The NASCAR Busch Series not only is a proving ground for young drivers aspiring to make the jump to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, but it is fast becoming an opportunity for drivers in open-wheel racing to prove themselves in a stock car.
On this Memorial Day holiday weekend, Charlotte has become the place for some fomer open-wheelers who seek new challenges to conquer, starting with Saturday night’s NASCAR Busch Series event – The CARQUEST Auto Parts 300.
Juan Pablo Montoya (No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge), a former Indy 500 champion who last March also became a NASCAR Busch Series winner with his victory in Mexico City, is firmly planted in the series top 10 and is only two points out of the Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings lead.
J. J. Yeley (No. 1 Miccosukee Resorts Chevrolet) finished ninth in the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie in 1998. He’s one of five drivers pulling “double-duty” this year, running full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series and in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.
Dave Blaney (No. 10 ABF U-Pack Moving Toyota) is fourth in the points and captured his first national series win when he won the NASCAR Busch Series race at LMS last fall. He began his career in sprint cars.
Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Country Crock Dodge) is another open-wheel alum who worked his way through the NASCAR Busch Series to gain a ride in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Ditto with Casey Mears (No. 24 National Guard Ford) who, like Montoya and Blaney, claims a NASCAR win in NASCAR Busch Series competition. Robby Gordon (No. 55 Verizon Wireless Ford) pulled the Indy 500-Coca Cola 600 “double” in 2002-03 and now owns teams in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and in the NASCAR Busch Series.
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