NASCAR fans have a lot to be excited about. Not only is Cup Series action set to resume now that the Olympics break is coming to an end, but Juan Pablo Montoya is making a sensational return to NASCAR after a decade-long break. Yes, you read that right!

The former Formula 1 driver, known for his aggressive, yet skillful driving style, will be driving 23XI Racing’s No. 50 Toyota Camry at Watkins Glen International later this year.

While he may not be in his prime anymore, fans will flock towards ‘The Glen’ to see the veteran in action, in what could be the last time he competes in the Cup Series. However, according to The Athletic journalist Jordan Bianchi, expectations must be kept in check about how Montoya might perform after his long hiatus from stock car racing.

Jordan Bianchi tempering his expectations from Juan Pablo Montoya

Watkins Glen International has been a happy hunting ground for Juan Pablo Montoya, particularly during his two stints in the Cup Series. He won on the racetrack in 2010, finished fourth in 2008, and fifth in 2013, accumulating a total of five top-ten results on the 2.450-mile course. However, none of these results have come in the Next Gen car, and the 48-year-old hasn’t competed in the Cup Series for a long time. So what prompted him to finally return to the Cup Series?

It was his love for racing, of course! The 48-year-old wanted to give his NASCAR career a proper sendoff. Despite Montoya’s incredible record at Watkins Glen International and his vast experience, NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi is keeping expectations in check.

Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Bianchi said, “I mean, to me, Juan Pablo Montoya is 48 years old, as is Jimmie Johnson. Mark Martin raced in his 50s, when you’re looking at guys who have not been consistently racing and are coming back for one-off starts or occasional starts. Montoya hasn’t raced a stock car in like 10 years or something. It’s going to be a very tall order. I wouldn’t have very high expectations.”

Bianchi, who writes for The Athletic, went on to say, “I just don’t have any expectations that he’s going to come in and perform after being out for so long. The car drives like a sports car but he has no experience in the Next Gen except for this test he did.” While he may not have the experience, Montoya will be in good hands in his one-off Cup Series return. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin has impressed with recent performances, with Tyler Reddick ranking third in the driver standings while Bubba Wallace has a realistic chance of making it to the playoffs.

23XI Racing’s third entry has only featured twice before this season. Kamui Kobayashi drove the car at Circuit of the Americas while rising star Corey Heim made his only Cup Series appearance in the black and gold Camry at Nashville Superspeedway. As for Montoya, while the motorsport veteran might lack the experience in a Next-Gen car, he has the versatility to adapt to new challenges, having raced in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR throughout his career.

Juan Pablo Montoya aims to be competitive at The Glen

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Anyone familiar with Juan Pablo Montoya’s career knows just how competitive the Colombian racing driver is. While NASCAR has drastically changed his last competitive appearance in the Cup Series for Team Penske in 2014, the 48-year-old will hope to put on a good show during his return. Watkins Glen International is one of only two tracks the Colombian has won at in his NASCAR career, with the other being Sonoma Raceway in 2007.

It means that some of the younger drivers, unfamiliar with Montoya’s winning mentality, will be making a big mistake underestimating the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

Speaking about his race at Watkins Glen International, Juan Pablo Montoya said, “I’m at a point in my career that I’m not looking for a job … but an opportunity like this comes along and I think I can still be really competitive and have a shot at it. So why not? I’ve been to The Glen many times with IMSA and with IndyCar. I know the track well. I thought it’d be a fun thing to do. People forget why I raced. I raced because I love racing. If I didn’t think I could be competitive, I would not do it.”

Montoya is one of only three drivers to have won races in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR. If there is one driver who can adapt to the challenges of the Cup Series as well as squeeze every last drop of performance in the Next-Gen car, it’s the veteran racer. Montoya’s career has been defined by his ability to adapt to various motorsport disciplines, and he will aim to get into the Victory Lane when he finally makes his long-awaited return to NASCAR.

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