| greg donovan | 07-11-2006 12:58 AM |
[QUOTE=KAX]idk, just thinking how long it took Kasey Kahne to win a NC race even though he was good. Im gunna stick to '08[/QUOTE]
kahne was too young and not nearly as skilled as montoya.
today i saw mike waltrip saying that the current cup cars handle pretty close to cart cars now. he seemed to think that JPM would do just fine. he sounded excited to have JPM join the party.
kahne was too young and not nearly as skilled as montoya.
today i saw mike waltrip saying that the current cup cars handle pretty close to cart cars now. he seemed to think that JPM would do just fine. he sounded excited to have JPM join the party.
| KAX | 07-11-2006 01:07 AM |
i would be too, if i were him. Best way to get more fans is to expand your outreach, and this will do just that. Itll give NASCAR a better name, no longer will it be just a bunch of rednecks playing grab-ass with cars. i wish him the best of luck
| hotrod | 07-11-2006 01:56 AM |
It fits in very well with their "There's room for everyone" campaign.
NASCAR is agressively working to expand their market. The bigger the viewer market, the more value they have for the car sponsors. That means more well funded teams and better cars for everyone. I suspect it ultimately would lead to a "Corona Series" or "Dos Equis Series" in Mexico and latin America.
Larry
NASCAR is agressively working to expand their market. The bigger the viewer market, the more value they have for the car sponsors. That means more well funded teams and better cars for everyone. I suspect it ultimately would lead to a "Corona Series" or "Dos Equis Series" in Mexico and latin America.
Larry
| StuBeck | 07-11-2006 08:06 AM |
Well Montoya's going to NASCAR sooner rather than later. USGP was his last race :(
| grandpa rex | 07-11-2006 08:35 AM |
Since I couldn't actually see the first corner from where I was sitting, can I rightfully claim that I saw JPM's last F1 race? He never made it to where I was sitting.
| XenoWolf | 07-11-2006 08:58 AM |
[QUOTE=grandpa rex]Since I couldn't actually see the first corner from where I was sitting, can I rightfully claim that I saw JPM's last F1 race? He never made it to where I was sitting.[/QUOTE]
Well, you seen him on the formation lap I assume? (Not that the lap meant anything last year... zing!)
Well, you seen him on the formation lap I assume? (Not that the lap meant anything last year... zing!)
| wvallwheeldrive | 07-11-2006 09:15 AM |
To everyone that keeps saying NASCAR is still a southern sport look at where the top ten in points are from. 3 from the south 3 from Califorina.
Jimmie Johnson - El Cajon, Calif
Matt Kenseth - Cambridge, Wis.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Kannapolis, N.C.
Jeff Burton - South Boston, Va.
Casey Kahne - Enumclaw, Wash.
Mark Martin - Batesville, Ark.
Tony Stewert - Columbus, Ind.
Kyle Busch - Las Vegas
Kevin Harvick - Bakersfield, Calif.
Jeff Gordon - Vallejo, Calif.
Jimmie Johnson - El Cajon, Calif
Matt Kenseth - Cambridge, Wis.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Kannapolis, N.C.
Jeff Burton - South Boston, Va.
Casey Kahne - Enumclaw, Wash.
Mark Martin - Batesville, Ark.
Tony Stewert - Columbus, Ind.
Kyle Busch - Las Vegas
Kevin Harvick - Bakersfield, Calif.
Jeff Gordon - Vallejo, Calif.
| grandpa rex | 07-11-2006 09:19 AM |
[QUOTE=XenoWolf]Well, you seen him on the formation lap I assume? (Not that the lap meant anything last year... zing!)[/QUOTE]
Yes, we did see the formation lap, so I guess it counts. We were pleasantly surprised this year when all cars took to the grid.
Yes, we did see the formation lap, so I guess it counts. We were pleasantly surprised this year when all cars took to the grid.
| KC | 07-11-2006 09:22 AM |
NASCAR just went and got a larger audience. His 1st race is probably going to have more international viewship than the Superbowl.
KC fears the marketing power of NASCAR.
--kC
KC fears the marketing power of NASCAR.
--kC
| MattDell | 07-11-2006 09:36 AM |
[QUOTE=grandpa rex]Since I couldn't actually see the first corner from where I was sitting, can I rightfully claim that I saw JPM's last F1 race? He never made it to where I was sitting.[/QUOTE]
Nope. He still has to finish his season with McLaren. His last race will be seen by Brazillians. ;)
-Matt
Nope. He still has to finish his season with McLaren. His last race will be seen by Brazillians. ;)
-Matt
| REX8 | 07-11-2006 09:39 AM |
[QUOTE=MattDell]Nope. He still has to finish his season with McLaren. His last race will be seen by Brazillians. ;)
-Matt[/QUOTE]
Did you not get the news?
-Matt[/QUOTE]
Did you not get the news?
| wvallwheeldrive | 07-11-2006 09:43 AM |
[QUOTE=MattDell]Nope. He still has to finish his season with McLaren. His last race will be seen by Brazillians. ;)
-Matt[/QUOTE]
de la rosa will start driving in France
-Matt[/QUOTE]
de la rosa will start driving in France
| hikeeba | 07-11-2006 09:52 AM |
[QUOTE=wvallwheeldrive]de la rosa will start driving in France[/QUOTE]
Oof! For real? Searching now...
Oof! For real? Searching now...
| Ferg | 07-11-2006 09:53 AM |
There's another thread in Motorsports about it already, but here's the news story on JPM's departure from Macca.
[QUOTE]Montoya leaves McLaren, de la Rosa to race
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, July 11th 2006, 09:11 GMT
Juan Pablo Montoya has parted company with McLaren, just a few days after he announced that he was making the switch to NASCAR next year.
