Foreign Fight: The Fight for Supremacy as NASCAR's Best Foreigner

Daniel Lam by Correspondent Written on January 01, 2009
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With the ever-growing popularity of NASCAR, many drivers from other racing backgrounds have had looks. However only few have decided to start again, and have a go in the world of NASCAR racing.

When we think of a foreign driver in NASCAR, what first will come to mind would most-likely be Juan Pablo Montoya, the Columbian jumping ship from the high-flying world of Formula One to the more so calmer world of NASCAR. But others include Australian Marcos Ambrose, Scot Dario Franchitti and Canadians Jacques Villenerve and Patrick Carpentier.

Now we look at all five that have come to mind, and quite possibly only two have come and stayed, the rest are either waiting for another nail into the coffin of their NASCAR careers, or just simply left without rides.

Dario Franchitti, Villenurve, and Carpentier, have all come and left, with their NASCAR careers ended prematurely. More so these drivers expect to be "spoon-fed" to superstardom, instead of working ways up the ranks.

However, others like Formula One convert Scot Speed and Marcos Ambrose worked there ways up, Speed through ARCA, whilst Ambrose the Trucks and Nationwide Series.

So we are left with two, Australian Marcos Ambrose and Columbian Juan Pablo Montoya. Both drivers whilst in their "hey days" in the respective series had success, with race wins and the ability to show speed, aggression, and race craft all in the one package. 

But enter the NASCAR arena, these drivers have had it another way. Montoya left Formula One abruptly mid-season in 2006 to pursue a NASCAR career to the shock of all, after a dismal season.

Many were expecting a rejuvenated Columbian at the front of the grid for the new season. However after several uninspiring races, Montoya decided to leave the world of Formula One, and start new Life in NASCAR.

After an impressive start to stock car racing, with a third in his first oval race in the ARCA series, Montoya was not able to show such instances of brilliance further on. An eleventh at Memphis in the Busch series was his best result. 

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Vote Now! - Author Poll

Which Foreigner will do better in 2009?

  • Juan Pablo Montoya (Columbian)
  • Marcos Ambrose (Australian)
  • Other
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Which Foreigner will do better in 2009?

  • Juan Pablo Montoya (Columbian)

    17.5%
  • Marcos Ambrose (Australian)

    78.8%
  • Other

    3.8%
  • Total votes: 80
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written on January 01, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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