Juan Pablo Montoya Tests NEXTEL Cup Car at Kentucky Speedway

SPARTA, Ky. (October 3, 2006) Juan Pablo Montoya took his first trips around Kentucky Speedway in a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup car on Tuesday during a closed test session at the track.

"Overall, I think the test went extremely well," said engineer and crew chief Steve Boyer.  "Juan logged about 150 miles today and turned in a quick time of 32.17 seconds.  That's a great time for his first time at the track."

In comparison, Montoya was just two-tenths off of the times clocked by other Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) drivers at Kentucky in the past.

"We did have a small hiccup today, Juan spun and hit the outside wall," continued Boyer.  "It put us a little behind, but he learned where the edge is on the Cup car.  These cars are much more unforgiving than the ARCA car because of the smaller spoiler."

"We are also learning a lot about what Juan needs, even small things like where he likes his seat mounted in the car.  I think today will be just as good, if not better."

Montoya will continue the two-day test on today before heading to Talladega for his first stock-car race for CGRFS in the No. 4 Texaco/Havoline Dodge.