A statement issued by McLaren on Tuesday morning claimed that the team and driver had reached a mutual agreement for him to step down immediately. He will be replaced by Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who last raced for the team at last year's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Montoya will now spend time at home in Miami with his family to finalise his preparations for his switch to NASCAR. Future boss Chip Ganassi had made it clear that he wanted Montoya to compete in some NASCAR Busch races this season.
Speaking in the McLaren statement, Montoya said: "I know that it will be a tough transition but I'm really excited about the opportunity to move into the NASCAR championship. I have enjoyed most of my time in Formula One and I'm grateful for this opportunity to settle my personal life and concentrate on my future career."
There were suggestions in the Spanish press on Tuesday that Montoya's parting with McLaren was the result of a breach of contract caused by the Colombian announcing his NASCAR deal without his current team's knowledge.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "Juan Pablo is an exciting driver and immensely likeable character who will undoubtedly make a successful transition to the NASCAR scene.
"We have agreed that with so many things happening in Juan Pablo's life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future."
The news brings an end to Montoya's Formula One career after 94 starts. He won seven races and scored a total of 30 podiums.
McLaren could not confirm that de la Rosa would be in the car for the rest of the season.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montoya leaves McLaren, de la Rosa to race
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, July 11th 2006, 09:11 GMT
Juan Pablo Montoya has parted company with McLaren, just a few days after he announced that he was making the switch to NASCAR next year.
A statement issued by McLaren on Tuesday morning claimed that the team and driver had reached a mutual agreement for him to step down immediately. He will be replaced by Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who last raced for the team at last year's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Montoya will now spend time at home in Miami with his family to finalise his preparations for his switch to NASCAR. Future boss Chip Ganassi had made it clear that he wanted Montoya to compete in some NASCAR Busch races this season.
Speaking in the McLaren statement, Montoya said: "I know that it will be a tough transition but I'm really excited about the opportunity to move into the NASCAR championship. I have enjoyed most of my time in Formula One and I'm grateful for this opportunity to settle my personal life and concentrate on my future career."
There were suggestions in the Spanish press on Tuesday that Montoya's parting with McLaren was the result of a breach of contract caused by the Colombian announcing his NASCAR deal without his current team's knowledge.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis said: "Juan Pablo is an exciting driver and immensely likeable character who will undoubtedly make a successful transition to the NASCAR scene.
"We have agreed that with so many things happening in Juan Pablo's life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future."
The news brings an end to Montoya's Formula One career after 94 starts. He won seven races and scored a total of 30 podiums.
McLaren could not confirm that de la Rosa would be in the car for the rest of the season.[/QUOTE]
| hikeeba | 07-11-2006 09:54 AM |
From Fox Sports - the first hit I got searching 'Montoya'
McLaren have confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya is to be replaced with immediate effect by Pedro de la Rosa for the rest of the season.
Montoya stunned the motor racing world on Sunday by announcing that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season to join the Nascar series in America.
Following two days of telling silence, the Woking outfit announced on Tuesday that they had severed all ties with the Colombian to enable him to 'prepare professionally and personally for the future.'
Montoya's seat alongside Kimi Raikkonen will now be filled by Spaniard de la Rosa, who scored points when he stood in for the injured Montoya at last year's Bahrain GP.
Montoya's last contribution to F1 will be his ignominious role in the seven-car pile-up at the start of the US Grand Prix.
McLaren have confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya is to be replaced with immediate effect by Pedro de la Rosa for the rest of the season.
Montoya stunned the motor racing world on Sunday by announcing that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season to join the Nascar series in America.
Following two days of telling silence, the Woking outfit announced on Tuesday that they had severed all ties with the Colombian to enable him to 'prepare professionally and personally for the future.'
Montoya's seat alongside Kimi Raikkonen will now be filled by Spaniard de la Rosa, who scored points when he stood in for the injured Montoya at last year's Bahrain GP.
Montoya's last contribution to F1 will be his ignominious role in the seven-car pile-up at the start of the US Grand Prix.
| hikeeba | 07-11-2006 09:55 AM |
From Fox Sports - the first hit I got searching 'Montoya'
[QUOTE]McLaren have confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya is to be replaced with immediate effect by Pedro de la Rosa for the rest of the season.
Montoya stunned the motor racing world on Sunday by announcing that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season to join the Nascar series in America.
Following two days of telling silence, the Woking outfit announced on Tuesday that they had severed all ties with the Colombian to enable him to 'prepare professionally and personally for the future.'
Montoya's seat alongside Kimi Raikkonen will now be filled by Spaniard de la Rosa, who scored points when he stood in for the injured Montoya at last year's Bahrain GP.
Montoya's last contribution to F1 will be his ignominious role in the seven-car pile-up at the start of the US Grand Prix.[/QUOTE]
Sort of teh suckzors.
[QUOTE]McLaren have confirmed that Juan Pablo Montoya is to be replaced with immediate effect by Pedro de la Rosa for the rest of the season.
Montoya stunned the motor racing world on Sunday by announcing that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season to join the Nascar series in America.
Following two days of telling silence, the Woking outfit announced on Tuesday that they had severed all ties with the Colombian to enable him to 'prepare professionally and personally for the future.'
Montoya's seat alongside Kimi Raikkonen will now be filled by Spaniard de la Rosa, who scored points when he stood in for the injured Montoya at last year's Bahrain GP.
