Yesterday Chip Ganassi  named Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya as driver for the No. 42 Dodge in 2007.

Montoya, who has no NASCAR experience, has been signed for a multi-year deal.

"Chip told me, 'You need to convince me that you need to do this,'" said Montoya. "'It is a matter of three years down the road, will you be excited doing what you're doing?'. I will be a lot happier here."

The No. 42 Dodge was considered by some in the Cup garage to be the best available car for 2007. Casey Mears announced last month that he was leaving Ganassi to drive the No. 25 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Ganassi knows that Montoya will face a steep learning curve, but he also said that he expects Montoya to succeed at NASCAR's top level.

"I have seen this guy adapt to car like no driver like I have ever seen," Ganassi said. "No question, he can adapt to a Cup car. He will be doing Cup and Busch. I know my team is up for it. Is it not going to be a walk in the park."

Montoya is in the midst of the F1 season, which does not end until Oct. 22. After that is complete, Montoya will immediately begin testing for next season.