Surprising Montoya has shot at history at The Glen

Juan Pablo Montoya came into the Nextel Cup Series as a rookie trying to make the tricky transition from open-wheel racing to stock cars.

Only six months later, he's a favorite to win races.

A win Sunday will make Juan Pablo Montoya the first to win three NASCAR-sanctioned road races in a season. (AP)

Montoya is the front-runner in the circuit's final road course event of the season Sunday at Watkins Glen International Raceway.

And why shouldn't he be?

After winning a Busch Series race in Mexico City in March and his first Cup victory at the Infineon Raceway road circuit in June, Montoya has solidified himself as NASCAR's top road racer.

Sunday he can make history by becoming the first driver to win three NASCAR-sanctioned road course races in one season.

"Well, I think it's pretty exciting," Montoya said of his chance to put his name in the record book. "I've got to say we've been having a pretty good season lately.

"The last few races we've been getting better, getting very good results. I think it should be exciting."

With his experience in IndyCar racing and Formula One, Montoya's prowess as a road racer shouldn't be that surprising. But his overall transition from the sleek open-wheel machines to the relatively more lumbering stock cars is what's impressed many during his rookie season.

"I think the biggest challenge is first of all getting used to the cars and getting to know the people that I have to work with and understand how the roles work, how everybody races, learn to overtake people," Montoya said. "Still, that's very hard. It's so different from open–wheel racing, so it makes it pretty tough."

Montoya credits the experience he was able to get in a limited slate at the tail end of last year, plus a Busch Series schedule, in helping him understand and succeed in his stock car career.

"I've got to say, with last year's races I'm starting to get the hang of the car, I'm getting more comfortable, to drive a little freer, a little bit looser, and I think that's helping a lot," he said. "I think Donnie (Wingo), my crew chief, is starting to understand what I want out of the car and what do I like and what I don't like, and that really helps."

But Montoya is also quick to point out that his performance is based on the entire Chip Ganassi Racing team's improvement this season, with teammates Reed Sorenson and David Stremme also making strides.