Montoya's last contribution to F1 will be his ignominious role in the seven-car pile-up at the start of the US Grand Prix.[/QUOTE]
Sort of teh suckzors.
| artkevin | 07-11-2006 10:23 AM |
I don't even know what to say anymore. My fav driver out in the course of two weeks.
Sounds like its great for NASCAR and bad but not too bad for F1.
Sounds like its great for NASCAR and bad but not too bad for F1.
| MattDell | 07-11-2006 10:28 AM |
[QUOTE=REX8]Did you not get the news?[/QUOTE]
Damn! :mad:
Well, that's good actually. No sense on wasting a seat on a driver that doesn't want to be there anymore.
-Matt
Damn! :mad:
Well, that's good actually. No sense on wasting a seat on a driver that doesn't want to be there anymore.
-Matt
| MattDell | 07-11-2006 10:34 AM |
[QUOTE=hikeeba]Montoya's last contribution to F1 will be his ignominious role in the seven-car pile-up at the start of the US Grand Prix.[/QUOTE]
Oh c'mon. I don't even like Montoya and I think that's below the belt.
-Matt
Oh c'mon. I don't even like Montoya and I think that's below the belt.
-Matt
| Bonzo | 07-11-2006 11:12 AM |
Haha. I guess we'll be seeing him in a Busch car sooner not later.
School is in session.
School is in session.
| Mark Avery | 07-11-2006 01:32 PM |
[QUOTE=gills]Good, Montoya is a donkey and he has proven that he doesn't have what it takes to win in F1.....................THE RIGHT TEAM! lol[/QUOTE]Yeah, it's a shame JPM didn't win the championship in a McLaren instead of Kimi. Oh wait, Kimi didn't win it either. But, it can't be the car. :rolleyes:
| artkevin | 07-11-2006 01:36 PM |
I agree with you Mark but I think gills was joking saying that McLaren didn't give him the car.
| BriDrive | 07-11-2006 01:48 PM |
My opinion is that we will see JPM in a Ganassi open wheeler as soon as IRL and ChampCar re-merge...
McLaren will probably get as much if not more out of Pedro for the rest of the year anyway...(as he himself specified his knowledge of the package)
Either way, I am sorry to see him go (NEVER a fan of his)...but I think he was really good for F1...the kind of driver who has a natural, gifted wild streak in him, not unlike Senna in many ways...
BriDrive
McLaren will probably get as much if not more out of Pedro for the rest of the year anyway...(as he himself specified his knowledge of the package)
Either way, I am sorry to see him go (NEVER a fan of his)...but I think he was really good for F1...the kind of driver who has a natural, gifted wild streak in him, not unlike Senna in many ways...
BriDrive
| StuBeck | 07-11-2006 04:32 PM |
[QUOTE=MattDell]Oh c'mon. I don't even like Montoya and I think that's below the belt.
-Matt[/QUOTE]
Considering that Webber going out happened behind JPM and I beileve another car went out there too...yea, definitely.
-Matt[/QUOTE]
Considering that Webber going out happened behind JPM and I beileve another car went out there too...yea, definitely.
| KAX | 07-11-2006 04:44 PM |
well thats good for De La Rosa. I liked when he was racing because he had a reason to be there, and went all out. Its also better for Montoya, because he doesnt like it, and now hell get much more practice with a NASCAR.
| M. Hurst | 07-12-2006 09:32 AM |
The biggest insult is that JPM left F1 to drive for a struggling Nascar team with no recent history of consistently running up front.
Ganassi's 3 cars are currently 15th, 21st, and 36th in points, and have no wins and only 2 top 5 finishes combined!
Driving for Hendrick, Roush, Penske, Everenham, Gibbs, etc, I could see..but with Ganassi he's not going to know whether it's him or poor equipment keeping him a lap down.
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.
Ganassi's 3 cars are currently 15th, 21st, and 36th in points, and have no wins and only 2 top 5 finishes combined!
Driving for Hendrick, Roush, Penske, Everenham, Gibbs, etc, I could see..but with Ganassi he's not going to know whether it's him or poor equipment keeping him a lap down.
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.
| enduroshark | 07-12-2006 09:34 AM |
[QUOTE=M. Hurst]
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.[/QUOTE]
Sounds about the same for F1...
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.[/QUOTE]
Sounds about the same for F1...
| hikeeba | 07-12-2006 09:46 AM |
[QUOTE=M. Hurst]The biggest insult is that JPM left F1 to drive for a struggling Nascar team with no recent history of consistently running up front.
Ganassi's 3 cars are currently 15th, 21st, and 36th in points, and have no wins and only 2 top 5 finishes combined!
Driving for Hendrick, Roush, Penske, Everenham, Gibbs, etc, I could see..but with Ganassi he's not going to know whether it's him or poor equipment keeping him a lap down.
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.[/QUOTE]
I think the history that JPM has with Ganassi played into the decision quite heavily. As I mentioned before, JPM could have all the driving talent in the world, but if they can't put a competitive car under him, he won't go anywhere. Which brings me to the Ganassi-Target-Honda trifecta theory...
Ganassi's 3 cars are currently 15th, 21st, and 36th in points, and have no wins and only 2 top 5 finishes combined!
Driving for Hendrick, Roush, Penske, Everenham, Gibbs, etc, I could see..but with Ganassi he's not going to know whether it's him or poor equipment keeping him a lap down.
