Highlights

NASCAR debut ends in flames

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-11-20 09:19

Juan Pablo Montoya's NASCAR Cup debut ended in a ball of flames when his Dodge Charger was tapped from behind on lap 252 of a 267-lap race at Miami Speedway on Sunday.

NASCAR Nextel Cup points winner Jimmie Johnson (R) is doused with champagne by crewmembers as they celebrate in victory lane after Johnson captured the NASCAR Nextel Cup at the conclusion of the Ford 400 NASCAR race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida November 19, 2006. [Reuters]

The former McLaren Formula One driver climbed out uninjured following a clash with a car driven by veteran Ryan Newman. The Colombian's car crashed into a barrier and burst into flames as the fuel tank exploded before skidding down the track.

Montoya started 29th of the 43 cars in the race. He had raced as high as 13th before initially bumping into Newman's car five laps before the crash took place.

"The 12 car (Newman) tapped me in the back, I'm not sure," Montoya told reporters.

"We proved we could run all day, it's gonna be hard."

Montoya was in 20th place at the time of the incident.

"What I said to the guys when I signed with (team owner) Chip (Ganassi) was that it won't be easy," said Montoya, who had previously driven in five lower division stock car races.

"I think I've been getting better race by race."

American Greg Biffle won the race on Sunday.