I have been silent long enough. It’s time for the pot to call this kettle black. Is anyone really surprised about the recent departure of Dario Franchitti from NASCAR’s highest ranks? Well, other than Ashley Judd. For that matter, is anyone really surprised at how much the former open-wheel stars are struggling?I sat patiently by as the hoopla was spread over Juan Pablo Montoya’s entry in 2007. I watched all season as he wowed us with single victory, three top fives, six top 10s and five DNFs. Other than that handful of top 10s, he languished in 15th or worse — 11 finishes between 19th and 29th, and 11 finishes worse than 30th.When JPM’s defection was announced, I may be the only one who did not jump on his bandwagon. I knew he’d won the Indy 500 his first time at the revered track, was a Champ Car champion, a multiple race winner and a celebrated F1 driver.But, I also knew he wouldn’t win the Daytona 500 the first time he hit the grid — or the second. At least he finished 19th in his first attempt, which was better than his 36th-place starting position.But, this is not meant to be a Montoya slamfest. I respect the man for what he’s trying to do, all the more so because he’s finding it isn’t a stock-car cake ride.My point is that many think that because Indy Cars go faster, look sleeker and race in more exotic locales, it must be better and, more importantly, more challenging than the domestic NASCAR. Shall we ask Juan, Dario and Sam Hornish Jr. what they think now? And, the fan who recently e-mailed me and railed about “napcar” — you know who you are — what do you have to say?Hopes were high for these men, and rightfully so. They all have respected pedigrees and it’s good for motorsports to mix it up a little. I remember the years when Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon raced in the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same days. John Andretti has gone back and forth between the series, as did his famous Uncle Mario. Then, there’s A.J. Foyt and Cale Yarborough.The jump across the ranks is not unprecedented, and will probably happen more in the future. When it does, perhaps the move will be made with a little less brou-ha-ha and little more respect for the closed-wheel cars.With the loss of his sponsor and the shuttering of his team, Franchitti wasn’t sure what his future holds. He doesn’t regret his move to NASCAR and may be looking for a new seat come Silly Season. We can only wait and see.In the meantime, check his Web site to find out where he will be signing copies of his resume.