This is going to be interesting . . . Montoya on front row for race debut Juan Pablo Montoya was only nine thousandths of a second away from snatching pole position for his maiden debut in stock car racing, which will take place this friday in the Food World 250 ARCA RE/MAX at Talladega Superspeedway. Montoya had already been among the quickest runners in the morning practice, feeling at ease in the draft and finishing fourth with a speed exceeding the 190mph barrier. The Colombian was the 44th car on the track for the qualifying and his first lap in the No. 4 Texaco/Havoline Dodge, was already good enough for a place in the top ten of the grid. On his second lap, Montoya broke into the 50 seconds mark, setting a lap of 50.546 seconds with a speed of 189.451mph, ending up only 0.009 seconds slower than pole-sitter Bobby Gerhart, who runs second in the ARCA RE/MAX Driver standings. "The car worked well and everything went to plan," said Montoya. "But to be honest, at this track, having a good car helps and we have a very good one. "I was a bit surprised at being on the front row, although we had been quick already in practice. I think we could have been on pole, but first row is fine." Montoya downplayed, however, any expectations for the race. "The goal? To learn," he said. "We need to make a couple of good pitstops, not make any mistakes, and bring the car in one piece to the flag. "If I win or finish fifth or whatever doesn't matter. The goal is to learn and be as best prepared as I can for next year." The Food World 250 ARCA RE/MAX starts on Friday at 5:30pm ET (9:30pm GMT). Carol
I thing THAT'S GREAT - WAY TO GO !!! Like him or not in F-1 he certainly kept things interesting. I'm glad to see him make a good account of himself. And...surprising myself here....I hope he winds the dog-gone race!
i don't think Montoya made anything interesting in F1.....except causing pile-ups and blaming everyone else!
This guy is a true racer. Give him anything and he will find a way. Reminds me of Tony Stewart. They just want to race. Doesn't matter which series, they just want to go at it. I will be watching tomorrow! Go JPM!!!
How good is the car he was driving? Is there any data on what it did in other hands? No doubt a fine accomplishment though.
The only problem is....How long till he gets bored? I don't think there was really any problem with F1, he just lost motivation and was bored IMHO.
i agree...he is a racer! in an interview w/ david hobbs last weekend, hobbs said jpm will be missed in f1 as he was talented and a true firey personality! i will actually begin to watch nascar ...it's gonna get good! he has inate ability to push hard, hard , hard...he will really heat it up when he goes head to head w/ stewart. two big boys throwing fists...wooo hooo!
Contrats to JPM! I do not follow stock car racing, but if I know JPM is on I will tune in to see how he does. Thanks Carol!
I'm pleasantly surprised about his good attitude. However, it's the strategically smart thing to say, since he obviously benefits from lowered expectations about his performance. I just want him to say, "hello, Reecky Bubby" I don't think people will hassle him about his weight in North Carolina either.
i am not a nascar fan however jpm had a mid pack car this year in f1...he was and would still be a front runner in the proper car. doc bundy used to say best car always wins and fast drivers were a dime a dozen. jpm is certainly not a dime a dozen driver but...you still need a great car/team. he knows how to go fast and he knows how to win so if he is able to work w/ his team and they put a good car under his but...he will do well.
You're welcome Tony. It nice to read something refreshing about him instead of all the "red-neck" comments made about him here on FChat. You must give him credit for making such a dramatic change in his life and I hope it proves fruitful for him. I think we will try to squeeze in a race at TMS in '07 if there's a 'hole' in our race sked for the year. Guess I'll be watching Speed tomorrow evening. Carol
