Juan Pablo Montoya is set to make his return to the NASCAR Cup Series after a decade, racing at Watkins Glen International, where he achieved one of his two historic victories in stock-car racing’s premier series.
At 48 years old, Montoya will pilot the No. 50 Toyota for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan and seasoned Cup driver Denny Hamlin. This race will mark the third event this season that honors the 50-year partnership with sponsor Mobil 1. Previously, Kamui Kobayashi drove the car at Circuit of the Americas in March, followed by Corey Heim at Nashville Superspeedway in June.
The Go Bowling at The Glen on September 15 will be notable as it marks both Watkins Glen’s debut in the Cup Series playoffs and Montoya’s first Cup start since the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July of 2014. His 2010 victory at Watkins Glen and another win at Sonoma, California, in 2007, are highlights of his 255 Cup starts.
“I wouldn’t participate if I didn’t believe I could compete,” Montoya expressed during an online media session on Wednesday. “I’m too much of a racer and quite stubborn. My goal is to win. I can’t enter a race thinking it’s alright to finish 15th. Absolutely not. I am determined to perform well and will push myself hard to achieve a great result.”
“Will we win? I’m unsure. Getting victories requires everything to align perfectly, even when I was competing full-time. It’s challenging, but we must remain competitive and create opportunities for ourselves.”
Montoya is recognized for his versatility in racing, having secured seven victories in Formula One, ten in Champ Car, and five in the IndyCar Series.
In his seven Cup races at Watkins Glen, he has achieved three top-five finishes, with his latest appearance at the road course occurring in 2022 as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen.
Currently, Montoya dedicates much of his time to supporting his 19-year-old son, Sebastián Montoya, who is competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship series.
More:Nasr’s bold pass leads to Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen win for Penske Motorsport pairing
Question: Why are you doing this?
Answer: That’s a great question. Steve Lauletta, the president of 23IX Racing, reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in participating at Watkins. I thought it would be enjoyable, and that was pretty much my response. It sounded like a fun opportunity.
I’ve always liked racing at The Glen. We’ve performed well there in Cup, and since then, I’ve visited the track multiple times with IMSA and IndyCar. I’m quite familiar with the layout and believed it was significant for me to take part. At this stage in my career, I’m not in search of a job or anything specific, but when a chance like this arises and I feel I can still be competitive, I think, why not give it a go?
Q: Did you think you’d be back in a Cup car racing?
A: No, not really. Last year marked my final full-time season racing in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with a P2 car in the prototypes. To be honest, I’m quite content not racing anything else again. I felt comfortable with that. People often overlook the reason I initially raced—my passion for racing. I’ve always loved it and aspired to excel, so I think, why not continue that passion?
Q: How does Watkins Glen compare to other tracks?
A: In my experience with the Cup car, Watkins has always stood out as the best road course. It offers the highest grip and is the fastest among them. Personally, I found that at Sonoma, it was challenging to make an impact because it was so slow—anyone could perform there due to limited grip. One of the hardest aspects for me will be resetting my mindset to utilize the entire track. I’ve heard there are plans to modify Turn 1 slightly to prevent drivers from running too wide. I believe that would be beneficial. You can see how drivers now use all the runoff after the carousel.
I feel we’re well-prepared as we approach the race. Naturally, the format will be tough, with minimal practice, but we’ll see how it goes. We might get to the track and think, oh, this feels promising. Even during my Cup races, I didn’t qualify particularly well there, but that doesn’t concern me too much. I consider myself a skilled racer who can make passes, and honestly, if the car competes well, there’s no reason we shouldn’t have a successful weekend.
Q: What role did the Next Gen car play in your decision to race again?
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at Watkins Glen?
A: From a racing viewpoint, I’ve always believed that Formula One boasts the best cars, followed by NASCAR, with IndyCar sitting in the middle. However, I find NASCAR to offer the most exciting racing experience. IndyCar provides thrilling races as well, while Formula One tends to feature less wheel-to-wheel action compared to the other two series.
My experience in NASCAR was incredibly enjoyable. I had a lot of fun throughout my journey. There were ups and downs with the team, but the thrill of racing was unforgettable. Honestly, I felt no pressure whatsoever. The opportunity to drive the Mobil One car is significant for me. Many people may not realize this, but my first sponsor in Colombia when I started karting was Mobil One. Furthermore, my initial open-wheel car in Colombia was also sponsored by them. They played a crucial role in my early career, so I see this as a way to express my gratitude. Being among the drivers who can contribute to the legacy of everything Mobil One has done for the sport is truly exciting.
