Juan of Many to Come
Toyota Save/Mart 250
Infineon Raceway
6/24/2007
Juan Pablo Montoya proved this weekend that he belongs in NASCAR's top series. Gambling on fuel mileage, Montoya was able to outlast his competition and capture his first Nextel Cup victory.
After making a smooth pass on leader Jamie McMurray on lap 104, Montoya never looked back. One of the premier open wheel racers in the world, Montoya was a heavy favorite coming into this weekend's road coarse race, despite qualifying 32nd.
All indications pointed to being a lap or so short on fuel, however Montoya - with the help of crew chief Donnie Wingo - was able to save gas and bring his No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge home, while others around him fell short.
Pit strategy was the name of the game for all teams on Sunday. Crew chiefs and drivers planned their stops out methodically prior to the start and hoped their strategy would leave them with just enough fuel in the end.
The class of the field all day was the No. 7 Monster Energy Ford of Robby Gordon. After starting on the outside of the front row, Gordon led early and often for a total of 48 laps. Gordon was shuffled to the back of the pack and mired in 30th place after his final pit stop for fuel on lap 74. After asking crew chief Gene Nead, "Don't you think that was one lap too early?" Nead replied, "Just trust us." Unfortunately for both, their plan did not work and Gordon ended up a disappointing 16th.
After another weekend of controversy, NASCAR is expected to hand out penalties for both the No. 24 of Jeff Gordon and the No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson. Both Hendrick Motorsports cars failed inspection on Friday and were not allowed on track. NASCAR has been very clear when it comes to the COT specifications, and has come down hard on those that break the rules. Expect penalties similar to those levied against Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Eury Jr. at Darlington to follow.
The Summer stretch of the Nextel Cup schedule continues on to Loudon, NH this week. This will be a great test for teams looking ahead to the next time the series visits New Hampshire, the first race of the Chase.
Toyota Save/Mart 250
Infineon Raceway
6/24/2007
Juan Pablo Montoya proved this weekend that he belongs in NASCAR's top series. Gambling on fuel mileage, Montoya was able to outlast his competition and capture his first Nextel Cup victory.
After making a smooth pass on leader Jamie McMurray on lap 104, Montoya never looked back. One of the premier open wheel racers in the world, Montoya was a heavy favorite coming into this weekend's road coarse race, despite qualifying 32nd.
All indications pointed to being a lap or so short on fuel, however Montoya - with the help of crew chief Donnie Wingo - was able to save gas and bring his No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge home, while others around him fell short.
Pit strategy was the name of the game for all teams on Sunday. Crew chiefs and drivers planned their stops out methodically prior to the start and hoped their strategy would leave them with just enough fuel in the end.
The class of the field all day was the No. 7 Monster Energy Ford of Robby Gordon. After starting on the outside of the front row, Gordon led early and often for a total of 48 laps. Gordon was shuffled to the back of the pack and mired in 30th place after his final pit stop for fuel on lap 74. After asking crew chief Gene Nead, "Don't you think that was one lap too early?" Nead replied, "Just trust us." Unfortunately for both, their plan did not work and Gordon ended up a disappointing 16th.
After another weekend of controversy, NASCAR is expected to hand out penalties for both the No. 24 of Jeff Gordon and the No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson. Both Hendrick Motorsports cars failed inspection on Friday and were not allowed on track. NASCAR has been very clear when it comes to the COT specifications, and has come down hard on those that break the rules. Expect penalties similar to those levied against Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Eury Jr. at Darlington to follow.
The Summer stretch of the Nextel Cup schedule continues on to Loudon, NH this week. This will be a great test for teams looking ahead to the next time the series visits New Hampshire, the first race of the Chase.