Friday April 18th, 2003
Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya will swap jobs for a day with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon on 11th June at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Williams driver Montoya will get behind the wheel of Gordon's Chevrolet Monte Carlo and drive it around the 2.606-mile (4.2-kilometre) Grand Prix circuit of the legendary track. Meanwhile, 31-year old Gordon will test Montoya's Williams FW25 car.
It will be the first time that Gordon and Montoya will be behind the wheel of a Formula One car and NASCAR Winston Cup car, respectively.
"It will be very interesting for me, and driving a big, heavy NASCAR will certainly be different to driving a Formula car," said Montoya. "I will enjoy the opportunity, and I don't think Jeff should be concerned that I will take away his job."
Gordon, who has never raced around the Grand Prix circuit at Indianapolis, is also looking forward to the experience.
"I'm just excited about this opportunity," Gordon said. "It's something I've dreamed of, just getting behind the wheel of an F1 car and seeing what it was like. I don't plan on going F1 racing, but I would love to just get that experience."
In addition to the demonstration laps, Montoya and Gordon will participate in a media luncheon and press conference. Fans will have free access to IMS' South Terrace grandstands for viewing.
Published at 08:58:45 GMT