Each week, The Athletic asks the same 12 questions to a different host. Next up: Juan Pablo Montoya won two Indianapolis 500s, seven Formula One Grand Prix titles, two NASCAR Cup Series championships and numerous race wins. Montoya, who turns 49 this month, will drive the No. 1 car at Watkins Glen this weekend in his first NASCAR race of 2014. 50 Car Drive for 23XI Racing. This interview has been edited for clarity, but the full version can be heard on the 12 Questions podcast.
What’s number one on your bucket list right now?
1. on my bucket list? not. Have you tried them all? Honestly, I want a Mercedes G-wagon (G-Class SUV). But do something? in no case. Nowadays we travel the world so much that we buy things like a G-wagon or go golfing somewhere.
2. How much media coverage do you get for the race? not really. I follow all the F1 races. I’m doing a podcast so I’ll keep an eye on it. But let’s say you open your browser every couple of days and look at the motorsports section to see what’s going on and see if there’s any good buzz. The problem is that I hear a lot of small talk during the week and I love small talk. Yes, I like to gossip. I spend a lot of time on TikTok, but not racing.
3. In the world of racing, what is the best way to measure success other than wins? It depends on preparation, dedication, hard work and how satisfied you are personally. The best way to measure anything is to be honest with yourself about what you do. You need to know if you are doing your best or if you still have room.
4. What’s the biggest thing fans don’t know about being a race car driver? There is a lot to do besides riding. People look at drivers and think, “Okay, they race on Sunday and rest the rest of the week.” There are preparations, meetings and various other things. It takes a long time and people don’t realize it. Now that I’m a dad and my son is competing, it’s amazing how much preparation can be done.
5. What’s your take on races that fans don’t share? There are too many. (Laughs) I have nothing to do with it. I will not step on it. There is no way to access this item. (laugh)6.
6. In a 2012 12-question interview, I asked, “When was the last time you felt nervous about something?” I asked. And you say, “My child is competing. He only had one race and I was there to help and it was stressful as hell. It’s worse.” Sebastian was seven at the time and is now 19 and racing in Formula 3. How hard is it for you as a parent to see him perform at this level?
So it’s very stressful on that level. It’s very exciting, but also very stressful. Another stressful aspect is funding, sponsorship and teams. All in all… I mean, it’s much easier to drive. (laugh)
So you’ve been more concerned with safety and now you’re concerned with getting the most out of performance?
I never worried about him getting hurt because he can get hurt on the road, whether on a bike, motorcycle, jet ski or car. You know what I mean, right? That was never a problem for me. You hope that person is doing well, doing well and being well.
7. In a 2010 12-question interview, I asked, “How long do you think your career will last?” I asked. You think, “Until the day you get in your car and wonder what you’re doing. I don’t think I can catch up to Mark Martin.” You’re almost 49, so about the same age as Mark Martin. Have you ever reached a point where you thought you were done driving?
This year, for the first time, I stopped driving full time and focused on Sebastian. But I didn’t want to say, “No, I’m announcing my retirement.” I’m not against it. You don’t have to tell anyone. If you don’t want to drive, don’t drive. I did and I loved not having a full-time schedule. I still enjoy driving, karting etc. But when an opportunity like this (driving a Cup car at Watkins Glen) comes up, I say “Yes!” you think
8. What do you like about the place where you were born and grew up? Bogota, Colombia.
I left Bogota in 1994 and go there for vacations, conferences, etc. But I lived outside of Colombia for a long time. It was fun. I grew up like other children. I went to the track on the weekend, but I felt like a normal kid. It wasn’t very special. I liked it because Colombia has mountains and it’s beautiful.
9. What personality trait are you proud of?
(Laughs) Passion. Or maybe it’s dedication.
10. Which driver would you like to ride with?
Oh, I think it’s about 99% like that.
11. What difficulties have you faced with TV or media without your presenter?
The problem is that in NASCAR there are accidents every week because there are bumpers. Other races will draw people to the track, but this is normal. In NASCAR, give and take is a little different and holding back is a b— so you have to understand and respect that.
Otherwise, don’t worry about getting a refund. Would you like to race at Watkins Glen? No, I want to be able to compete with people fairly and I want people to compete with me fairly. Otherwise I wouldn’t do it. This is normal. You treat people the way they treat you. It’s simple. If you want to be a—, I can be a bigger a—. If you want to be a good person, I will be a very good person too.
12. Each week, we ask the host a question for the next interview. So the last time I did it was with Brad Keselowski. He asked, “According to your definition, what makes you a good runner?” sayWillingness to do anything to win.
Has it always been like this since you were a child?
Yes. Everything that is missing needs to be worked on, checked and improved. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The following interview is with Ryan Truex. Do I have a question for him? Would he be satisfied with a 20-round championship instead of 36? Do you have a little life?
