Where have you been, Juan Pablo?

It was beautiful to watch.

With a near-perfect blend of elegance and aggression, Juan Pablo Montoya was a major player at Bristol, contending for the win until the handling of his car tightened up in the closing laps.

Montoya was one of few drivers who found a racing line around the .533-mile short track that allowed him to cut through the field. Arcing his No. 42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet high into the corners, Montoya would steer to the bottom of the track on exit, carrying momentum that allowed him to streak past cars in the outside lane.

Montoya started 16th and finished third, his fourth top-five result of the season.

One can only think that, had Montoya driven consistently with that sort of focus and intensity since making the Chase in 2009, the former Indy 500 winner might not be looking for a new job next year