Excitement is at an all-time high as, former IndyCar, Formula 1, and NASCAR driver, Juan Pablo Montoya is making a sensational return to the NASCAR Cup Series. The 48-year-old will be driving 23XI Racing’s No. 50 Toyota, with sponsorship from Mobil 1 at Watkins Glen, in what will be the final race of the season for the team’s third entry. Montoya has competed in NASCAR’s highest tier before, racing for Chip Ganassi from 2007 through 2013, and also made two starts for Team Penske in 2014, competing at Indianapolis and Michigan.

Despite his history in stock car racing, Juan Pablo Montoya’s return to NASCAR after a decade shocked Dale Earnhardt Jr, who pondered over the reasoning behind his decision on the Dale Jr Download podcast.

Dale Earnhardt Jr enjoys Montoya’s company

Watkins Glen will bring up some fond memories for Juan Pablo Montoya, as the veteran racer won on the racetrack in 2010. He also finished fourth in 2008, and fifth in 2013, with a total of five top-ten finishes at ‘The Glen.’ The team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, appears to have picked up their stride of late, with Tyler Reddick ranked third and Bubba Wallace having three top-ten results in the last five races. It’s fair to say that Montoya’s inclusion at Watkins Glen International will only improve 23XI Racing’s chances of victory.

Having raced against Montoya in the past, the former F1 driver’s inclusion in the one-off race took Dale Earnhardt Jr by surprise. Expressing his reaction at Montoya’s return, the legendary NASCAR driver said on the Dale Jr Download podcast, “Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the 50 car for 23XI at Watkins Glen. What a shock that was. I was shocked. Why does Juan want to come back and race? Was he not having fun? Well, I’m excited about that. I loved Juan, I’ll be honest with you. When I would see him at the drivers intros and I’d go up to him and talk to him, and he was always easy. East to talk to, and a fun guy to be around.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr has been a longstanding admirer of Montoya’s personality, going as far as to say that he “always enjoyed being around him.” According to Junior, Montoya was just like any other driver on the grid, and the Colombian didn’t hesitate to voice out his complaints against NASCAR. While Montoya may be past his prime, his mere presence in NASCAR will be a crowd-puller. The 48-year-old’s achievements speak for themselves, and there is no doubt that excitement will be at an all-time high when the former Formula 1 and IndyCar racer is behind the wheel at Watkins Glen International.

Just like Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, co-owners of 23XI Racing, Juan Pablo Montoya epitomizes that competitive spirit, that truly separates the good from the greats. The Colombian felt inspired to get behind the wheel of the 23XI Racing Toyota, after the confidence that was shown in him by none other than Michael Jordan. Montoya said, “An opportunity like this comes along, and I think I can still be really competitive, and have a shot at it.” Wouldn’t it be a true fairytale ending to his illustrious racing career if ends up in Victory Lane at ‘The Glen?’ Stranger things have happened in sports.

The time when Dale Jr got his hands on Montoya’s racecar

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Daytona is a track that is known for hard crashes, but no incident was as bizarre in Daytona 500’s 65-year-old history as Montoya’s crash into a jet dryer. The incident took place on Lap 157 when a car blew an engine and spun in traffic, which brought about the seventh caution of the race. While the cars moved around at slower speeds, Juan Pablo Montoya, who was driving the No. 42 Target Chevrolet for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing felt a vibration in his car. Despite a quick inspection in the pits, the crew couldn’t find a problem, which prompted them to send the car onto the track once again.

However, as Montoya entered Turn 3 of Daytona International Speedway, the cause of the vibration finally broke loose, causing his car to spin, right into the back of a jet dryer. What followed was absolute chaos, as the impact resulted in a fire that engulfed part of the track. Despite the track crew working towards extinguishing the fire, the damage was done to the surface, forcing NASCAR to call the race prematurely.

But what happened to Montoya’s infamous “jet dryer car?” The car is in Dale Earnhardt Jr’s possession, living in his famous “racecar graveyard.” Speaking about getting offered Montoya’s car, Junior said, “(Heroy) is a buddy of mine, and he gave it to me. I got about 50 or 60 cars out there; I didn’t buy any of ’em.” And this is how Dale Jr became the owner of a unique and one-of-a-kind NASCAR memorabilia, from one of the more bizarre incidents in the sport’s history.

What are your thoughts about Juan Pablo Montoya’s NASCAR return? Let us know in the comments!