar or back to ChampCar if he retains his habit of hitting stuff that he isn't supposed to hit.


Update... it seems that he has already signed a multi-year deal with Chip Ganassi's Nascar team!!!!

Answer 6

Good driver nice catch for Nascar he will be up there with Tony as far as open wheel racers go. I would take a Nacar driver over an F1 driver and an Indy driver over all of them.

Answer 7

I wish he won the championship once in F1 before going anywhere else. He had a great chance in 2003, but he was unlucky at Indy.

Kimi at Mclaren has made him look second rate, but I find it difficult to understand what happened there. Great car, great team, great driver, but pathetic results. And it seems to be continuing this season.

And what's with tennis injuries? He does not need to lie about motocrossing.

Answer 8

I can't wait! He (Montoya) is a great talent. If he were in Schumacher's equipment, he would at least equal Schumacher's results (like 25% of any F1 field). Good luck Montoya! I hope you succeed.

Answer 9

for me Juan Pablo Montoya is a great racer, no matter what.
he just didn't get what he supposed to be...he often become 'step-children' in team.
C'mon we can see he's fast and a fighter...
yea, maybe temperamen could be problem for everyone, include JP...
If he couldn't get what he need in F1...i support him to Nascar, maybe it much more fit for him.

Answer 10

He is usually so outspoken in his views he'll make Tony Stewart look angelic (yea I love Tony's outspokenness). It will certainly be interesting to watch.