Post by labontefanboy on Jan 15, 2014 20:08:37 GMT -5
Montoya going full-time in #42 in 2008
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced this afternoon that open-wheel convert Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the #42 Havoline Toyota full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2008. Montoya has entered in 3 Nextel Cup Series so far in his career, but will attempt 6 more races by the end of the 2007 season. "Juan's on-track results may not show it, but we feel he is ready to take the next step in his career," said Chip Ganassi. "Out of the public eye he has learned such a great deal about these stock cars, and his success in multiple forms of racing demonstrates that he shouldn't have a problem making the transition". Montoya's illustrious motorsports career features the 1998 F3000 championship, the 1999 CART championship, a victory in the 2000 Indianapolis 500, a successful tenure in Formula One, and a victory in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona this past January. "Making the move to NASCAR will allow me to make a mark in every major form of motorsports in the worldwide. I'm proud to be able to represent Colombia and Latin American NASCAR fans as I attempt to master stock car racing next season," said Montoya. Jamie McMurray currently drives for the team, but is having a disappointing season for the 3rd consecutive year, prompting him to publicly suggest that Montoya had already been slotted in the #42 for '08. Ganassi denied those claims, however, stating that "we only made this decision about a week and a half ago, so Jamie's remarks are entirely inaccurate". In response to the question of whether Ganassi would attempt to have Montoya take over the #42 late in the season, co-owner Felix Sabates responded, "we're not anywhere near that, I think that's a question better asked when it gets to that time". Montoya will join David Stremme, and a TBD driver in the #41 Target Toyota next season. Reed Sorenson's contract ends, and it is unclear whether or not he will remain at CGR. (Speed.com) (4/12/07)
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced this afternoon that open-wheel convert Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the #42 Havoline Toyota full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2008. Montoya has entered in 3 Nextel Cup Series so far in his career, but will attempt 6 more races by the end of the 2007 season. "Juan's on-track results may not show it, but we feel he is ready to take the next step in his career," said Chip Ganassi. "Out of the public eye he has learned such a great deal about these stock cars, and his success in multiple forms of racing demonstrates that he shouldn't have a problem making the transition". Montoya's illustrious motorsports career features the 1998 F3000 championship, the 1999 CART championship, a victory in the 2000 Indianapolis 500, a successful tenure in Formula One, and a victory in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona this past January. "Making the move to NASCAR will allow me to make a mark in every major form of motorsports in the worldwide. I'm proud to be able to represent Colombia and Latin American NASCAR fans as I attempt to master stock car racing next season," said Montoya. Jamie McMurray currently drives for the team, but is having a disappointing season for the 3rd consecutive year, prompting him to publicly suggest that Montoya had already been slotted in the #42 for '08. Ganassi denied those claims, however, stating that "we only made this decision about a week and a half ago, so Jamie's remarks are entirely inaccurate". In response to the question of whether Ganassi would attempt to have Montoya take over the #42 late in the season, co-owner Felix Sabates responded, "we're not anywhere near that, I think that's a question better asked when it gets to that time". Montoya will join David Stremme, and a TBD driver in the #41 Target Toyota next season. Reed Sorenson's contract ends, and it is unclear whether or not he will remain at CGR. (Speed.com) (4/12/07)