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Juan Pablo Montoya eyes aggressive NASCAR comeback, warns rivals ahead of Watkins Glen

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and a seven-year stint in NASCAR, Juan Pablo Montoya doesn't want to be an easy target in this weekend's Watkins Glen as he returns in the Cup Series.

Juan Pablo Montoya in the frame (Getty)
authorSportsTak
Sun, 15 Sep 12:30 AM IST

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and a seven-year stint in NASCAR, Juan Pablo Montoya doesn't want to be an easy target in this weekend's Watkins Glen as he returns in the Cup Series. The driver who hails from Colombia will be neck to neck with the drivers on the track.

 

What did William Byron say on Juan Pablo Montoya's return?

 

In a post on X from The Athletic reporter Jeff Gluck, playoff driver William Byron was asked what he has to say on Montoya's return and he said, "Hopefully he's nice and respectful of the playoff guys."

 

In another post on X, Jeff posted Montoya's comments stating how he would race on his return in over 10 years. He said, "I race people fair and I hope people race me fair — and if they don’t, I won’t. If you want to be an a**hole, I can be a bigger a**hole; if you want to be nice, I’ll be very nice."

 

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What fans had to say on Juan Pablo Montoya's return?

 

There were a few comments posted by the fans who were excited about Montoya's return and felt he may get aggressive with his fellow drivers. "Never back a man in a corner that has nothing to lose. JPM bringing the smoke will be God tier entertainment."

 

The other tweet read, "That's my driver right there,"

 

Montoya will be racing for the team owned by Michael Jordan, called 23XI Racing. His teammate for the race will be Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Montoya will make a return in the second race of the ongoing Cup Series playoffs and hick first since Brickyard 400 in July 2014.

 

Juan Pablo Montoya's first stint in NASCAR

 

Juan Pablo Montoya started his NASCAR career in 2007 when he used to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing and had the No.42 with him in all seven seasons he had in the sport. His first victory came in his rookie season at the Sonoma Raceway. The win played a crucial role in handing Montoya the Rookie of the Year award.

 

In the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Montoya finished 20th and 25th. The 2009 season saw the Colombian driver have 18 top-ten finishes to his name and earn a well-deserved playoff spot. That season he posted a career-best finish by claiming the eighth spot. 

 

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