Checkered Countdown: Top-Five Sonoma Finishes

No.4 Juan Pablo Montoya’s first win in NASCAR comes after a fierce fight against Jamie McMurray (2007).

In 2007 Juan Pablo Montoya left the Formula 1 world championship to start a new adventure as a full-time Nextel Cup driver. In his first season he immediately got his first career victory at the Sonoma road course where he excelled as well as at Watkins Glen. Starting from the 32nd position he quickly worked his way up front and in the closing laps he engaged a battle with the leader and pole-sitter of the day Jamie McMurray. Both drivers were saving fuel in order to make it to the finish. After twice trying to pass aggressively but with no success, the Colombian driver was able to get in front of his competitor with an impressive move and made it to the checkered flag on fuel, while McMurray ran out of gas and finished 37th.

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