A successful oval track driver is 5% driving ability and 95% tire / set up engineer.[/QUOTE]
I think the history that JPM has with Ganassi played into the decision quite heavily. As I mentioned before, JPM could have all the driving talent in the world, but if they can't put a competitive car under him, he won't go anywhere. Which brings me to the Ganassi-Target-Honda trifecta theory...
| REX8 | 07-12-2006 10:06 AM |
[QUOTE=hikeeba]I think the history that JPM has with Ganassi played into the decision quite heavily. As I mentioned before, JPM could have all the driving talent in the world, but if they can't put a competitive car under him, he won't go anywhere. Which brings me to the Ganassi-Target-Honda trifecta theory...[/QUOTE]
Exactly...if they had an open-wheel seat for him on 07, he'd have gotten it. I think he's starting in NNC and we'll see him after the merger...
Exactly...if they had an open-wheel seat for him on 07, he'd have gotten it. I think he's starting in NNC and we'll see him after the merger...
| FoxyWRX | 07-12-2006 10:14 AM |
I've followed Monty since he went to Champcar/CART in 1999, watching him throw away what could've been a great career in F1 is a shame. The guy has all the talent in the world, but his attitude just isn't there. F1 will never take him back.
| REX8 | 07-12-2006 11:13 AM |
[QUOTE=FoxyWRX]I've followed Monty since he went to Champcar/CART in 1999, watching him throw away what could've been a great career in F1 is a shame. The guy has all the talent in the world, but his attitude just isn't there. F1 will never take him back.[/QUOTE]
Sure they would...but he's not looking to go back. He wasn't getting a championship winning seat next year (most likely)...so riding out the last couple years mid-pack wasn't something he was looking forward to.
His F1 career would have been better finishing 6th in points for the next 3 seasons? I'm not so sure about that...
Don't get me wrong, I'm probably one of teh most upset people at his move, and I'd love to see him there...
Sure they would...but he's not looking to go back. He wasn't getting a championship winning seat next year (most likely)...so riding out the last couple years mid-pack wasn't something he was looking forward to.
His F1 career would have been better finishing 6th in points for the next 3 seasons? I'm not so sure about that...
Don't get me wrong, I'm probably one of teh most upset people at his move, and I'd love to see him there...
| enduroshark | 07-12-2006 11:42 AM |
If JV can still get a drive, so could JPM any day.
No matter if it's F1 or Spec Rabbit, it stops being fun if you know you can't win.
No matter if it's F1 or Spec Rabbit, it stops being fun if you know you can't win.
| Ferg | 07-12-2006 11:45 AM |
Who says JV has a drive for next season?
| enduroshark | 07-12-2006 12:06 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Who says JV has a drive for next season?[/QUOTE]
I mean, got one since the whole BAR/Richards fiasco.
I mean, got one since the whole BAR/Richards fiasco.
| Ferg | 07-12-2006 12:33 PM |
Gotcha. JV was lucky that for whatever reason, Peter Sauber thought he still had some fight left, otherwise F1 had all but forgotten him. The cult of personality in F1 is a vicious, vicious thing.
More on JPMs future.
[QUOTE]Ganassi won't rush Montoya's debut
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, July 12th 2006, 16:21 GMT
Chip Ganassi believes mid-August is the earliest his team can reasonably expect Juan Montoya to turn a wheel in a NASCAR.
Now the Colombian has been parted company with McLaren immediately, Montoya is theoretically available to start preparing for his 2007 Nextel Cup programme sooner than originally expected.
However, Ganassi, who owns the number 42 Dodge Charger that Montoya will drive next season, would not be drawn on when he expects to see Montoya in the cockpit due to uncertainty over his release from McLaren.
"There are different levels of being released," Ganassi said. "There is a 'shakes hands and see you later' or you can be released to do some testing or released to do some racing.
"We are still walking through the mechanics of that. Papers have to be signed with McLaren for any conditional release."
On the second weekend in August, NASCAR visits Watkins Glen, one of only two road course races this year, leading to speculation that the Busch series race that weekend could be Montoya's debut. However, that is unlikely, according to Ganassi.
"Certainly when we get the details of his release, and what we can and can do we will use every opportunity to put him in good cars at the race circuits he needs to see," Ganassi added.
"On the list of important things I want him to do, to learn driving one of these Cup cars on a road course is way down the list right now. Because of the previous plans that are in place, even if Juan was available to drive tomorrow it would be an impossibility.
"In terms of a time frame we can maybe think about the middle of August. But in terms what we like to see him do in the meantime to prepare for the next year and the Daytona 500 - when you get to the middle of February you always wish you have few more days to try this and try that anyway.
"You are going to be constantly questioning, and I don't think you can ever do enough. But I want to get him into every type of track that we have."
Montoya himself is leaving such decisions to the team, and is playing down any expectations for whatever races he does end up contesting this season.
"This stage is about getting to know everybody and finalising everything and seeing where we stand," Montoya said. "For both parties it is great. McLaren-Mercedes and Dodge and DaimlerChrysler are the same company so in a way I'm still part of the family.
"I'm not focusing on starting early or Watkins Glen. For me it is just to know the cars. What really matters is the season ahead - next year and not this year.
"The point in making this a long-term deal is we both know it is going to take time, and with time I'm sure he can do well. It will be a long learning curve, I'm sure I can do well."[/QUOTE]
More on JPMs future.
[QUOTE]Ganassi won't rush Montoya's debut
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, July 12th 2006, 16:21 GMT
Chip Ganassi believes mid-August is the earliest his team can reasonably expect Juan Montoya to turn a wheel in a NASCAR.
Now the Colombian has been parted company with McLaren immediately, Montoya is theoretically available to start preparing for his 2007 Nextel Cup programme sooner than originally expected.
However, Ganassi, who owns the number 42 Dodge Charger that Montoya will drive next season, would not be drawn on when he expects to see Montoya in the cockpit due to uncertainty over his release from McLaren.
"There are different levels of being released," Ganassi said. "There is a 'shakes hands and see you later' or you can be released to do some testing or released to do some racing.
