What's New in 2009 for Juan Pablo Montoya?

One of the most interesting drivers in NASCAR today is Juan Pablo Montoya.  Although still not performing at his optimal level, the 2008 season showed moments of great promise for JPM and his Ganassi team. 

So, what will 2009 bring for this talented driver who is one of the few to have crossed over successfully from F1 to NASCAR?   Here are some of the expected changes for Montoya in the upcoming year:

1.  New Team:  One of the biggest changes for Montoya in 2009 will be the formation of a new team.  Ganassi Racing has been struggling of late and has been holding serious merger discussions with Dale Earnhardt, Inc.  Next year, Juan Pablo will most likely be racing for the new merged entity, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

2.  New Manufacturer:  With the DEI Ganassi merger on the horizon, Juan Pablo will be moving manufacturers as well, from Dodge to Chevy in 2009.  Unfortunately, this change in manufacturer also puts Montoya out of a Dodge spot in the 2009 Bud Shootout.

3.  New Teammates:  Also with the merger, Juan Pablo Montoya will face a change in teammates in 2009.  He will now be teamed with DEI drivers Martin Truex, Jr. and Aric Almirola.

Montoya has been quoted as saying that he is "really good" friends with Martin and "pretty good" friends with Aric.  His possible teammate, if there is one, in the Target sponsored No. 41 car is still to be determined.

4.  Sponsor Changes:  Since just about everything else is changing for JPM in 2009, why not throw in a sponsor change too.  Last year, the team lost the Texaco/Havoline sponsorship.  To date, they have half a year sponsorship with Wrigley and are searching for a sponsor(s) to round out the year. 

If Earnhardt Ganassi Racing chooses not to run the No. 41 car, Target may be a possible sponsor for Montoya's No. 42 car to round out the year.

5.  “Bring Juan to the Fans” Promotion:  Chances are high that the Wrigley folks will continue to promote Montoya heavily in the upcoming season.  His commercials with his wife Connie and his children are wildly popular. 

Another hit promotion is having Juan Pablo mingle with the NASCAR crowds at every venue where Wrigley is on the car.  You can bet that these promotions will continue, and perhaps even expand, in 2009.

6.  “No” to Formula 1:  JPM continues to be wooed back by the F1 crowd, most recently by Toro Rosso.  And he continues to say "no" to any kind of return to that form of racing. 

Look for Juan to continue to be courted by F1 in 2009, but continue to decline their advances as well.

7.  “Yes” to Rolex 24:  Juan Pablo Montoya has confirmed that he will be driving the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona for Chip Ganassi Racing.  He will be driving a Daytona prototype with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas. 

JPM has shared that his car is "fast", so look for a good run in that upcoming competition.

8.  Little Black Book:  Juan Pablo is nothing if not candid and he has admitted to having his own version of a "little black book."  But instead of keeping numbers of potential hot dates, JPM tracks drivers who have done him wrong at some point in the season. 

Montoya will most likely be dusting off the book as he plots potential paybacks in the upcoming 2009 season.

9.  Improved Point Standing Finish:  In 2008, Montoya finished the season in the 25th position in points.  Juan Pablo will most likely finish higher in the standings in 2009 and also achieve a win or two, even on tracks other than road courses.  Look for him to finish strong at several of the super-speedways in the 2009 season. 

10.  Formula Smiles Foundation:  One of the other passions for Juan Pablo and his family is his work on his Formula Smiles Foundation, which he started several years ago to help poor kids in his native Colombia achieve self-esteem and values through sports and recreation. 

The Montoyas have raised thousands of dollars through galas and fashion shows for this worthy cause and this commitment will continue throughout the 2009 season.

This brand new NASCAR season will most certainly bring many new adventures and challenges for Juan Pablo Montoya.  Look for JPM to continue to grow, mature, and hone his NASCAR skills, on and off the track in 2009.