Montoya is back

Juan Pablo Montoya made his second visit to Michigan in less than two weeks, but this time he’s behind the wheel of a stock car again.

The Colombia native left the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to return to his IndyCar roots at the end of last season but will attempt to qualify for the first of two NASCAR outings this weekend.

“It’s exciting to be back, especially with Team Penske,” said Montoya, one of three Penske drivers in the open-wheel series. “I always run well here and qualified really well here.”

He’s also entered in the July 27 Crown Royal presents the John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis.

“This year we’ve got two really good shots,” Montoya said. “This is probably one of the best tracks for the Fords.

“And then going to the Brickyard is a place that I run really well. When we ran bad we were always in the top 10, so going there in a car like this you’re definitely looking at a shot to win as well.”

Montoya, whose Sprint Cup career was with Chip Ganassi Racing, has made 14 starts at MIS and posted three top-10 finishes. His best finish here was a sixth in the June 2009 race.

His No. 12 SKF Ford is entered with Penske Racing’s Sprint Cup regulars, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano.

Scott Held - NASCAR Wire Service