Menards to dump RCR for #21 car

According to Adam Stern at Sports Business Daily, Richard Childress Racing has been considering its options for ‘18 should primary sponsor Menards leave after this season, according to sources, an indication that the home improvement chain is eyeing a move elsewhere. Menards is said to be eyeing a move from RCR to the Team Penske/Wood Brothers alliance after this season, according to sources, though no side will confirm it.

Menards Promotions Manager Jeff Abbott and RCR President Torrey Galida both declined comment about plans for the future or their current deal.

Whether Menards’ deal expires after this year or if there is a clause that would allow an out was unclear, but the pact is thought to be one of the more lucrative team sponsorships in the sport at well over $10M annually.

It is a season-long pact that John Menard, the founder of the Wisconsin-based chain, brings as part of a package deal that has included his son Paul as driver.

The retailer often splits the primary paint scheme with one of its dozens of vendors on a weekly basis. Menard has been at RCR since ’11.

If Menards leaves RCR, options would include trying to find sponsorship to keep the team’s third Cup car, the No. 27, or reducing to two Cup cars. Adam Stern/SBD