Excited Montoya expects tough transition

Juan Pablo Montoya looked genuinely ecstatic to announce his deal with Chip Ganassi Racing, which will see him turn his back on Formula One and begin a new career in the American NASCAR series

The Colombian showed up at Chicagoland this morning with Chip Ganassi for a joint press conference, ahead of the Nextel Cup race at the speedway today, and he immediately became the centre of the media's attention, signaling the star power he brings with him to the popular stock car series.

"I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing racing league in the world," Montoya said. "I've thought about this for quite some time, but the opportunity had to be right...I will be a lot happier here."

Montoya will reunite with his former CART team boss Ganassi, with whom he won the 1999 championship and the 2000 Indianapolis 500.

"I've known and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better for me," the Colombian said. "It took us an hour to go through everything - It was that simple. It is hard to turn it down."

Montoya said he's under no illusions that the transition from open-wheel racing to stock cars would be easy, but both he and Ganassi were optimistic they would find success together soon enough.

"I have a lot of confidence in my ability as a race car driver and in Chip and Felix [Sabates] as owners," the 30-year-old said. "I know the transition will not be easy but I can't wait to get behind the wheel."

"I have seen this guy adapt to a car like no driver like I have ever seen," Ganassi added. "No question, he can adapt to a Cup car.

"Is it not going to be a walk in the park, but I know Juan and my team is up for it."