"We are still walking through the mechanics of that. Papers have to be signed with McLaren for any conditional release."
On the second weekend in August, NASCAR visits Watkins Glen, one of only two road course races this year, leading to speculation that the Busch series race that weekend could be Montoya's debut. However, that is unlikely, according to Ganassi.
"Certainly when we get the details of his release, and what we can and can do we will use every opportunity to put him in good cars at the race circuits he needs to see," Ganassi added.
"On the list of important things I want him to do, to learn driving one of these Cup cars on a road course is way down the list right now. Because of the previous plans that are in place, even if Juan was available to drive tomorrow it would be an impossibility.
"In terms of a time frame we can maybe think about the middle of August. But in terms what we like to see him do in the meantime to prepare for the next year and the Daytona 500 - when you get to the middle of February you always wish you have few more days to try this and try that anyway.
"You are going to be constantly questioning, and I don't think you can ever do enough. But I want to get him into every type of track that we have."
Montoya himself is leaving such decisions to the team, and is playing down any expectations for whatever races he does end up contesting this season.
"This stage is about getting to know everybody and finalising everything and seeing where we stand," Montoya said. "For both parties it is great. McLaren-Mercedes and Dodge and DaimlerChrysler are the same company so in a way I'm still part of the family.
"I'm not focusing on starting early or Watkins Glen. For me it is just to know the cars. What really matters is the season ahead - next year and not this year.
"The point in making this a long-term deal is we both know it is going to take time, and with time I'm sure he can do well. It will be a long learning curve, I'm sure I can do well."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 07-12-2006 02:15 PM |
From Monty himself.
[QUOTE]Montoya backs early McLaren exit
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, July 12th 2006, 16:52 GMT
Juan Montoya believes it made sense for him to end his deal with McLaren earlier that expected so he could peruse his NASCAR career sooner.
Montoya announced on Sunday he would race until the end of the season with McLaren before joining up with former CART team boss Chip Ganassi for a multi-year deal to drive in the NASCAR Nextel Cup.
However, he and McLaren then reached a mutual agreement yesterday to end their relationship immediately, leaving the Colombian more time to learn about stock car racing before next season.
The Colombian will stay associated with Mercedes owners' DaimlerChrysler, who also owns the Dodge brand Montoya will race with in stock cars.
"It is about us all working together and what is the best for me and what is the best for DaimlerChrysler," Montoya said.
"Everything is pretty easy and it is not a matter of releasing me, it is a matter for DaimlerChrysler.
"It is in their interest for me to learn [NASCAR]. We were completely out of the drivers' championship and so we decided to not waste time. The more time I can use to focus on America and next year's deal the better.
"But at this point it is middle of the season and it is important for me to get up speed, and not to disturb the way the team here is developing because I got released. At the end of the day the main focus is 2007."
Montoya, however, did notice one difference immediately between Formula One and NASCAR following his visit to Chicagoland on Sunday.
"I've been in Formula One for six seasons," he added. "I have only been to the Williams motorhome and the McLaren motorhome. Nowhere else.
"And within ten minutes of being in the NASCAR paddock, Jimmie Johnson was inviting me into his motorhome, and Roger Penske and Jeff Gordon and everyone. Everybody is just nice in NASCAR and it is just great to see people enjoying the sport."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montoya backs early McLaren exit
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, July 12th 2006, 16:52 GMT
Juan Montoya believes it made sense for him to end his deal with McLaren earlier that expected so he could peruse his NASCAR career sooner.
Montoya announced on Sunday he would race until the end of the season with McLaren before joining up with former CART team boss Chip Ganassi for a multi-year deal to drive in the NASCAR Nextel Cup.
However, he and McLaren then reached a mutual agreement yesterday to end their relationship immediately, leaving the Colombian more time to learn about stock car racing before next season.
The Colombian will stay associated with Mercedes owners' DaimlerChrysler, who also owns the Dodge brand Montoya will race with in stock cars.
"It is about us all working together and what is the best for me and what is the best for DaimlerChrysler," Montoya said.
"Everything is pretty easy and it is not a matter of releasing me, it is a matter for DaimlerChrysler.
"It is in their interest for me to learn [NASCAR]. We were completely out of the drivers' championship and so we decided to not waste time. The more time I can use to focus on America and next year's deal the better.
"But at this point it is middle of the season and it is important for me to get up speed, and not to disturb the way the team here is developing because I got released. At the end of the day the main focus is 2007."
Montoya, however, did notice one difference immediately between Formula One and NASCAR following his visit to Chicagoland on Sunday.
"I've been in Formula One for six seasons," he added. "I have only been to the Williams motorhome and the McLaren motorhome. Nowhere else.
"And within ten minutes of being in the NASCAR paddock, Jimmie Johnson was inviting me into his motorhome, and Roger Penske and Jeff Gordon and everyone. Everybody is just nice in NASCAR and it is just great to see people enjoying the sport."[/QUOTE]
| nKoan | 07-12-2006 02:40 PM |
[QUOTE=wvallwheeldrive]To everyone that keeps saying NASCAR is still a southern sport look at where the top ten in points are from. 3 from the south 3 from Califorina.
Jimmie Johnson - El Cajon, Calif
Matt Kenseth - Cambridge, Wis.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Kannapolis, N.C.
Jeff Burton - South Boston, Va.
Casey Kahne - Enumclaw, Wash.
Mark Martin - Batesville, Ark.
Tony Stewert - Columbus, Ind.
Kyle Busch - Las Vegas
Kevin Harvick - Bakersfield, Calif.
