Juan Pablo Montoya will be back competing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen International after a 9-year absence. The Columbian driver is one of the most versatile race car drivers of his generation and left his mark on stock car racing. Although he has success racing in the best open-wheel racing series like IndyCar, Formula 1, and Champ Car, it felt like he underachieved at the NASCAR level.

As Montoya prepares for his comeback at Watkins Glen, he reflects on the missed opportunities from his 2011 season. One of his lingering frustrations stems from Chip Ganassi Racing’s decision to part ways with his crew chief, Brian Pattie, despite making the playoffs that year. On one hand, where Montoya is eager to get back behind the wheel he can’t help but wonder how things might have turned out differently.

Juan Pablo Montoya, unpleased of the team’s decision to axe Pattie

Brian Pattie and Montoya had developed good chemistry since working together at Chip Ganassi Racing in 2008. Pattie even helped him clinch the driver his second career win at Watkins Glen during the 2010 season. But this wasn’t enough for the higher-ups in the team after the Brickyard 400 debacle in 2009, where they could’ve scripted a historic win.

Juan Pablo Montoya could have become the first driver to win the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis 500, both. However, a rookie mistake of speeding on the pit road cost them dearly, snatching away not just a win, but a historic achievement. Despite this missed opportunity, Pattie and Montoya worked really well together, until Chip Ganassi decided to break this partnership in 2011.

Although it looked like a decision that was taken unanimously, the driver has come out to express his disappointment over the move. Matt Weaver from Sportsnaut caught up with Montoya, where he shared his opinion on Pattie’s dismissal from the team. “Juan Montoya says he was proud of his NASCAR career; making the Chase and making playoffs; very complimentary of working with Brian Pattie. He says it became ‘honestly, a joke,’ when Ganassi made the crew chief change.” Weaver shared this via his X account.

It is hard to guess what you can expect from the 48-year-old veteran driver at the Glen this weekend.

Will he compete for the win, causing an upset for other playoff drivers, or keep his nose clean and drive his race?

Not looking to ruffle the feathers with his one-off race at the Glen

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A lot has changed since the veteran driver last competed in a NASCAR race. There’s a new race car, new drivers, and a new style of racing. Although such a prospect could sound intimidating to others, but not for Montoya. “I think I should run pretty good, but that’s about I can tell you right now,” he said in a response during the media day.

Juan Pablo Montoya will be driving 23XI Racing’s No. 50 Toyota, adding to the numerical advantage for the team as well as the manufacturer. Being a competitor himself, he will try to push for a solid performance, being clean and respectful to the other drivers on the track. But he has certain expectations.

“I wanna run well; if I get to you quicker than you, I’m going to try to pass you. And if you’re quicker than me and you get there, the race is long enough, like always. Wait for the adjustments; make the car better. Like if you make somebody’s race miserable early in the race, they’re gonna return the favor later. I know I’m doing enough, but I’ll be respectful to everybody who’s respectful with me. It’s not that hard,” Montoya explained.

It will be interesting to see how the veteran driver fares up against some of the young guns. Also, he just might influence the outcome of the playoffs scenario, so a lot to look forward to from this Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen.