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Juan Pablo Montoya reveals how he plans to race against NASCAR Playoff drivers at Watkins Glen

JHby: Jonathan Howard09/14/24Jondean25
Juan Pablo Montoya
Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

On Sunday, Juan Pablo Montoya will race in the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time in a decade and he is coming to make noise. But how will Montoya handle himself around the playoff drivers on Sunday?

During the NASCAR Playoffs, there is always a concern about one-off drivers. What are they going to do? Will they get in the way of a playoff driver winning the race or potentially wreck one of them out of the event?

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Juan Pablo Montoya was asked about how he plans to race. The motorsports veteran plans to run his race and not make enemies.

“I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna, honestly, I don’t wanna get in a pissing contest with anybody. I want to run well,” Montoya said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “If I get to you and I’m quicker than you, I’m going to try to pass you, and if you’re quicker than me and you get there, there’s no reason – the race is long enough. Like always, wait for the adjustment, make the car better. If you make somebody miserable early in the race, they’re going to return the favor later. So, I know I’m doing one-off but I’ll be respectful if everybody is respectful with me.”

Juan Pablo Montoya sounded a bit annoyed by the question. Understandably, actually. Montoya is a veteran of not just the Cup Series, but multiple motorsports series. He is one of the most accomplished, multi-discipline racers. Montoya knows how to race respectfully.

Now, there may be some younger drivers in the Cup Series that take the aggression to him. If they do, they better be ready to put up a fight. Montoya has no agenda other than to get a result that he is happy with at the end of the day. That could quickly change if a driver in the field gives him a reason to change his goals.

Juan Pablo Montoya returning to Watkins Glen

A solid practice and qualifying session showed that Juan Pablo Montoya still has a bit of speed in him at 48 years old. Coming into the Cup Series for a one-off is not an easy task, especially after retirement.

I think that we are going to see Montoya start out at an easy pace. He has to feel this car out, the field, and the newly configured track at race pace, in a pack. Once he gets comfortable, I think we could see a top-20 performance from the No. 50 car tomorrow.

Denny Hamlin brought JPM to 23XI Racing for a reason. He believes that the veteran can put up a good result, represent his company well, and have some fun while they are at it.

Juan Pablo Montoya doesn’t need to be told how to race. But some of these young drivers have never raced him before. We will see if there is any friction between the old school and new school.