Jeff Gordon - Vallejo, Calif.[/QUOTE]
Well, El Cajon, Bakersfield and Vallejo are all part of the south. Just because they are physically located in California doesn't mean they aren't part of the south :p and yes, I'm part California-redneck myself, so I'm just saying that tounge-in-cheek.
When all is said and done, I like F1 over NASCAR, but I do enjoy NASCAR sometimes. Kind of like JPM said in his interview, "I just like racing." For me, 1 F1 pass equals 10 NASCAR passes. So, on one hand you have an amazing F1 pass that is 10 times more important then a NASCAR pass, but on the other hand, you get 10 times as many passes during a standard NASCAR race (which are exciting and certainly not diluted by their frequency).
I caught the press conference last night while watching my recording of the Grand-Am race. I already knew JPM was leaving, but it wasn't till watching that press conference that I finally realized how big of a deal this is. NASCAR just picked up a huge latin america market and its also stands the chance of getting casual viewers to watch again (esp. JPM's first few races). Its a big coup by NASCAR, and I have to just say "Bravo!" to them and to Montoya. Sure, it could be seen as a slap in the face to F1, but in reality I think everyone is gaining and F1 isn't losing that much. I think JPM was a decent driver who I think deserved his seat in F1, but there are plenty of drivers-in-waiting who will be able to potentially fill his shoes. And that will also be excited to watch over the course of the rest of the F1 season. He surely made this one Silly Season to remember.
Jimmie Johnson - El Cajon, Calif
Matt Kenseth - Cambridge, Wis.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Kannapolis, N.C.
Jeff Burton - South Boston, Va.
Casey Kahne - Enumclaw, Wash.
Mark Martin - Batesville, Ark.
Tony Stewert - Columbus, Ind.
Kyle Busch - Las Vegas
Kevin Harvick - Bakersfield, Calif.
Jeff Gordon - Vallejo, Calif.[/QUOTE]
Well, El Cajon, Bakersfield and Vallejo are all part of the south. Just because they are physically located in California doesn't mean they aren't part of the south :p and yes, I'm part California-redneck myself, so I'm just saying that tounge-in-cheek.
When all is said and done, I like F1 over NASCAR, but I do enjoy NASCAR sometimes. Kind of like JPM said in his interview, "I just like racing." For me, 1 F1 pass equals 10 NASCAR passes. So, on one hand you have an amazing F1 pass that is 10 times more important then a NASCAR pass, but on the other hand, you get 10 times as many passes during a standard NASCAR race (which are exciting and certainly not diluted by their frequency).
I caught the press conference last night while watching my recording of the Grand-Am race. I already knew JPM was leaving, but it wasn't till watching that press conference that I finally realized how big of a deal this is. NASCAR just picked up a huge latin america market and its also stands the chance of getting casual viewers to watch again (esp. JPM's first few races). Its a big coup by NASCAR, and I have to just say "Bravo!" to them and to Montoya. Sure, it could be seen as a slap in the face to F1, but in reality I think everyone is gaining and F1 isn't losing that much. I think JPM was a decent driver who I think deserved his seat in F1, but there are plenty of drivers-in-waiting who will be able to potentially fill his shoes. And that will also be excited to watch over the course of the rest of the F1 season. He surely made this one Silly Season to remember.
| nKoan | 07-12-2006 02:47 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Who says JV has a drive for next season?[/QUOTE]
He has also expressed interest in NASCAR as well. With the Mexico Busch race and the 3 Canadian races planned for 08 (2 cup and 1 Busch, I think), getting JPM and JV would be a great business move by NASCAR. Especially if one of the courses the Cup runs would be Circut de' Gilles Villenuve as is rumored.
He has also expressed interest in NASCAR as well. With the Mexico Busch race and the 3 Canadian races planned for 08 (2 cup and 1 Busch, I think), getting JPM and JV would be a great business move by NASCAR. Especially if one of the courses the Cup runs would be Circut de' Gilles Villenuve as is rumored.
| REX8 | 07-12-2006 07:20 PM |
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/johnjanick/moty.jpg[/IMG]
RIP JPM...
You were a rookie...and you went toe to toe with Schuey your first time out...
Ill never forget those early battles...
No one disputed he'd be a world champion then... :(
RIP JPM...
You were a rookie...and you went toe to toe with Schuey your first time out...
Ill never forget those early battles...
No one disputed he'd be a world champion then... :(
| Ferg | 07-14-2006 11:04 AM |
As always with Formula One...it's not always over when it's over.
[QUOTE]McLaren not ruling out Montoya return
By Jonathan Noble Friday, July 14th 2006, 14:48 GMT
Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya could still drive for the McLaren team in some of the remaining races of the 2006 season.
Despite having being replaced by test driver Pedro de la Rosa for this weekend's French Grand Prix, McLaren team chief Ron Dennis on Friday said it was more than possible that Montoya could return to the cockpit of a Formula One car.
Montoya shocked the world of Formula One last weekend when he announced he would leave the sport to drive for Chip Ganassi's team in the NASCAR series.
The announcement followed the decision between the Colombian and McLaren to part company, but Dennis said Montoya is still under contract by the team.
"Juan Pablo is fully contracted to the end of the year and if we so choose he will test and race again, that is our option and no one else's," said Dennis. "There is plenty in the press that differs with that fact.
"The way that is unfolded, clearly Juan Pablo struggled at times and I feel the team has always been totally supportive of him and continues to be supportive. You might find that difficult to believe in the circumstances.
"A few races ago we had a conversation that was based on his desire to continue with McLaren, his desire to stay in F1 and we came to a clear understanding that it was immaterial whether his objective was to stay in F1, or whether the team would keep him, or if he went to another team, the best way to achieve that was to have the best results in the latter part of the season, that is how we moved forward.
