Show your support.
Buzz this article up.
Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR
Juan Pablo Montoya set a new track qualifying record at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Friday to take the pole for the Sylvania 300—the first race in the “Chase for the Sprint Cup” championship.
Montoya, one of the 12 drivers competing in this year’s Chase, lapped the 1.058-mile oval at 133.431 m.p.h. (28.545 seconds) in his No.42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet for his second career Sprint Cup Series pole. He topped Ryan Newman’s track qualifying record, set in September 2003. Montoya also led the way in today’s Cup practice at New Hampshire. MiamiHerald.com
Montoya will be flanked by veteran Tony Stewart and one row up on Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin.
“It was really good, we really nailed that lap,” said Montoya, who was behind the wheel of the No. 42 Target Impala SS.
“Everybody on the Target team is doing such an amazing job. These motors are amazing and it’s just great. Everybody is running so good. It’s nice to see.”
Montoya qualified for his first Chase for the Sprint Cup championship last weekend at Richmond. Montoya starts NASCAR’s Chase 11th among the 12 qualifying spots. Boston Herald
Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon will start 10th, with Kasey Kahne 11th. Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson qualified 16th, just behind Mark Martin (14th) and slightly ahead of Newman (18th). Greg Biffle qualified 22nd.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire - Race Line-Up
Despite grabbing the second pole of his Cup career, Montoya hardly considers himself the favorite. He pointed to Martin as the driver with the circuit’s fastest car, but added there’s a certain freedom that comes with the start of the Chase.
After sweating out the last few races in hopes of making the 12-driver cutoff, Montoya can get back to focusing on winning races. He’s one of four drivers in the Chase who have yet to reach Victory Lane this year.
Montoya said he’s not going to take any unnecessary chances Sunday. There are nine races to go and one major mistake would leave him playing out the string. He’s worked too hard since making the move to NASCAR two years ago to risk the whole season on just one race.
“You’ve got to be very smart,” he said. “Most of cars in the Chase are going to be there. To gain points is going to be really hard, but to lose points to them is very easy.” The Associated Press
