Montoya wins Race of Champions: Juan Pablo Montoya took his wife’s advice and it paid off. Montoya had passed on previous invitations to participate in the annual Race of Champions, but when his wife, Connie Freydell-Montoya, suggested he take part in this year’s event, he agreed. “It’s unbelievable. Today I am actually regretting that I haven’t done this before,” Montoya said. Montoya was crowned Champion of Champions after prevailing against some of the best drivers in the world in a head-to-head format in the 28th annual event, which was held on U.S. soil for the first time at Marlins Park. Montoya won his final seven races, including both in the final against Tom Kristensen, who has five second-place finishes to his credit in 15 appearances. Kurt and Kyle Busch, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Sebastian Vettel, David Coulthard, Travis Pastrana, Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jenson Button, Felipe Massa and Pascal Wehrlein were among the 16 drivers who participated in the event, which consisted of four groups of four, with the top two moving on to the quarterfinals. Sunday’s action includes drivers teaming up, including NASCAR’s Busch brothers, for the Nations Cup and an America vs. The World finale.(Associated Press)(1-22-2017)