"I felt if he was focused on having the best end of season, I thought it would be easier for me to take the decision to keep him in the team, and better for him to get a better offer, so common objective was to get the best out of the season.
"Obviously that objective somewhat changed when he decided that in 2007 he was going to race in NASCAR so the objectives became different. The appropriate action was for him to cool off and think about his situation until we have a common objective for the remaining races."
When asked if he could see Montoya racing for his team again this year, Dennis said: "More than possibly. He is still a contracted driver. It is possible."
Dennis, however, said Spaniard de la Rosa was likely to retain the seat, and he ruled out Gary Paffett or GP2 leader Lewis Hamilton making their Grand Prix debut this year.
"It is likely Pedro will continue in the car but we are a team who decides how the drivers are utilized and these drivers are all contracted to us and we will go down the path we have got."
There had been suggestions that Montoya could make his NASCAR debut even as early as last week, but Dennis has quashed that option altogether.
"He is a contracted McLaren driver and he will stay that way until the end of his contract unless there is a commercial arrangement between us and a NASCAR team or Juan Pablo himself," added Dennis.
"There is a conflict of sponsors, marketing campaigns and plenty of reasons why that is not a practicable solution."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]McLaren not ruling out Montoya return
By Jonathan Noble Friday, July 14th 2006, 14:48 GMT
Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya could still drive for the McLaren team in some of the remaining races of the 2006 season.
Despite having being replaced by test driver Pedro de la Rosa for this weekend's French Grand Prix, McLaren team chief Ron Dennis on Friday said it was more than possible that Montoya could return to the cockpit of a Formula One car.
Montoya shocked the world of Formula One last weekend when he announced he would leave the sport to drive for Chip Ganassi's team in the NASCAR series.
The announcement followed the decision between the Colombian and McLaren to part company, but Dennis said Montoya is still under contract by the team.
"Juan Pablo is fully contracted to the end of the year and if we so choose he will test and race again, that is our option and no one else's," said Dennis. "There is plenty in the press that differs with that fact.
"The way that is unfolded, clearly Juan Pablo struggled at times and I feel the team has always been totally supportive of him and continues to be supportive. You might find that difficult to believe in the circumstances.
"A few races ago we had a conversation that was based on his desire to continue with McLaren, his desire to stay in F1 and we came to a clear understanding that it was immaterial whether his objective was to stay in F1, or whether the team would keep him, or if he went to another team, the best way to achieve that was to have the best results in the latter part of the season, that is how we moved forward.
"I felt if he was focused on having the best end of season, I thought it would be easier for me to take the decision to keep him in the team, and better for him to get a better offer, so common objective was to get the best out of the season.
"Obviously that objective somewhat changed when he decided that in 2007 he was going to race in NASCAR so the objectives became different. The appropriate action was for him to cool off and think about his situation until we have a common objective for the remaining races."
When asked if he could see Montoya racing for his team again this year, Dennis said: "More than possibly. He is still a contracted driver. It is possible."
Dennis, however, said Spaniard de la Rosa was likely to retain the seat, and he ruled out Gary Paffett or GP2 leader Lewis Hamilton making their Grand Prix debut this year.
"It is likely Pedro will continue in the car but we are a team who decides how the drivers are utilized and these drivers are all contracted to us and we will go down the path we have got."
There had been suggestions that Montoya could make his NASCAR debut even as early as last week, but Dennis has quashed that option altogether.
"He is a contracted McLaren driver and he will stay that way until the end of his contract unless there is a commercial arrangement between us and a NASCAR team or Juan Pablo himself," added Dennis.
"There is a conflict of sponsors, marketing campaigns and plenty of reasons why that is not a practicable solution."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 07-14-2006 11:11 AM |
WTF?
I wont be surprised if the one race he comes back for is Brazil. Man, F1 never stops amazing me.
I wont be surprised if the one race he comes back for is Brazil. Man, F1 never stops amazing me.
| Bonzo | 07-14-2006 11:18 AM |
Trading Paint is on SpeedTV tonight at 10:30pm est.
| Ferg | 07-14-2006 11:50 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]WTF?
I wont be surprised if the one race he comes back for is Brazil. Man, F1 never stops amazing me.[/QUOTE]
Or Monza, JPM owns that race track.
I wont be surprised if the one race he comes back for is Brazil. Man, F1 never stops amazing me.[/QUOTE]
Or Monza, JPM owns that race track.
| MattDell | 07-14-2006 12:04 PM |
[QUOTE=Bonzo]Trading Paint is on SpeedTV tonight at 10:30pm est.[/QUOTE]
It is also on Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 8
It is also on Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 8
| StuBeck | 07-14-2006 04:27 PM |
I hope he comes back for a race or two, but I sort of doubt it.
| Ferg | 07-14-2006 04:31 PM |
Yeah, this sounds like Ron throwing his wad around to me.
"He's still under contract so if I want him to cut the grass and wash the windows at Paragon, you'd better believe he's going to be out there with the mower and bucket."
"He's still under contract so if I want him to cut the grass and wash the windows at Paragon, you'd better believe he's going to be out there with the mower and bucket."
| KAX | 07-14-2006 04:36 PM |
its Ron trying to get money from Ganassi. if montoya does anything for mclaren itll be testing, thats it.
| Opie | 07-14-2006 04:38 PM |
Interesting...I was watching some NASCAR coverage of the New Hampshire practice today and they interviewed former CART, current IRL driver Patrick Carpentier who is meeting with NASCAR teams this weekend to hopefully sign with one of them to drive next year...
