Where's Juan? California

After spending nearly a month in Daytona with testing, the Rolex 24 and Speedweeks, it's time for Juan Montoya to wing west in search of a way to end a personal curse on 2-mile ovals as a NASCAR driver.

For some reason, California Speedway and its sister track in Michigan have been a personal shop of horrors for Montoya, but after the tests earlier this year, Montoya is hoping for a break.

Juan Montoya

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"Going to California, I'm really excited," Montoya said. "That's another track we don't run well at. We qualify good there, but I don't race well there. I don't know why, but if we can figure out California, we can figure out Michigan, which is another track that I don't do well on."

One of the things Montoya likes about NASCAR racing is that other drivers are willing to help him sort out the tough spots.

"You have to learn you can't be afraid of asking [for help]," he said. "People here will help you. That's a great thing about this sport. People are open, and I hope if I can help anyone, I will."

Crew chief Donnie Wingo still makes the calls for Montoya, but the second-year Cup driver is catching up in his understanding of what it takes to go fast for long periods of time.

"I have a better idea now what the car needs, but I try to let Donnie be the leader," Montoya said.

All of this is in pursuit of race victories, something Montoya feels he can make happen this year.

"Do I think we can win races? I would really like to think so. But I'd rather not say I can win the championship; I'd rather get out there and get it done. I'd rather let the driving do the talking. I don't like to go out there and say, 'we're going to kill 'em this week,' and then go out there and get blown off. I'd rather be quiet and kill 'em.

"We're getting closer. A lot of it is making the right changes. Once you start playing catch-up you're done."

Montoya finished the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in the 32nd position. With 12 laps remaining in the 200-lap race, it appeared Montoya was poised for a top-five finish. Unfortunately, Montoya was clipped in the left rear after an incident between the No. 22 and No. 29 cars and forced to pit with just eight laps remaining in the race.

Montoya at California Speedway

• Montoya finished 26th in last year's Auto Club 500, two laps off the lead. He started ninth. He finished 33rd in the September race at California.

• Montoya and his crew, led by Crew Chief Donnie Wingo, tested at California three weeks ago in preparation for the second race of the season.

• Montoya's No. 42 Dodge Charger will be carrying the signature yellow of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit brand this weekend at California Speedway. This will be the first of 19 races either Juicy Fruit or Big Red will be the primary sponsor on Montoya's car during the 2008 Sprint Cup season.

• Montoya and the 42 team will be one of the featured teams on DirecTV's NASCAR HotPass at California. HotPass allows fans to follow Montoya and the team throughout the entire race with in-depth reporting, real-time statistics and enhanced live race audio. The 42 team will be featured on HD channel 795 and SD channel 790 for the race on Sunday.

• Chassis: Wingo and the No. 42 team are bringing chassis 731 to California. Montoya drove this chassis last season, but has not tested or ran with it this year. He drove it five times in 2007 at the two Bristol races, Dover, Richmond and Loudon. It has an average start of 12.2 and an average finish of 20.8.