Target driver to be honored in South Florida

Juan Pablo Montoya may not have had the year he would have liked on the NASCAR circuit where he drives the number 42 Target Chevrolet, but his collective accomplishments throughout an illustrious racing career have earned him a sport in the Miami Sports Hall of Champions.

Montoya will be among a collection of other athletes from various sports who earned inclusion through their exploits and connection to South Florida. Along with Montoya, the 2011 induction class includes pro football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, former Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon, Olympic speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez, and Miami Heat analysts Tony “The Coach” Fiorentino and Eric Reid. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19 during ceremonies at the 20th Annual Sports Hall of Champions Awards at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

“Juan Pablo is an important member of the South Florida racing family,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer. “His success in various racing disciplines and his signature no-holds-barred style of racing makes him one of racing’s greatest drivers. He is an international motorsports superstar who makes his home in South Florida.”

Past inductees of the Sports Hall of Champions include: Dan Marino, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, Alonzo Mourning and Greg Louganis.