Juan Pablo Montoya gave a new meaning to the phrase, “this car is garbage”, and benefitted in the form of a second qualifying attempt during Sunday’s final qualifying session for the May 29 Indianapolis 500.
Montoya was in the middle of his first attempt at a four-lap qualifying run when he ran over an errant trash bag in Turn 3. Sensing an issue, the two-time Indy 500 winner quickly let off the gas and dropped to slowest on the grid before returning to pit road.
For a brief moment, it appeared the Columbian would have to come from the back of the field next Sunday, but in the end the INDYCAR stewards granted Montoya a second attempt. His team was also allowed to refuel his No. 2 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet-Dallara before the run.
Montoya ultimately completed a qualifying run to place himself 17th on the starting grid for next Sunday’s race.
While the move didn’t affect the winner of the pole because Montoya failed to make the Fast 9 on Saturday, the decision from the stewards to allow Montoya a second attempt evoked mixed reactions from the fans.
https://twitter.com/Indycar_MN/status/734484670709108736
It also led to a few funny comments from the media.
The new story of qualifying day pic.twitter.com/R2MCWPeYar
— Tony DiZinno (@tonydizinno) May 22, 2016
Montoya granted another run at Q. He must be Glad. Otherwise, that would be a hefty disadvantage. @IndyCar
— brant james (@brantjames) May 22, 2016
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