Menard to Drive RCR’s Fourth Sprint Cup Series car in 2011

Paul Menard

Richard Childress Racing and Menards, the third-largest home improvement company in the United States, have signed a multi-year partnership agreement for the Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based company to become the primary sponsor of RCR's fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team beginning in 2011 with driver Paul Menard.

"Paul has developed into a very good race car driver, and we see his move to RCR next year as an opportunity for him to continue that progress," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "At the same time, we feel Paul will contribute to the continued progress and success of RCR. Paul will fit in perfectly with our team of drivers at RCR, and they are all looking forward to working with him. We're also very proud to be aligned with Menards, one of the great family business success stories in American history."

Menard is in his fourth full season of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition and is currently 23rd in the point standings after 22 of 36 points races. The Eau Claire, Wis., native made his series debut in 2003, running just one race while also competing in six Nationwide Series races. He raced fulltime in the Nationwide Series from 2004 through 2006 while picking up Cup Series experience in eight other races during that time. In 2007, Menard became a fulltime driver in the Cup Series and part-time Nationwide Series driver, though he is scheduled to compete in every event of both series in 2010. He is currently sixth in the Nationwide Series point standings after 22 of 35 races.

"Richard Childress Racing has shown this year that they're headed on the right track," said Menard. "Having three cars competing for the Chase and, ultimately, the championship is no small feat and they're on top of their game. With that in mind and having known Richard for the past 10 years or so, when this opportunity to join RCR came about it was a no-brainer. I have always had the utmost respect for Richard and what his organization has accomplished in the past and what they're capable of achieving in the future."

Menards has a long, successful history as a racing sponsor dating back to the 1970's. A family-owned and operated business with headquarters in Eau Claire, WI, Menards has 255 retail store locations throughout the Midwest. Menards carries the materials, tools and supplies for all your home improvement needs and is widely recognized as the place to "Save Big Money!" The Menards family has always been dedicated to service and quality, treating guests like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.

Further announcements about the program will be forthcoming.