Notebook: Montoya checks off another series, Indianapolis, and of course — Danica

Speedway, IN — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host not one, but four races this weekend in what’s being dubbed, the Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard. (Super weekend was in February but that’s another story.)

The 19th-annual Brickyard 400 will be held Sunday, beginning at 1:20 p.m. on ESPN. That race will put the finishing touches on a jam-packed weekend.

Matt Kenseth is atop the Sprint Sup Series, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin. Paul Menard of Richard Childress racing stood in victory circle last year. Jimmie Johnson is seeking is fourth victory in seven years and fan-favorite Jeff Gordon has the most wins (4) at the Brickyard, but none since 2004.

What’s this Grand-AM race all about?
The casual fan may not recognize the Grand-AM series, but you will recognize a handful of drivers competing in the Rolex Sports Car Series race Thursday evening. Most notably, Chip Ganassi Racing has put together a star-studded line-up of Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Scott Dixon in one car. In another, Paul Tracy will get behind the wheel, along with Jim Lowe.

The Chip Ganassi team (McMurray, Montoya, Dixon) wouldn’t divulge the order in which they’d drive, though, McMurray did admit that the lineup is set. Each driver must drive at least 30 minutes in the three-hour race to score points.

Different car, same ole’ Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya will drive his fourth different car. Previously — Indy 500 (2000 winner), Brickyard 400, F1 and now Grand-AM.

He added that he didn’t forsee trying MotoGP anytime soon. Smart move.

Different head turn
The Grand-AM race will be a challenging test — especially for the veterans drivers — having to make on right-hand turns rather than the traditional four turns around the 2.5-mile oval.

“We are so used to turning left, with all the corners to the right seemed (to last) three minutes long,” Jamie McMurray joked.

Danica returns
For the first time since switching to NASCAR, Danica returns to Indianapolis.

“I think the best thing about coming back is that it feels familiar, it feels comfortable,” she said in a news conference Thursday. “It feels good to look out the window and see Indianapolis.

She will race on Saturday in the Inaugural Indy 250, part of the Nationwide Series.

Of course she was asked about the possibility of returning for the Indy 500 after missing the race in May.

“I would love to do it. I’ve said that all along…but I can tell you the only way it’s going to happen if it’s with someone I really feel I can have a shot to go out there and win.”

Indianapolis is still, Indianapolis
For drivers, competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is very special and a dream come true. Every time drivers are asked about the mystique, and the prestige of racing at the World’s Greatest Racecourse.

Chip Ganassi: “It doesn’t matter what you show up in, it’s a magical part of motorsports.”

Juan Pablo Montoya: “This is one of the places you want to race at and be part of.”

Danica Patrick: “I don’t care what I drive around this track, I love being here…the older I get, the more I realize how much history and tradition plays a role in what’s important and what matters and what means the most to you.”

(best of all, Danica followed up that quote with, “I sound really old with that answer.”)

Too many races?
Some have made the argument that having so many races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway dilutes the meaning of the Indy 500. I disagree. Based on what drivers, owners, crew members and other media members have said — races here are just different. There’s an added meaning. Every drive dreams of some day racing there and these additional races allow that to help.

Attendance has been an obvious problem at the Brickyard where lately, numbers have dipped under 150,000. Giving fans more bang for their buck may provide a boost. At least, that’s what track officials hope.

Lastly, these pace cars are sharp

I will be here all weekend long providing updates.