Montoya gets new crew chief before critical Indy race

Juan Pablo Montoya will have a new crew chief next week for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he will be one of the favorites after two near-misses in the last two years.

Jim Pohlman, who has been with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing since 2006 in several roles, including as a Cup car chief, has been named interim crew chief for the No. 42 team, according to a team news release.

Pohlman replaces Brian Pattie, who became Montoya’s crew chief in May 2008. Pattie led Montoya to the Chase For The Sprint Cup in 2009 and the two appeared to have a good working relationship.