Sounds like everyone wants in...
Sounds like everyone wants in...
| artkevin | 07-14-2006 04:53 PM |
Follow the money.
| Ferg | 07-14-2006 07:01 PM |
More from Uncle Ron...
[QUOTE]McLaren doubted Montoya's commitment
Friday, July 14th 2006, 22:11 GMT
Ron Dennis says that McLaren-Mercedes relieved Juan Pablo Montoya of his duties because they suspected that his commitment to Formula One would waver now that he had pledged his future to NASCAR.
Confirmation that Pedro de la Rosa would take Montoya's place in the McLaren line-up came just two days after the NASCAR announcement.
"His decision to go to NASCAR brought into question the level of commitment and dedication that he would be able to bring to the balance of the season," Dennis told BBC Radio Five Live.
"Clearly all the time that Juan Pablo was driving for McLaren he was a) seeking to positively influence the management in respect of him staying with McLaren, and b) positively influence the other team principals who represented his options for Formula One.
"If that objective is clearly removed from his own mindset, it was my judgement that his commitment - which is not just driving hard, it goes beyond that - was brought into question."
Dennis believes that Montoya has acted rashly in the past week.
"Some thinking time was the most appropriate reaction to a decision that clearly didn't have that value attached to it," he said.
"This was clearly a spontaneous, reactive decision, taken and executed within a very small window of time. It did not involve his management and it certainly did not involve our team.
"My experience in life is that impetuous actions are just that, and that people very often reflect on what they've decided to do and subsequently regret it."
Despite this criticism, Dennis maintained that Montoya could yet be recalled to the race squad later in the season.
"I think a period of reflection was the right approach," said Dennis. "I don't want to have, and nor does anyone else in the time, a closed mind to pursuing Juan Pablo's involvement in the balance of the season if we're convinced that it can be attacked with the right level of competitiveness and commitment."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]McLaren doubted Montoya's commitment
Friday, July 14th 2006, 22:11 GMT
Ron Dennis says that McLaren-Mercedes relieved Juan Pablo Montoya of his duties because they suspected that his commitment to Formula One would waver now that he had pledged his future to NASCAR.
Confirmation that Pedro de la Rosa would take Montoya's place in the McLaren line-up came just two days after the NASCAR announcement.
"His decision to go to NASCAR brought into question the level of commitment and dedication that he would be able to bring to the balance of the season," Dennis told BBC Radio Five Live.
"Clearly all the time that Juan Pablo was driving for McLaren he was a) seeking to positively influence the management in respect of him staying with McLaren, and b) positively influence the other team principals who represented his options for Formula One.
"If that objective is clearly removed from his own mindset, it was my judgement that his commitment - which is not just driving hard, it goes beyond that - was brought into question."
Dennis believes that Montoya has acted rashly in the past week.
"Some thinking time was the most appropriate reaction to a decision that clearly didn't have that value attached to it," he said.
"This was clearly a spontaneous, reactive decision, taken and executed within a very small window of time. It did not involve his management and it certainly did not involve our team.
"My experience in life is that impetuous actions are just that, and that people very often reflect on what they've decided to do and subsequently regret it."
Despite this criticism, Dennis maintained that Montoya could yet be recalled to the race squad later in the season.
"I think a period of reflection was the right approach," said Dennis. "I don't want to have, and nor does anyone else in the time, a closed mind to pursuing Juan Pablo's involvement in the balance of the season if we're convinced that it can be attacked with the right level of competitiveness and commitment."[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 07-14-2006 07:51 PM |
Ron Dennis = sour grapes.
| Zornorph | 07-14-2006 07:54 PM |
^^what he said. prima donna.
| artkevin | 07-14-2006 09:31 PM |
Ummm, isn't that almost exactly the same way Ron Dennis signed JPM after the French GP a few years back? He's starting to piss me off.
| KAX | 07-15-2006 05:15 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Ummm, isn't that almost exactly the same way Ron Dennis signed JPM after the French GP a few years back? He's starting to piss me off.[/QUOTE]
not following
not following
| StuBeck | 07-15-2006 09:36 AM |
Juan got pissed at the French Grand Prix in 03 because he believed the team showed preferable treatment to Ralf. Ron knew about this and basically signed him almost immediately for 05 at that point. Now that the same thing has happened to Ron, he's cut the driver and isn't letting him do anything.
| brianmcd | 07-15-2006 08:03 PM |
Well, I didn't watch it last night because you said it was playing tonight and tomorrow. Tonight is a new episode, not the Montoya one. I hope tomorrow is the right one or I'm going to be pissed.
[QUOTE=MattDell]It is also on Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 8[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=MattDell]It is also on Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 8[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 07-15-2006 08:43 PM |
[QUOTE=KAX]not following[/QUOTE]
Yup, what Stu said. Ron signed JPM under the same circumstances so he knew exactly what he was getting.
Yup, what Stu said. Ron signed JPM under the same circumstances so he knew exactly what he was getting.
| MattDell | 07-16-2006 10:10 AM |
[QUOTE=brianmcd]Well, I didn't watch it last night because you said it was playing tonight and tomorrow. Tonight is a new episode, not the Montoya one. I hope tomorrow is the right one or I'm going to be pissed.[/QUOTE]
Just relaying what TiVo showed me. :o
Just relaying what TiVo showed me. :o
| brianmcd | 07-16-2006 12:31 PM |
I think TiVo lied. I'm not even seeing any Tradin' Paint on the schedule for tonight...8PM is NASCAR Victory Lane.
| StuBeck | 07-16-2006 06:54 PM |
Trading paint is also a tv show they have.
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