Column: Montoya was not the chosen one in Mexico City

Published 5:34 pm Saturday, March 10, 2007

By Staff
Was Juan Pablo Montoya the "chosen one" last weekend in Mexico City? That's the question many were asking after he charged from deep in the field late in the race to win going away.
Whispers of NASCAR influencing race winners and outcomes have been around for a long time. Sorry, all you conspiracy theorists, it doesn't happen. Even if NASCAR wanted to control the outcome of races, there are too many variables to make it work.
Let's think for a minute. Montoya was far and away the favorite to win going into the race. Some consider him the finest race car driver in the world. He has more experience on the type of track in Mexico City as just about anyone he was racing against. Because he is of Hispanic descent driving in a race in Mexico City that received tremendous media coverage and actually won the race, many cynics say the fix was in. Doesn't happen, folks.
Running a close second to the "racin' fix" story after the race in Mexico City was the wreck between Montoya and Scott Pruett, both of whom were racing Ganassi Cars. Scott Pruett is a ringer and will only compete in road course race on the NASCAR circuit, while Chip Ganassi has a lot of eggs in the Montoya basket.
I know I have an unpopular opinion, but I didn't see how Montoya could have helped that wreck. Pruett was high on the track going into a right hand turn and Montoya beat him to the bottom of the track. Looked to me that Pruett moved down on Juan, spinning out in the process. Pruett ended up finishing fifth and Montoya went to victory lane.
Pruett was furious in post race interviews, but later in the week both drivers released statements saying the incident was behind them. In other words, Ganassi told Pruett to stop bashing his superstar big-money driver.
Off we go to the new and improved Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week. Right after this race last year, demolition began on the infield at this track and the resulting remodel has to be something to behold.
Bruton Smith, owner of the track, and Chris Powell, General Manager at Las Vegas, have undoubtedly created the most entertaining infield experience for the fans of any track on the circuit. From all accounts, the Neon Garage at LVMS is something to behold.
Oh yeah, the mile and a half racing surface has been re-paved in the process. The drivers raved about the surface during testing back in February and the speeds have risen considerably.
As is the case at most of the intermediate tracks, Roush Racing is strong at Las Vegas. The Cat in the Hat has won five of the nine races run here, however Jimmie Johnson has won the last two.
It seems this race is very streaky in producing winners. Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth, and Jimmie Johnson have all won consecutive races at this track. All three will have a say in who wins this week, as well.
However, my pick to win this week is Kasey Kahne. Look for a very competitive and entertaining race this week and remember to have fun.