Ex Williams and McLaren Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has crashed out of his proper debut race in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series. After running for 252 laps at Miami-Homestead Oval in America, Montoya was tagged from behind by Ryan Newman and spun, going backwards into the wall. Juan Pablo’s Dodge erupted in flames and Montoya had to make a quick exit from his car. After a check-up at the circuits medical centre, Montoya left unscathed and feels this chance to race prior to the 2007 season has been beneficial to him.

We proved we can run the pack and I have learned a lot this weekend.
I told the guys (when I signed with Ganassi) that it wouldn’t be easy, but I accomplished what I came here to do and I’m getting better race by race. Juan Pablo Montoya

Let’s hope things get better for JPM, otherwise his stateside return may end up mimicking his flambouyant Formula One career and he could end up spending more time in the wall than on the tarmac.

NASCAR, Juan Pablo Montoya, Chip Ganassi, Dodge