Juan Montoya, a seasoned NASCAR racer at the age of 48, is making a comeback in the NASCAR Cup series after a hiatus since 2014. Despite the gap in his racing career, Montoya remains optimistic and aims to maintain a positive attitude as he returns to the track. He has a total of 255 NASCAR Cup starts under his belt and is no stranger to victory, having clinched the checkered flag at Watkins Glen in 2010.
Montoya is currently driving the No. 50 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen and expressed his excitement at being back on the track. Reflecting on his return, Montoya admitted to feeling a mix of emotions, stating, “It’s really good to be back – exciting. I have no idea what to expect — I don’t know. I think I should run pretty well, but that is all I can tell you right now.” Despite the uncertainties, Montoya remains confident in his abilities behind the wheel.
During practice sessions, Montoya showed promising performance, finishing 15th before qualifying 34th in the 38-car field. His teammates, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, finished 32nd and 16th respectively, setting the stage for an interesting race weekend at Watkins Glen. Montoya’s straightforward expectations for the event revolve around aiming for a clean race and a competitive showing.
As Montoya familiarizes himself with the Next Gen car, he acknowledges the learning curve that comes with getting back on the track. He ran 26 laps in practice, focusing on understanding the car’s behavior and adapting to the changes in the track layout. Despite the challenges, Montoya remains optimistic about his performance, noting improvements as he spent more time on the track.
Looking back on his NASCAR career, Montoya expressed satisfaction with his achievements over the years. He acknowledged the challenges he faced with varying equipment and teams but highlighted his efforts in making the Chase and competing for the championship. However, Montoya also reflected on a crew chief change at Ganassi that led to a drop-off in performance, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics in racing success.
With Watkins Glen making its first appearance in the playoffs this year, Montoya recognizes the significance of this run as a one-off opportunity compared to the other drivers vying for the championship. Despite his competitive spirit on the track, Montoya emphasizes the importance of respect and sportsmanship among fellow racers, aiming to maintain a positive relationship with his counterparts.
Montoya’s approach to racing involves a mix of strategy and adaptability, as he navigates the challenges of each race weekend. He acknowledges the importance of patience and calculated moves on the track, emphasizing the need to balance aggression with respect for other drivers. Montoya’s experience and skill set him apart as a seasoned competitor with a deep understanding of the intricacies of NASCAR racing.
Looking ahead, Montoya remains open to the possibility of more one-off attempts in the future, indicating his willingness to continue racing if the opportunity arises. With a focus on the present race weekend at Watkins Glen, Montoya keeps his sights set on delivering a strong performance while staying true to his values of sportsmanship and competitiveness on the track.
In conclusion, Juan Montoya’s NASCAR Cup comeback at Watkins Glen showcases his determination, skill, and positive attitude as he returns to the track after a hiatus. With a mix of experience and optimism, Montoya aims to make the most of his opportunity on the track while maintaining respect for his fellow competitors. As he navigates the challenges of each race weekend, Montoya’s approach to racing reflects his passion for the sport and his commitment to excellence on and off the track.