With seven races to go before the Chase the pressure is mounting to get within the top 10 in points or, at least, earn a wildcard entry.
With the announcement that Brian Pattie has been replaced by Jim Pohlman it’s the third crew chief change in one week and second for possible Chase contenders who are not locked into NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.
“We are pleased to have someone of Jim’s caliber to be able to place into this role on the No. 42 team. Jim has been with us a number of years and I have confidence in his abilities to move the team forward,” said team owner Chip Ganassi.
After the New Hampshire race Montoya is 17th in the points 59 points out of the 10th place “seed” in the Chase. He is a contender to win at either or both of the upcoming Brickyard 400, where he had led in the past, or at Watkins Glen where he’s been a winner. A win and a top 20th in points could lock him into the Chase with a race winner’s “Wildcard.” At present only David Ragan, who is within the top-20 in points, is a possible Wildcard Chase qualifier.
Pattie served as the Colombian’s crew chief since taking over from Jimmy Elledge with 20 races remaining in the 2008 season. Pattie and Montoya combined for one victory at Watkins Glen in 2010. Montoya has qualified only for the 2009 Chase.
Perhaps the memory of Montoya’s dissatisfaction with a Pattie pit call at the Brickyard led to the timing of the announcement.
Pattie told the Associated Press “I'm going to help Jim get up to speed because the next three races are all races we can win." He said there was new car for the Brickyard 400 and winning car returning to Watkins Glen.
Last week, Greg Erwin, who had been Greg Biffle’s crew chief at Roush Fenway Racing since 2007, was reassigned because Biffle a steady Chase contender was in a position similar to Montoya’s. Biffle, although 14th in the points had only one-top five result and no wins.
Biffle, who got a new crew in New Hampshire still remains 14th in the points now tied with Kasey Kahne and is 47 points out of the 10th and last place lock for the Chase without a victory.
On Monday it was announced that Erwin had moved over to RPM to become AJ Allmendinger’s crew chief.
With the announcement that Brian Pattie has been replaced by Jim Pohlman it’s the third crew chief change in one week and second for possible Chase contenders who are not locked into NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.
“We are pleased to have someone of Jim’s caliber to be able to place into this role on the No. 42 team. Jim has been with us a number of years and I have confidence in his abilities to move the team forward,” said team owner Chip Ganassi.
 |
| Juan Pablo Montoya (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR) |
After the New Hampshire race Montoya is 17th in the points 59 points out of the 10th place “seed” in the Chase. He is a contender to win at either or both of the upcoming Brickyard 400, where he had led in the past, or at Watkins Glen where he’s been a winner. A win and a top 20th in points could lock him into the Chase with a race winner’s “Wildcard.” At present only David Ragan, who is within the top-20 in points, is a possible Wildcard Chase qualifier.
Pattie served as the Colombian’s crew chief since taking over from Jimmy Elledge with 20 races remaining in the 2008 season. Pattie and Montoya combined for one victory at Watkins Glen in 2010. Montoya has qualified only for the 2009 Chase.
Perhaps the memory of Montoya’s dissatisfaction with a Pattie pit call at the Brickyard led to the timing of the announcement.
Pattie told the Associated Press “I'm going to help Jim get up to speed because the next three races are all races we can win." He said there was new car for the Brickyard 400 and winning car returning to Watkins Glen.
Last week, Greg Erwin, who had been Greg Biffle’s crew chief at Roush Fenway Racing since 2007, was reassigned because Biffle a steady Chase contender was in a position similar to Montoya’s. Biffle, although 14th in the points had only one-top five result and no wins.
Biffle, who got a new crew in New Hampshire still remains 14th in the points now tied with Kasey Kahne and is 47 points out of the 10th and last place lock for the Chase without a victory.
On Monday it was announced that Erwin had moved over to RPM to become AJ Allmendinger’s crew chief.