People En Espanol Magazine Names Juan Pablo Montoya To Its '50 Most Beautiful' List

[PressRoom-GFN]

CONCORD, N.C. -- Juan Pablo Montoya will make his first appearance in People en Español’s special-edition magazine as one of its “50 Most Beautiful of 2008”, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates officials have announced.

“The recognition of Juan Pablo in consumer lifestyle media such as People en Español illustrates that his reach is far beyond the sports page,” said Steve Lauletta, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams president. “His presence in the sport of NASCAR has added a new and unique storyline previously not represented with other drivers. And this added coverage benefits everyone, including the team, the sponsors and the sport as a whole.”

Montoya earned a spot beside singer Christina Aguilera, designer Daisy Fuentes and actor and current participant on “Dancing with the Stars” Christián de la Fuente on the exclusive list. Montoya is one of just four athletes whose photos will appear in the magazine along with NFL quarterback Tony Romo, NHL center Scott Gómez and basketball player Alexis Castro.

“When I first heard about it I was like, ‘Me, really?’ I didn’t believe it,” Montoya said. “But it is good for the sport of NASCAR to have someone represented from the Latino community and in a magazine as popular as People en Español.”

Montoya participated in a special photo shoot in Miami for the magazine in February before heading to the NASCAR race at California Speedway. Aside from an interview for the magazine, Montoya made a few wardrobe changes and spent a few minutes in the make-up chair in preparation for the photo shoot.

“It was interesting to see how magazines like this do photo shoots. It’s quite a production,” Montoya said. “It’s definitely different than what I’m used to -- wearing a firesuit in front of a yellow Juicy Fruit or black Texaco/Havoline car -- but it was still fun.”

After Talladega, Montoya was 12th in the point standings. He earned 2007 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie-of-the-Year honors along with a victory in the Cup race at Infineon Raceway in California. He captured his first stock car victory in the March 2007 Nationwide race in Mexico City.

Over the last 18 months, since making his NASCAR debut, the former Indianapolis 500 champion and Formula One star has been featured in or graced the cover of hundreds of publications, including Sports Illustrated, USA Today, ESPN the Magazine, ESPN Deportes, The New York Times, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times.

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