Was Juan Pablo Montoya's pass of Scott Pruett fair play?

Answer 1

When you attempt to block bad things happen. Juan might of been a little antsy on the move, but that's racin.

Answer 2

I watched the video a few times: Montoya was a little overly optimistic about making the pass. He certainly hadn't pulled along side Pruett as they went into the turn, and by rights Pruett should have "owned" the racing line there. The wiser move probably would have been to follow through and try to over take at the exit of the esses or entry to the next turn.

But that said, it looks to me like Pruett went for an early apex going into the turn, which tends to suggest he knew Montoya was there and was trying to keep Montoya from cutting underneath. He could have easily have left racing room for Montoya and still have had the inside line to make a run through the second part of the esses.

Both drivers went at it aggressively. And while most seem to be angry at Montoya for spinning his teammate, there was another teammate involved that decided to shut the door very late and also jeopardize both driver's possible results.

In the end, I don't know if I could call Montoya's move "unfair." He got in, made the move, and made it stick! It brought him a win... although a 1-2 finish for the team would've been a better outcome. Considering Montoya is still a new to NASCAR, establishing that he will make such a move will most likely pay dividends for him down the line as other drivers try to defend in the future. He may never need to make such a move again, but the memory that he WILL do it will always be there.

Answer 3

On a road course, with limited opportunities to pass, what Juan Montoya did is standard operating procedure. If it had not been for the fact that it was his teammate that got spun everybody would be talking about what a good job of driving he did. I don't think that Juan is totally blameless but he is certainly not the only person responsible for what happened. Papabill mentioned about the spotters responsibility (and I agree) but I think you also have to hold the crew chiefs and even Chip and Felix (the owners) partially accountable for the apparent lack of communication. Montoya was the class of the field and on 9 lap fresher tires. With all the cautions that occurred towards the end of the race they had several chances to talk about what to do WHEN Juan got to the 41, not IF. They definitely should have had a plan for when and where to let Juan Pablo go by Pruett and they would have probably finished 1-2. Give Scott Pruett a ton of credit for coming back for a top 5 at the end of that race as well, he is also an awesome road course/sports car driver.

Answer 4

Earlier in the race, he did let Montoya take the position in the same turn, on the inside...but, it looked like the second time he had way less room, and Montoya did lock the breaks up...if he would of just waited I think he had the car to win the race on 10 lap fressher tires, he could have passed him within the next 5 or so laps...Pruitt sounded like such a pussy after the race, if i was Mr. Ganassi i would have told him to shut the f*%k up and be happy with a top 5 and get ready for Watkins Glen and Sonoma. Everone knows it wasn't intentional, just overly agressive...and isn't that what all the top drivers in the world do? If it wasn't his teammate and Pruitt didn't whine like a pansey, would there even be a question?

Answer 5

I've seen the replay so many times and I think Teammate or not, Scott should've gotten out of the way. he knew Juan was faster and he passed him earlier. I only think that Juan didn't pass "correctly". A "bump" would've been better ... to get his attention and besides, Scott turned wider as if he was blocking. Juan saw the opening and took it. That's racing and I can't wait to see more of it.

Answer 6

Looking at the event why did the drivers SPOTTERS not say something?.I looks as if JP tried to under brake and cut Pruett off but was in a very poor position to make the pass.He may have done this in smaller a lighter cars but the full body car is a different drive than the other types he has driven.
Bottom line JP was on Pruetts blind side.
Did the spotters tell the drivers their closeness?
JP had a poor line to the turn.
Thats all I have to say on that.

Answer 7

You know, all the hype this past weekend in Nascar has been over this problem. Now we all know the term "rubbings racing", but are we so quick to judge anyone on the events more because they are teamates. In Nascar, wrecks happen all the time, people are mad. They dent a few roofs, throw a few helmets, and say a few curse words. But by the end of the day, everyone forgives and forgets. But because they were teamates, this is being drug on. Let me ask you a question, if you are in that race car, 100 yards from the finish line, and you know that the only thing standing in your way from redeeming yourself from a bad couple of weeks is to push your car to the limit, and win this race, even if it causes you to spin out your teamate, what will you?

Answer 8

it was kinda iffy on both parts.. pruett did see him coming on the inside and tried and cut him off (that's what you do).

montoya wouldn't have done anything wrong if it were anyone else.. but since it WAS his teammate maybe he shouldn't have been tailing him so closely in a road track.

but whatever, you play to win. just because the race was in mex. doesn't mean it's an international sport. US professional sports play to win and don't worry about 'fair play' :P

i'm still waiting for dale jr. to finish a race... :/

Answer 9

No, your not suppose to take out your teammate to win a race just because your a rookie. If anyone had the right mind they woundn't of hired him. He thinks he's all that because he used to be in formula 1.

Answer 10

Montoya is an over eager 'rookie' badly wanting a NASCAR win any way he can get it.