Verizon IndyCar Series points leader Juan Pablo Montoya won at the Milwaukee Mile in 2000.
He came second last year in his first start there in 14 years. And he was more frustrated with that result than almost any other runner-up he’s had in his North American open-wheel racing career.
“I have never been more upset with a second-place finish than I was last year at Milwaukee. We had such a good car that it was a shame that we couldn’t win the race, but Will (Power) was just that dominant that day,” Montoya said in a pre-race advance.
Indeed, Power led 229 of 250 laps a year ago while Montoya held off Tony Kanaan for second, although both took slower traffic to task after the race.
Like his Team Penske teammate Power, Montoya thinks qualifying will be crucial as passing was difficult in 2014.
“If I have a Verizon Chevrolet that is even close to how good that car was, I will feel really good about our chances this weekend,” he said.
“I enjoy racing at Milwaukee a lot. It’s a different feel than anywhere else we go because it’s a fairgrounds track. It’s just a cool place with a lot of history. I’m glad I have been able to win there at least once in my career (2000).
“Unfortunately, last year there wasn’t a lot of passing and, as a result, Will was able to lead so many laps. I’m very anxious to see what the new aero package and downforce levels do to the racing when we get back.”
Montoya has already done one 2015 follow-up of a 2000 win, adding a second Indianapolis 500 victory to the one he achieved in 2000.
He’ll look to do the same at the oldest continually operating track in North America this Sunday. He enters the weekend 46 points clear of Power in the championship hunt.
Coverage of the ABC Supply Co. Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest begins Sunday at 4 p.m. ET with same day qualifying coverage, and live race coverage at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra.
