NOVEMBER 13, 2006

Montoya waits for Nextel Cup debut

Juan Pablo Montoya is hoping to finish his racing season by making his debut in the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Miami Homestead next weekend, driving a Ganassi Dodge.

Juan Pablo Montoya is hoping to finish his racing season by making his debut in the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Miami Homestead next weekend, driving a Ganassi Dodge. The big question appears to be whether or not he will go with a new car or whether he will take over from Casey Mears in the Havoline car and thus be guaranteed a start. It is possible that Mears might be switched to another number as his experience would likely mean that he was able to qualify.

Montoya has competed in two ARCA and three Busch Series races so far, his best result in the second category being 11th, a pretty good effort for a NASCAR rookie.

The team has confirmed that Montoya will run a partial season of Busch races next year with Texaco Havoline backing in addition to his Nextel Cup activities, while the team will also run a second car with support from the Wrigley's gum company. this will be shared between a variety of Ganassi drivers, including Reed Sorenson and David Stremme. Wrigley's will also sponsor three Winston Cup races with Montoya with the Big Red brand as primary sponsor of the car and will be an associate sponsor for the other races.

A decision about Miami Homestead is due today or tomorrow.