From the October, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Juan Pablo Montoya Update
It's only a matter of time for the rest of the world to discover what the rest of us already know, that NASCAR is second to none when it comes to providing jaw-dropping, heart pounding entertainment! The foreign press was working hard Saturday at the Sam's Town 250 atMemphis Motorsports Park to send the message. One of the most celebrated sports icons of Europe and South America and former top Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, got his first real start in a stock car.
The rookie finished 11th and performed well in a field that had a number of Nextel Cup drivers competing. But don't fool yourself into believing that Juan is happy with 11th. "If I'm top 10, it's like a victory," said Juan. "For me, I want to win. As I told you, we have the learning process and everything. But at the end of the day, we're here to win. We're not here to (say), 'Oh, we finished 10th. He was great.'"
Already the Columbian native has brought new fans to NASCAR. Juan was cheered by fellow Columbians sporting Columbian flags during the race at Memphis. This is exactly what NASCAR has been trying to accomplish for a number of years with their "Drive for Diversity" program. For a sport to gain mainstream appeal, it needs to represent all before all will accept it. With Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel for the full
2007 Nextel Cup season, expect the list of fans who claim NASCAR the greatest sport in the world to grow by the millions and become more colorful!
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