Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Advance Notes – Homestead-Miami Speedway

Coming Full Circle: Juan Pablo Montoya made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) start at Homestead-Miami Speedway (HMS) on Nov. 19, 2006. Since his debut in the NSCS, the Colombian-born driver has accumulated nine pole awards, two wins, 24 top-five and 59 top-10 finishes in 252 career starts. Montoya was recognized as the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and made the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2009 where he finished eighth in the point standings.

Jamie McMurray and No. 1 McDonald`s TeamPhoenix Recap: The No. 1 Lexar team battled all afternoon at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) to finish out the next-to-last race of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) season with an 18th place finish in the AdvoCare 500.

McMurray at Homestead: McMurray will make his 12th NSCS start at HMS this weekend.  In his previous 11 starts, McMurray has accumulated three top-10 and one top-five finish, at the South Florida track.  He has an average starting position of 15.4 and an average finishing position of 16.5.  His best start was from the pole in 2003 and his best result was a third place finish in November of 2008.

Finishing Strong: Through the first nine races of the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Jamie McMurray has an average finishing position of 21.6.  He has a better average finishing position three of the current top-13 drivers in the Chase.  McMurray is looking to close out the 2013 NSCS season as the highest finishing non-Chase driver. Going into this weekend’s race at HMS McMurray is currently just nine points behind 2012 NSCS Champion Brad Keselowski for that distinction.

Golden Arches:  There’s no reason to go hungry while visiting Texas Motor Speedway this week.  McDonald’s has several locations within 10 miles.  The closest restaurant is located at 2880 NE 8th Street Homestead, FL  33033.

 

Juan Pablo Montoya and No. 42 Target Team

Phoenix Rewind: Team Target and Juan Pablo Montoya arrived at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) Friday morning with two more opportunities to nab a win in the 2013 season. The team grabbed the 19th place qualifying position and set their sights on a solid finish Sunday afternoon. At the end of the day, the No. 42 would ultimately bring home a sixth-place finish. It would mark the team’s eighth top-10 finish of the 2013 season.

Montoya at Homestead: Montoya will make his final start for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates this weekend at HMS. Since his NSCS debut at HMS, Montoya has seven starts at the mile-and-a-half speedway with an average starting position of 26.3 and an average finishing position of 28.3.

Home Sweet Home:  Montoya will return home to close out the 2013 season and his time with EGR and the NSCS this weekend HMS.  Not only do the Montoya’s call Miami home, this weekend’s start will mark seven years since Montoya climbed behind the wheel of a NSCS car.  In his inaugural race, Montoya started 29th and finished 34th due to an accident.Last Call: The “Call Me Juan”, an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity for fans prior to the Nov. 17 NSCS Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is still available. The “Call Me Juan” package, available for $142 (a $187 value) benefits the Formula Smiles Foundation.  The package includes: a ticket to this weekend’s race, private question and answer session with Montoya, pre-race pit pass, No. 42 Target Chevy SS hat and a $42 donation to Formula Smiles. Visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com for more information.