Juan Pablo Montoya
NNCS Charlotte Advance
Race: Bank of America 500 on Saturday, October 13
Track: Lowe’s Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval)
Location: Concord, N.C.
Juan Pablo Montoya and the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Avenger Team Facts:
Charlotte Under the Lights: Juan Pablo Montoya and the Texaco/Havoline team were in the wrong place at the wrong time in May’s 600-mile event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Montoya slowed to avoid a multi-car wreck on lap 52, but was hit from behind and forced into the car in front of him. After spending 28 laps behind pit wall, Montoya returned to the track in the 38th position and gained 10 spots through attrition to finish 28th.
Standings: Montoya remains 20th in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup standings after his 15th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway. He did gain significant points on the drivers ahead of him in the standings. He now sits 30 points out of 19th and just 46 points out of 17th.
Meet Montoya: Montoya, along with his fellow Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) drivers Reed Sorenson, David Stremme, Bryan Clauson and Memos Rojas (Grand-Am), will be taking a couple hours out of their fast-pace schedules on Friday, October 12, to stop by the CGRFS Concord, N.C., race shop to meet fans and sign autographs. The two-hour driver autograph session is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and will run through 1 p.m. ET. Reservations are required. To learn more go to www.chipganassiracing.com and click on “Charlotte Race Week 2007.”
Ladies’ Night Returns to CGRFS: After a successful debut in 2006, Ladies’ Night is returning this October the CGRFS Concord, N.C., race shop Wednesday, October 10 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET), with more fun festivities. In addition to free admission and a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the CGRFS race shop, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be on the house for all attendees. Guests will also be treated to a fall fashion show that will include apparel designed by the CGRFS Drive4Design contest winner Heath Harmon, as well as a sneak peek at the new fall fashions. Special guest speakers will stop by to visit and talk about their racing careers and lives. Raffle prizes will also be given away with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Reservations are required, so don’t delay. Call 1-800-888-6388 to reserve your spot for CGRFS Ladies’ Night 2007 today. To learn more go to www.chipganassiracing.com and click on “Charlotte Race Week 2007.”
Rookie Race: Montoya was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the October 7 UAW 500 at Talladega. He scored a 15th-place finish and took Raybestos® Rookie of the Race honors for the 13th time this season, including two of the last three races. Montoya leads David Ragan by 15 points (225-210) in the Raybestos® Rookie standings entering the October 13 Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Montoya is poised to become the fourth driver for Texaco/Havoline to earn the Raybestos Rookie honor (Davey Allison, Kenny Irwin and Jamie McMurray).
Chassis: Crew Chief Donnie Wingo and the Texaco/Havoline team are bringing chassis #709 to Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend for the 500-mile race. This is a new chassis in the CGRFS stable.
Celebrating 20 Years: In celebration of Texaco’s 20th anniversary in sponsoring stock car racing and a successful season for rookie Montoya, Chevron Products Company introduced its special limited edition gift card carrying the image of the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline race car and Montoya. The Texaco/Havoline branded gift cards are now available for purchase in denominations up to $100 at participating Texaco stations or online at www.texaco.com.
