Very few rookies drive into the top series of NASCAR with much more then the respect they deserved just by getting there. All the hard work you put into your career got you a ride, but not a meal ticket. With the exception of anyone with the name Earnhardt, you will be caring your own bags till you’re strong enough to lift some hardware over your head. Just ask the #24 how long it had taken him to gain the respect of the NASCAR Nation. So, how can it be that someone comes into his first year in the league and be referred to as Mister?

It’s not what you know; it’s who knows you! Mr. Montoya may not know much about the world of stock car racing, but the world, and all forms of racing knows Mr. Montoya. This is no ordinary rookie. Juan Pablo Montoya is not just any driver leaving any old series for the bright lights of NASCAR. This is a former Indy 500 Champion. He also won the Cart FedEx Championship Series his rookie year. This is a driver who has been notorious for stealing poles, stealing wins, and straight stealing notoriety. Sounds exactly what NASCAR wants to steal.

And that series he left for NASCAR? Just the most expensive form of racing in the world. When Montoya announced he was leaving the good life of Formula One, to the roller skate race of NASCAR, the world was shocked.

Everyone but his new boss, his new sponsors, and NASCAR at least. Ganassi Racings new star is not only bright, but his spark has already been witnessed in every market except America. The rest of the world has already introduced themselves to Juan Pablo Montoya, and now NASCAR, and his sponsors want him to introduce them to the rest of the world.

Montoya finished his F1 career with 7 wins, 13 poles, and finished 3rd in the league: twice in his career that spanned from 2001 to 2006. In his rookie year he got his first win, grabbed 3 poles, and made the podium an impressive 4 times.

Now we are 32 days away from the start of another rookie year from Juan Pablo Montoya. One in which the learning curve is high, but his expectations might be higher. He will be considered a huge threat on tracks like The Glen and Infineon. And his test-times at Daytona were amazing. Making those smiles coming from the faces of his sponsors and all the NASCAR executives, well, priceless. That yellow stripe on his bumper is going to shine. And everyone will get paid to shine it.