Montoya feeling more optimistic

Speaking to Autosport magazine last week, the Colombian said he would not aim too high. "I'm going into the race trying to win it," he said at the time, "but I've got to be realistic. There are some great drivers out there."

However, speaking after his qualifying run from last Sunday, Montoya seems more confident heading into the race.

"Well, if we have a good handling car with good power, anything can happen," he said.

"It was nice to see a lot of Dodges in the Shootout were pretty strong, so that's interesting and good to see. From our qualifying time against them, we were quicker. So we should have a decent shot.

"When it's ten laps to go you've got to see where you are, and see what happens, see what you can do and who can work with you."

The Colombian believes the speed he has shown at Daytona so far has earned him respect from other drivers, something that could help him in working his way to the front when it matters.

"I think it's going to help," Montoya said. "It's not only my car but all the Ganassi cars. At the end of the day we have fast cars and people appreciate that. Something I noticed in the draft is people were really good with me.

"People see that I've done a lot of things - and yes, I'm a rookie here, but racing-wise I'm pretty smart. I think you first have to work with them and help them, and if they see you help them and work with them, they'll do the same for you.

"I think, this being my first year, I need people to be comfortable around me, specially in the 500, don't do anything silly. If people get comfortable with you, they're going to push you and they're going to help you.

"I've been trying to do that, like in testing - if you do that, people will respect you and will work with you - here you've just got to be smart and see how you play it."

The former Formula One star believes that finishing the race should be his first priority next Sunday at Daytona.

"The key thing here is bring the car home and if you do that, you're probably in a decent position. Hopefully you can avoid the wrecks and see what happens. If there's like three-wide running and stuff, you don't need to be part of that.

"I think early on you've just got to cruise alone and make sure your car handles good and I think in every pitstop we need to make the car better. I think that's going to be the key for me."

Montoya will start third in the second Gatorade Duel next Thursday to determine his final starting position for the Daytona 500.