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Formula 1 News - July 2006
Juan Pablo Montoya to race in NASCAR

McLaren Mercedes driver Juan Pablo Montoya has decided to quit Formula 1 at the end of the 2006 season. He has signed a multi-year contract with Chip Ganassi Racing to compete in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series from 2007.

Chip Ganassi said: "We are thrilled to be getting a driver of this caliber to put into the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge. Juan Pablo is one of the best race car drivers in the world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 driver that will bring a much needed veteran presence to our team."

Juan Pablo Montoya said: "I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing racing league in the world. I’ve thought about this for quite some time but the opportunity had to be right. I’ve known and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better for me. I have a lot of confidence in my ability as a race car driver and in Chip and Felix as owners. I know the transition will not be easy but I can’t wait to get behind the wheel."

Juan Pablo Montoya made his Formula 1 debut in 2001 with the Williams team. After 4 seasons with Williams he moved to McLaren and did reasonably well in his first season with them with 3 wins. This season however he has yet to win a race and has only finished on the podium twice.
So far in his Formula 1 career Montoya has 7 race wins, 13 Pole positions and 12 fastest laps.
He finished 3rd in the Drivers' Championship twice (2002 and 2003).  In 2003 he was in contention for the Championship until the penultimate round in the USA.

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