Montoya to Begin Testing for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
CONCORD, N.C. (September 25, 2006) Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced that Juan Pablo Montoya has been released from his Formula One contract and will begin testing stock cars immediately. Team Owner Chip Ganassi confirmed Montoya would be participating in the ARCA/ReMAX Series test sessions at Talladega Superspeedway today, and at Iowa Speedway on Friday, September 29th. "We are going to take Montoya to Talladega today and then to Iowa Speedway later in the week," said Team Owner Chip Ganassi. "We will evaluate the tests, see how he is feeling about the transition and make a decision regarding other tests and possible races based off that information."
Team Owner Chip Ganassi announced in July the Formula One driver signed a multi-year deal with the CGRFS organization to compete full-time in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007. Montoya will become the first Formula One regular to ever join the NEXTEL Cup ranks when he assumes the driving duties of No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger. The 31-year-old Montoya joins CGRFS with impressive open-wheel credentials. He has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar and Formula One Series' where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete seasons in Formula One, Montoya has finished sixth or better in the standings. He will become the first F1 driver in the 58-year history of NASCAR to compete on the circuit full-time.