South Florida resident and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver #42-Juan Pablo Montoya was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Champions on Wednesday. Joined on stage by Homestead-Miami Speedway Track President Matthew Becherer and Lawson Dutton of Dutton Press, Montoya was enshrined during ceremonies at the 20th Annual Sports Hall of Champions Awards at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The Hall of Champions, in conjunction with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, honors individuals that bring “significant recognition to Greater Miami through achievements in, and contributions to, sports and the competitive spirit of the local community.” Montoya joins a group of Sports Hall of Champions inductees that includes: Dan Marino, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, Alonzo Mourning and Greg Louganis. Along with Montoya, the 2011 induction class included: pro football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon, Olympic speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez, and Miami Heat analysts Tony “The Coach” Fiorentino and Eric Reid. For the third straight year Homestead-Miami Speedway is partnering with Montoya to create “Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya” — an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity prior to the Sunday, November 20, Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This exclusive package benefits the Formula Smiles Foundation. To purchase “Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya” ($142) — or to upgrade to this package if tickets already have been purchasedâplease visit HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com/Montoya or call (866) 409-RACE.(HMS)(10-20-2011)
