Speed "SHOCKS" Montoya

kat2220

kat2220

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Speed Shocks Montoya In First Test
The process of transforming Juan Pablo Montoya from a top-flight Formula One driver into a NASCAR regular began Monday as the South American driver participated in an Automobile Racing Club of America test session at Talladega Superspeedway. Montoya ran laps in a Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge Charger as Ganassi, crew chief Donnie Wingo and much of the Ganassi hierarchy looked on. Although official speeds were not released, team members said Montoya ran laps in the 187-mile-per-hour range.

"I went out on the track for the first time, and it was like, 'Oh, my God,'" Montoya said. "I went into [Turn] 3 and 4 and started to lift, but I said, 'Oh, let's just try it.' I went into 1 pretty fast. They told me running flat [full speed around the track] here was easy. I did it, and it felt pretty quick. The car moves around a lot more than I'm used to, but I'm getting there. It will take some time."

Unless Ganassi's plans change, Montoya will make his stock-car-racing debut in the Food World 250 ARCA race here Oct. 6. He is scheduled to run the full Nextel Cup series next season.

Monday's laps were Montoya's first in a full-bodied NASCAR-style stock car, although he raced 12 years ago in Trans-Am-type cars in his native Colombia.(Scene Daily)
 
I think running a few ARCA races this season is not going to be nearly enough to prepare Montoya for a full season in Cup next year. This will be a huge adjustment from open wheel to Nascar, i'll be very surprised if he runs a complete season next year. A year running trucks, some Busch, and ARCA would probably prepare him much better for Cup. Not sure i understand why Chip wants to rush him into a Cup ride, makes no sense IMO.
 
Mopardh9 said:
I think running a few ARCA races this season is not going to be nearly enough to prepare Montoya for a full season in Cup next year. This will be a huge adjustment from open wheel to Nascar, i'll be very surprised if he runs a complete season next year. A year running trucks, some Busch, and ARCA would probably prepare him much better for Cup. Not sure i understand why Chip wants to rush him into a Cup ride, makes no sense IMO.
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I agree.
 
Mopardh9 said:
I think running a few ARCA races this season is not going to be nearly enough to prepare Montoya for a full season in Cup next year. This will be a huge adjustment from open wheel to Nascar, i'll be very surprised if he runs a complete season next year. A year running trucks, some Busch, and ARCA would probably prepare him much better for Cup. Not sure i understand why Chip wants to rush him into a Cup ride, makes no sense IMO.
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I agree as well. He's driving a different animal here!
 
I don't think any of Ganassi's drivers are ready for Cup.
Ganassi's heart is in open-wheel. I think the only reason he's in stock car racing is that it offers him another opportunity to try to beat Penske.
 
Doncha think?

His big name would bring a large sponser to the table in the cup car nad not in the others?
Betsy:rolleyes:
 
BobbyFord said:
I don't think any of Ganassi's drivers are ready for Cup.
Ganassi's heart is in open-wheel. I think the only reason he's in stock car racing is that it offers him another opportunity to try to beat Penske.
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I agree with that, and since his heart is in open wheel racing, I think he really prefers to look there for his talent. There is plenty of talent there, the learning curve is quite steep and it takes a while to develope drivers. I don't know if Chip will ever understand that though.
 
Well, I am forced to agree here too. I would really like to see JP run the ABC program just like any other rookie. But............as has been pointed out, he IS a NAME, and Chip likes that. May be a tough beginning for JP; much as I do like him.
montoyacandidiowa06.jpg
 
BobbyFord said:
I don't think any of Ganassi's drivers are ready for Cup.
Ganassi's heart is in open-wheel. I think the only reason he's in stock car racing is that it offers him another opportunity to try to beat Penske.
Click to expand...
Casey is his only driver that I think can wheel a car, i'm glad he's going to hendrick.

JP appears to be doing good by himself, how long till he joins a mass test where he's on track with 10+ others around him at speed
 
Magnethead said:
Casey is his only driver that I think can wheel a car, i'm glad he's going to hendrick.

JP appears to be doing good by himself, how long till he joins a mass test where he's on track with 10+ others around him at speed
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I think Sorenson has more natural talent, without the better team, than does any of the other Ganassi drivers.
When Montoya gets to Cup (WAY too early) he will not have any drafting help from any of the regulars, at any of the tracks, even his teammates, until he has proven himself.
It's gonna be a cold reception, I think.
 
He most likely wont be given and drafting help or room. Then, we he's involved in accident, the plates will get a break and they can all blame him..
 
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