Follow Andrew Legare on Twitter: @SGAndrewLegare. You can also contact him at alegare@gannett.com. To gain unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today
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Juan Pablo Montoya Returns to NASCAR: A Decade Later, Racing at Watkins Glen
Who is Juan Pablo Montoya?
Juan Pablo Montoya is a Colombian racing driver known for his dynamic career across various motorsport series, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR. With a reputation for his skill and versatility, Montoya made significant waves during his original stint in NASCAR, where he competed from 2006 to 2013, earning multiple accolades and a loyal fan base.
The Return to NASCAR
After a decade-long hiatus from NASCAR, Montoya made headlines when he announced his return. Racing at the iconic Watkins Glen International, Montoya’s comeback was met with excitement and curiosity from fans and analysts alike. This legendary track is renowned for its challenging layout and has been a favorite among drivers.
The Significance of Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen International is a historic road course that has hosted NASCAR events since 1957. It presents a unique challenge compared to traditional oval tracks. Here are some key attributes of Watkins Glen:
- Length: 2.45 miles
- Laps: 90 laps for a total of 220.5 miles in the NASCAR Cup Series
- Turns: 11 turns that test a driver’s skill and precision
- Elevation Change: Significant elevation changes add to the difficulty
Montoya’s Past Performance at Watkins Glen
During his first NASCAR tenure, Montoya achieved impressive results at Watkins Glen, including a victory in 2010. His proficiency on road courses has always set him apart from other drivers, making his return to this track particularly noteworthy.
What to Expect from Montoya in 2023
As Montoya returns to NASCAR in 2023, fans are eager to see how he performs after years away from the series. His experience in various racing formats and his understanding of racecraft could give him an edge.
Key Factors Influencing His Performance
- Experience: Montoya’s extensive racing background provides him with insights that many younger drivers may lack.
- Adaptability: Having raced in multiple series, Montoya is known for his ability to quickly adapt to different racing conditions.
- Team Dynamics: The effectiveness of his team, including his crew chief and pit crew, will play a crucial role in his performance.
Benefits of Montoya’s Return to NASCAR
Montoya’s return to NASCAR brings several benefits to the sport:
- Diverse Fanbase: Montoya’s international appeal can attract a broader audience to NASCAR.
- Increased Competition: His experience will heighten the competition and push other drivers to elevate their game.
- Exciting Storylines: A veteran like Montoya brings rich narratives that enhance the viewing experience for fans.
First-Hand Experience from Montoya’s Return
In interviews leading up to the race, Montoya expressed excitement about returning to NASCAR and racing at Watkins Glen. He emphasized the importance of preparation and how much he has missed the camaraderie and competition of stock car racing. Fans can anticipate an engaging performance as Montoya re-establishes himself within the NASCAR community.
Montoya’s Impact on NASCAR Culture
Juan Pablo Montoya has left a lasting impact on NASCAR culture. As one of the few drivers from South America to achieve significant success in the series, he has helped broaden the sport’s appeal outside of the United States. His return could further enhance this cultural exchange.
The Influence of International Drivers in NASCAR
International drivers like Montoya have played a crucial role in diversifying NASCAR. Their participation has:
- Encouraged global interest in NASCAR.
- Introduced different racing philosophies and techniques.
- Promoted the idea that NASCAR is a global sport.
Performance Expectations: A Statistical Overview
To give fans a better understanding of Montoya’s potential return to form, here’s a quick statistical overview of his past performance in NASCAR:
| Year | Races | Wins | Top 10 Finishes | Aver. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 36 | 0 | 3 | 21.9 |
| 2007 | 36 | 0 | 5 | 18.7 |
| 2010 | 36 | 1 | 6 | 17.4 |
| 2013 | 36 | 0 | 2 | 24.4 |
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Juan Pablo Montoya’s return to NASCAR at Watkins Glen is not just a personal milestone; it’s a significant event for the sport itself. His extensive experience and unique perspective as an international driver are set to enrich the NASCAR landscape. As the racing community looks forward to his performance, fans can anticipate an engaging and competitive atmosphere with Montoya back on the track.
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