Results from Atlanta Motor Speedway

1.    Kurt Busch, No. 2 Dodge

2.    Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Ford

3.    Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Chevrolet

29.  Jamie McMurray, No. 1 Bass pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet

Montoya Brings Home the Target Team’s First Top-Five Finish of the Season

Hampton, Ga. (March 8, 2010) – Juan Pablo Montoya was looking to gain some ground heading into Atlanta Motor Speedway after two disheartening incidents at California and Las Vegas. The No. 42 Target Chevrolet proved to be a contender right from the start and the team ended up finishing right where they started - in third place. The top-five marks the first for the team this season and helped advance Montoya five positions to 21st in the point standings.

The No. 42 Target Chevrolet found itself lined up in the third position for the start of the Kolbalt Tools 500 on Sunday. The strong starting spot marked the fourth consecutive top-10 start in the 2010 NASCAR season for Montoya. When the green flag waved, Montoya battled in the front of the field throughout the 341-lap race and would only fall outside of the top-10 for a total of 17 laps. He would also be credited with five additional bonus points for leading the field on laps 172-174.

With just two laps remaining in the original 325-lap distance, Montoya was running second and closing fast on race leader Kurt Busch. However, two late cautions stretched the race and would force the field to a green, white, checkered race finale. On the final restart, the Target Chevrolet was lined up in the second position and Montoya had his sights set on his first oval track win. Unfortunately the tires on the No. 42 spun on the restart and Montoya would cross the finish line in the third position.

“It was a good day. We were coming at the end. I thought we had a chance to get to the No. 2 with two laps to go and then the caution came out,” Montoya remarked.”That final restart I spun the tires. Kind of surprised me. It's one of those deals.  It's okay. I told the guys anyway at the end, we need to finish, we need the points.  It's a good point’s day for us.”

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will enjoy an off-week this weekend. Race action will resume on Sunday, March 21 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Food City 500 will air live on FOX at 1:00 pm (ET).

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