Paul Menard
Paul Menard finished 6th in the 2006 Busch Series standings with one win and 16 top ten finishes. In 2006 Menard was the top Busch Series driver who was not also a NEXTEL Cup Series regular.
Menard will be staying with Dale Earnhadt Inc. as his entire team will move up with him from the Busch Series to run as the Menard's sponsored DEI #15. I am generally concerned about a Busch Series team moving up to NEXTEL Cup since the history of teams doing that has not been good. However, Menard has the advantage of veteran crew chief Tony Eury Sr. This is a team that already clicks well together and should be able to adapt quickly to life in NEXTEL Cup.
Juan Pablo Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya comes to NASCAR with the most impressive credentials of all of our 2007 rookies. He was the 1999 CART series rookie of the year. He was a 1999 CART series champion. He won the 2000 Indianapolis 500. He also has seven Formula One series wins to his credit. Juan Pablo Montoya has been a winner in every form of motorsport that he has ever tried.
Montoya will drive the number 42 Texaco Havoline Dodge for Chip Ganassi Racing. Ganassi has not been to Victory Lane since Jamie McMurray won in 2002. Casey Mears drove this car last year to a team-best 14th in points with eight top 10 finishes. Juan Pablo Montoya has proven to be a fast learner in the past. He is incredibly talented and can get the most out of his equipment. He may even find his way to Victory Lane in 2007.
And The Winner Will Be...
While the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of the Year contenders are all talented drivers, one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Juan Pablo Montoya will be the 2007 Raybestos Rookie of the Year.
