SONOMA, Calif. — Juan Pablo Montoya goes to Sonoma Raceway every year under heavy pressure to win.

But as he inches closer and closer to finally winning on an oval track, the annual stop at the 1.99-mile road course has become less stressful.

Still, Montoya said he's excited for Sunday's race because it's an opportunity to contend for the win and collect some sorely needed points. He arrived at Sonoma ranked 22nd in the standings having made a slow climb behind stronger finishes.

He's raced for the win twice in the last eight races, only to lose on the final restarts at Richmond and Dover.

Montoya says he's starving for a victory, but more importantly wants to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field.