Montoya Debuts, Memphis Sam’s Town 250
Written by George Katinger · October 28, 2006
Much has been written and stated concerning expectations for Juan “Don’t Call Me Bubbacito” Montoya and his Jump to NASCAR. Today marked his debut at the Busch series Memphis event, the Sam’s Town 250.
insiderracingnews.com: At Memphis: All Eyes On Juan
usatoday.com: Harvick wins again, Montoya 11th in NASCAR debut
delawareonline.com: Montoya has rocky debut in Busch race
Montoya has been predictably nervous concerning his first full fledged NASCAR event. How will he do? Will he embarass himself and his team?
After his relatively successful ARCA races, and testing at various tracks (including Memphis last week) I think it’s fair to say that he has performed above expectation levels, possibly even his own. And definitely way above my predictions of mediocrity.
Todays race saw JPM start from 9th and finish 11th. A qualy spot of 9th is terrific for a rookie, never mind a rookie with no NASCAR experience at all. And his eleventh place finish is all the more remarkable becuse he spun and dropped back to 30th. He managed to find his way back to 11th finishing on the lead lap.
But there were “issues” along the way, as Juan managed to spin two cars during his trek back to the front. Ah well, it wouldn’t be a NASCAR race without fender bendin’, would it? The most important lesson Juan took from the race? Patience. He commented, “But there are some guys out there who would race like its the last lap. It feels like kindergarten out there.” Easy Juan, those remarks will only serve to prove who is the true kindergartener when next you meet these folks on track. If you think they are in kindergarten that would make you a pre-schooler?
Oh yeah, Kevin Harvick managed to blast past Carl Edwards for the race win in the closing laps.
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Hey… are you trying to get on “Ovalcito’s” Case? (Sorry George, I can’t beat you, only imitate!)
I have to note part of his quotes missed. He mentioned how he had gotten a fender beside the door of Yeley (I believe) and he spun Yeley.
If that’s the case, I didn’t see the event, Ovalcito didn’t do any wrong at least in that one instance.
It’s long been understood if you get that far alongside the car being overtaken should yield.
More than one Vet has complained how many drivers today don’t follow that “rule.”
I’m really not sure if Juan’s contacts were his fault or the the other guy’s, but he is gaining respect from the other drivers, such as Harvick. His quotes in the usatoday.com article are interesting reading.