Montoya's Triumphant Return: A Veteran's Comeback to NASCAR's Biggest Stage

After a hiatus of over a decade, former NASCAR Cup Series winner Juan Pablo Montoya is set to make a one-off appearance at Watkins Glen International this Sunday, driving for the 23XI Racing team. The Colombian driver's return to the premier division of stock car racing has generated significant buzz, as he looks to recapture the magic that once made him a force to be reckoned with on the NASCAR circuit.

A Veteran's Homecoming: Montoya's Eagerness to Prove Himself Once More

Adapting to the NextGen Era

Much has changed since Montoya's last NASCAR outing, with the introduction of the NextGen car in 2022 representing a significant shift in the sport's technical landscape. The 48-year-old driver acknowledges the challenges he faces in adapting to the new racecar, but remains confident in his ability to perform at a high level."It's really good to be back — exciting. I have no idea what to expect. I think I should run pretty well, but that is all I can tell you, right now," Montoya said. "It's so difficult because you come into the weekend where you get — I drove the car at VIR and did about 40 laps, just to get comfortable, make sure the seat and everything were working. I felt pretty good with the car."Montoya's preparation for the Watkins Glen event has involved extensive discussions with his 23XI Racing teammates, as well as other drivers, to gain insights into the handling characteristics of the NextGen car. However, the feedback he's received has been somewhat conflicting, with some drivers describing the car as difficult to master, while others have likened it to a more forgiving GT3 machine.

Defying the Odds: Montoya's Pursuit of a Top-10 Finish

At 48 years old, Montoya is the 39th driver in NASCAR history to return to the Cup Series after a hiatus of more than a decade, and the first since Stanton Barrett in 2018. His quest to become just the fourth driver to score a top-10 finish in his return to the series adds an extra layer of intrigue to his comeback bid.Montoya's confidence in his driving abilities remains unshaken, despite the time away from the sport. The Colombian driver has remained actively involved in racing, competing in various karting and shifter kart events, which he believes has kept his skills sharp."I really don't have a reason not to do it. I feel like I can still do a good job – this year, I wasn't racing full time, but I was doing a lot of karting, a lot of shifter karts with my kid, and I'm still involved in racing fully," Montoya said.

The Opportunity Arises: Montoya's Unexpected Return to NASCAR

Montoya's return to NASCAR competition came about through a fortuitous phone call from 23XI Racing President Steve Lauletta earlier this year. The invitation to participate in a one-off event at Watkins Glen was an opportunity Montoya couldn't pass up, as it aligned with his desire to continue competing at the highest levels of motorsport."[Steve] Lauletta [President of 23XI Racing] called me earlier this year, around the US GP in Miami, and a little before that, and he asked if [I] would be interested in doing that, and I said yeah, I would," Montoya explained. "I think it would be cool. The idea behind it is pretty cool, and the cars are really competitive — so why not? I really don't have a reason not to do it."

Qualifying Concerns and Respect for the Competition

Despite his impressive racing pedigree, Montoya remains cautious about his qualifying prospects, acknowledging that the car's performance will be a significant factor in determining his starting position."Will just drive the car. If the car is good, you will look good. If it's bad, you are going to look bad. I don't think the car is bad, but it is if I'm comfortable in it or not. I told the guys that I would be surprised if we qualified really well – like I should qualify pretty decent," Montoya said.As Montoya prepares to take on the Watkins Glen circuit, he is mindful of the championship implications for the drivers currently competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The event marks the second race in the 'Round of 16' playoffs, and Montoya is determined to be respectful of his fellow competitors while still pursuing a strong result."I will be nice and respectful of everyone that is nice and respectful for me. I don't want to get in a pissing contest with anyone. I want to run well," Montoya stated. "If I get to you and I'm quicker than you, I'm going to try to pass you. If you get to me, and you are quicker than me, there is reason – the race is long enough. Like always, you wait for the adjustment and make the car better – if you make someone miserable at the start of the race, they are going to return the favor later."

The Future Remains Uncertain

As Montoya prepares to take the green flag at Watkins Glen, the question on everyone's mind is whether this will be a one-time appearance or the start of a more extended comeback. The veteran driver remains coy on the matter, preferring to focus on the task at hand."I don't know. Let's do this weekend and then we will see," Montoya said. "Honestly, if someone comes to me one day and asks if I want to do a one-off, I would probably say yes, but it is Saturday morning, so we will see."With the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE starting from the 34th position, Montoya's journey to a potential top-10 finish will be a challenging one. However, his unwavering determination and vast experience in the sport make him a formidable contender, and his return to NASCAR's biggest stage is sure to captivate racing fans around the world.