From the June, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Juan Pablo Montoya Captures 1st Nextel Cup Victory
As many predicted, Juan Pablo Montoya's first victory in Nextel Cup came on the road-course in Sonoma. And unlike in Montoya's first NASCAR win, which came at the Busch race in Mexico, he escaped without making new enemies.Though un-challenged at the end, Juan's win did not come easy. Starting 32nd, Juan had to overtake road-course aces Boris Said, Ron Fellows, and Robby Gordon amongst other top-level drivers to claim the lead. And like most road-course races, it all came down to fuel strategy. After being advised in the closing laps by his team that the car would be 2 laps shy on fuel, Juan nursed it along by late shifting and coasting as much as possible. When the checkered flag waved, Montoya was running on fumes lacking enough fuel to do the customary burn-out.
The Columbian national is the first foreigner since 1974 and only the second non-US citizen to win in NASCAR's Cup series. This win is huge not only for Montoya and Ganassi racing, but also for NASCAR as it looks to establish itself as the most popular racing series in the world.
Also important to note, Montoya's win is also the first by Dodge this season and the first manufacturer besides Chevrolet to win a Car of Tomorrow race.
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