Toyota team 23XI Racing is set to host the fourth driver in the team’s history to drive their third car, a part-time entry, in the coming race at Watkins Glen. With the help of primary sponsor Mobil 1, former NASCAR and F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the No:50 Toyota Camry. It would mark his first NASCAR race in over a decade.
President of 23XI Racing Steve Lauletta talked about the move during the announcement. He pointed out that Juan Pablo Montoya is a world-class driver who has won everywhere he has raced in and see him as a great closer for their 50th anniversary celebrations. A lot of 23XI employees being former teammate of JPM at Chipp Ganassi Racing also makes it special.
Juan Pablo Montoya is a world-class driver who has won in everything he’s driven, and he will be a great closer to the 50th-anniversary celebration we’ve had in NASCAR with the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota.Steve Lauletta said via Motorsports.com.
He further asserted that 23XI Racing sees it as honour to be part of the 50th anniversary celebration and to give Montay probably the last chance to race in NASCAR. He sees this as a momentous occasion for everyone involved.
The events have highlighted racing legends as well as what’s next in motorsports, and 23XI has been honored to have been a part of adding to the Mobil 1 legacy and celebrating such a momentous occasion.Steve Lauletta added.
Juan Pablo Montoya is looking forward for the Cup return
The South American racing legend is looking forward to the opportunity that would see him racing in the Cup Series again. He also sees it as an honor to be part of the Mobil 1 anniversary celebration as they have been his sponsors in his earlier racing career.
I’m looking forward to getting back in a Cup car and racing at Watkins Glen - a track I really enjoy and had the chance to experience earlier in my career. It’s an honor to celebrate the Mobil 1 team’s remarkable legacy in racing and be recognized for my contributions to motorsports.Juan Pablo Montaya said.
JPM isn’t the first F1 driver to race in NASCAR for 23XI. Kamui Kobayashi has previously raced in two separate races in the third 23XI car. Travis Pastrana and Corey Heim are the other tow driver to be race for 23XI. Montya would be hoping to produce a better performance than the other two.
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