Motorsport: Montoya faces 'Southern fried'

European pundits of Formula One were flabbergasted when Juan Pablo Montoya announced a switch to American-style oval racing. Picture / Reuters

When McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya announced that he was leaving Formula One to join the Nascar racers in the United States, European pundits were flabbergasted.

They had speculated for months that the Colombian's days with McLaren were numbered after a series of embarrassing race incidents, but in the rarefied world of Formula One the idea that someone would choose to drive one of those "American taxis" gained little traction.

Not only will Montoya be taking a substantial pay cut, but he will also be trading a world championship for what remains essentially a regional contest. Yet it may be a better fit for a true racer who came from American single-seaters and never allowed Formula One to tame him.

The change of scene will be dramatic and not without its lighter side. A few points of difference:

Racing
Nascar drivers compete in at least 36 races that can last for around 3 1/2 hours, are usually on giant ovals and can be run at night. Formula One has 18 two-hour races on street or purpose-built road circuits. Many of the Nascar stars double their racing by also competing in the second-level Busch series.

Money
Think of a number around US$50 million ($80.46 million) and then double it for Michael Schumacher. Most of his rivals earn considerably less and a few still pay for their drives through personal sponsors. The basic salary for a Nascar driver is around US$5 million but this is boosted by prize money for each race that is split with the team owner. Nobody ever talks about prize money in Formula One. Everybody in both classes rakes in the dollars/euros/pounds for endorsements.

Cars
The "taxi" jibe is a little unfair. The American saloons are not state of the art but they are skilfully engineered for oval racing. Formula One cars are created with budgets that would run small countries, by manufacturers prepared to spend what it takes to be top dog in the world's premier class.

Skills
Purists complain that electronic aids have taken much of the driver skill out of Formula One. But coping with the extremes of climate and getting the best out of the machinery demand special talents. Nascar drivers may only have to turn left on ovals but they must master the drafting and car positioning required to lead when the chequered flag falls.

Excitement
Caution periods and plenty of crashes keep interest bubbling to the end in Nascar despite the sameness of the laps. Formula One offers more speed and variety but has yet to devise a package that makes passing manoeuvres frequent.

Food
Nascar is more "Southern fried" than Michelin Guide, and the barbecue is almost as important as the fuel rig.

Foreign travel
Formula One is a true world series. Historically, Nascar considered anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line as foreign territory, though there is talk of a race in Canada next season. Montoya speaks fluent English but may need a translator Down South.

Music
Montoya may be sick of hearing the German, Italian and Spanish national anthems, but after the umpteenth rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by a country singer he will realise why earplugs are recommended to spectators.

Aggression
Schumacher shunts are deplored in true-blue Formula One circles. A bit of biff is common on the ovals, revenge taps are expected and helmet throwing is in order. Win a race, though, and humility, thanks to the sponsors, the crew and the Almighty, is obligatory.

Fans
Formula One fans, notably the Italians, are fiercely loyal to their favourites, and the premier class commands a huge world audience. The biggest fans would have to be Nascar's burger-built behemoths, 200,000 of whom can fill a stadium.