“IS THAT JUAN PABLO MONTOYA?”: Fans react as Denny Hamlin-owned 23XI Racing teases new driver

The 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Denny Hamlin, has stirred up excitement among fans by teasing the next driver for their #50 car. The car that has already graced the NASCAR tracks twice this year is gearing up for further action.

After Kamui Kobayashi debuted in the NASCAR Cup with the No. 67 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, finishing P33, he took to the track again at COTA, but under the #50, marking the 50th anniversary of sponsor Mobil 1.

23XI Racing team's plans were afoot to have the #50 appear in two additional races this season, each time with a different driver at the helm. Corey Heim first took the wheel for the race at Nashville Superspeedway to finish P29. Now, anticipation has built up as the 23XI Racing hinted at introducing a new driver.

They've piqued curiosity with a teaser on X/Twitter, showing a blurred figure behind a so-called Golden Ticket, set against fleeting views of the #50 car in action, hinting at the big reveal ahead.

"Final ride for the 50 car… guess who’s next"

Fans are buzzing with speculation that Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia might be making a comeback to the NASCAR Cup Series with the 23XI Racing team. One excited fan commented:

"HOLY SH*T IS THAT JUAN PABLO MONTOYA!?"

Here are a few more reactions to the post:

"JPM. Here we go," said a fan.

"YOOOO MONTOYA IS BACK??????" wrote a shocked fan.

"If it’s Montoya, he becomes one of a few drivers that drove for four Manufacturers in nascar," noted a fan.

"If its JPM im gonna cry. Myyyy Kiiinnnggggg 30 year old me remembering how much 20 year old me loved him in the 42 🥹🥹🥹" a happy fan stated.

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A look into Juan Pablo Montoya's career before his potential comeback to NASCAR with 23XI Racing

Juan Pablo Montoya is a versatile racing driver whose career has spanned across multiple motorsport disciplines. Known for his win at the Indianapolis 500 in 2000, the Colombian racer has left his mark on various racing formats. He ventured into Formula 1 from 2001 to 2006.

Montoya transitioned to NASCAR in late 2006. Over the next seven years, he won races at the 2007 Telcel-Motorola Mexico 200, the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350, and the 2010 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen. His best season came in 2009 when he qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup and secured eighth in the season’s points standings.

Montoya last competed in the NASCAR Cup series in 2014 with Team Penske. Besides NASCAR, the 48-year-old has tasted success in various racing forms. He was the 1999 CART champion and has thrived in the IMSA Championships, with wins at prestigious events like the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Daytona.