Formula 1: Montoya Leaves F1 for NASCAR
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Formula 1: Montoya Leaves F1 for NASCAR
I can't believe this...
SPEED TV -
Chip Ganassi and Juan Montoya will be reunited in 2007 but it won't be in open wheel racing.
In one of the most shocking career changes in recent memory, Montoya is leaving Formula 1 to drive for Ganassi in NASCAR's Nextel Cup series.
SPEEDtv.com has learned that Montoya will be named to drive the No. 41 car in a press conference this morning at Chicago.
Despite seven wins during the past six years, the 30-year-old Colombian found himself in F1 limbo because his contract with McLaren is not being renewed and no other good F1 seats were open.
The 1999 CART champion and 2000 Indy 500 winner has only driven a stock car one time and that was during an exhibition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Jeff Gordon when they swapped cars.
"We'll run him in Busch and Nextel Cup next year to try and get him as much experience as quickly as possible," said Ganassi on Sunday morning. "We'll also try to work in some selected Busch events near the end of this season."
It's believed Frank Williams had offered his old driver a seat for '07 but that Montoya opted to turn it down.
By hiring Montoya, who has a residence in Miami, Ganassi fulfills NASCAR's diversity program for Hispanic-speaking people and greatly enhances the chances of a Cup event in Mexico City.
Chip Ganassi and Juan Montoya will be reunited in 2007 but it won't be in open wheel racing.
In one of the most shocking career changes in recent memory, Montoya is leaving Formula 1 to drive for Ganassi in NASCAR's Nextel Cup series.
SPEEDtv.com has learned that Montoya will be named to drive the No. 41 car in a press conference this morning at Chicago.
Despite seven wins during the past six years, the 30-year-old Colombian found himself in F1 limbo because his contract with McLaren is not being renewed and no other good F1 seats were open.
The 1999 CART champion and 2000 Indy 500 winner has only driven a stock car one time and that was during an exhibition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Jeff Gordon when they swapped cars.
"We'll run him in Busch and Nextel Cup next year to try and get him as much experience as quickly as possible," said Ganassi on Sunday morning. "We'll also try to work in some selected Busch events near the end of this season."
It's believed Frank Williams had offered his old driver a seat for '07 but that Montoya opted to turn it down.
By hiring Montoya, who has a residence in Miami, Ganassi fulfills NASCAR's diversity program for Hispanic-speaking people and greatly enhances the chances of a Cup event in Mexico City.
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I think it has something to do with the USGP, after being accused of bumping and being an "animal because he touched wheels" Montoya wants to go to a racing serious where it is ok to bump.
Originally Posted by blue blurr
I think it has something to do with the USGP, after being accused of bumping and being an "animal because he touched wheels" Montoya wants to go to a racing serious where it is ok to bump.
Originally Posted by blue blurr
I think it has something to do with the USGP, after being accused of bumping and being an "animal because he touched wheels" Montoya wants to go to a racing serious where it is ok to bump.
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From: 500mi North of Montana. Enjoying free health care.
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i do not like the Nascar - mainly because the fans know nothing about the cars but can give the life story for each driver.
it's more about the drama then the driving.
it's more about the drama then the driving.
