Montoya gets ready to practice at Phoenix AP Photo/Mary Schwalm
Minus 236 points to leader Jimmie Johnson, Juan Montoya is not mathematically eliminated from winning the 2009 Sprint Cup title, however in all likelihood his points chase his now over. After a disappointing finish at Texas the focus for the team is now 2010.
Of course that is not to say they do not have unfinished business in the current sprint cup season. This team would like to notch the first oval win before the 2009 campaign is over. The good come at Phoenix where Juan will surely be aggressive.
However given his poor average finish at this track (21.4) and the fact that he qualified 17th in doesn’t seem likely that he will be able to accomplish that feat this weekend.
No one has won a Phoenix race from this deep in the field since 2002 when Matt Kenseth qualified 28th and was able to score a win. In fact the last six winners at this track have qualified in the top ten. The good news for Juan is the two winners prior to that both qualified 15th. So winning from 17th is not totally unheard off, but there is another circumstance working against Juan and his team.
Hendrick Motor sports has won the last five races run at Phoenix, and after a poor finish at Texas the entire Sprint Cup field will have to contend with a motivated Jimmie Johnson. He will be looking for the win and by qualifying third is in a very good position to do just that.
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