Montoya’s Sends Fiery Message to NASCAR Grid: ‘It’s Not That Hard’

Juan Pablo Montoya is far from finished with his racing story, as he makes a return to NASCAR at Watkins Glen. With 255 NASCAR Cup starts under his belt, albeit none since 2014, Montoya is eager to prove he’s still got what it takes behind the wheel. Rejoining the circuit with 23XI Racing in the No. 50 Toyota Camry, Montoya isn’t just back for fun — he’s made it clear that he’s here to compete for the win.

Montoya secured a victory at Watkins Glen in 2010, so he’s certainly no stranger to this brilliant street circuit. Speaking passionately about his return, he said the following, via Motorsport.com:

“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.”

His preparations included about 40 practice laps at VIR, designed to reacquaint himself with how the newer car model reacts to his inputs, which he found easier compared to the old machinery he used to drive.

However, the weekend’s practice and qualifying sessions presented challenges. Montoya clocked in 26 laps during practice, achieving a middling 15th place. Qualifying was less forgiving, landing him 34th out of 38, a reality check.

“The new thing and I’m glad there are two practices,” he noted. “…If you overdo it, you screw up and you under-do it, you screw up.”

Montoya’s teammates, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, also faced a difficult start to the weekend, qualifying 32nd and 16th respectively. Montoya holds his head high, though, with him simply enjoying his time back behind the wheel driving competitively.

“I thought it was pretty good honestly…we did a lot of things with a lot less than the other teams, personally thinking.”

He continued:

“I will be nice and respectful of everyone that is nice and respectful for me,” he said with a laugh, adding, “I don’t want to get in a p*ssing contest with anyone.

“I want to run well.

“If I get to you, and I’m quicker than you — I’m going to try to pass you…It is not that hard. If you get to me, and you are quicker than me, there is reason — the race is long enough.

“Like always, you wait for the adjustment and make the car better — if you make someone miserable at the start of the race, they are going to return the favor later. I know I’m doing a one-off. I will be respectful of everyone that is respectful of me. It is not that hard.”

Watkins Glen’s inclusion in the playoffs for the first time adds even more excitement to the race weekend, and it sounds as though it’s captured Montoya’s attention. When asked if he’d do it again, he teased a future return:

“I don’t know. Let’s do this weekend and then we will see…if someone comes to me one day and asks me if I want to do a one-off, I would probably say yes.”

This weekend will be fascinating for fans, seeing the Columbian driver return to add to his strong racing history. He is a highly accomplished and versatile race car driver known for his success across multiple motorsport disciplines. Born in Colombia, Montoya made a name for himself in Formula 1, where he secured seven Grand Prix wins.

He also found success in the IndyCar Series, winning the Indianapolis 500 twice. Moving to NASCAR, with 255 race starts to his name he won two Cup Series races.