Catchfence

Yates Racing Logo

“It’s definitely going to be cool to run in that event,” Menard said. “The last couple years I’ve had to watch it on TV, so actually getting in this year and being able to race will be a big advantage for us.”

For Quaker State, it’s the first event on track with their new logo and special hood treatment, which will carry through the Daytona 500 and California weekends.

“Both Quaker State and I have a new look for the 2009 race season.  I’m excited to be driving the Quaker State car during the Bud shootout and kicking off the NASCAR season with the motor oil brand that delivers the protection consumers need for their everyday driving.”

In the past, the Budweiser Shootout has been a high-profile event that gets everyone in the sport back to racing – officially.  As a non-points event it has also been labeled as a “winner-take-all race,” a distinction that has its plusses and its minuses.

“Yeah, this race has been crazy.  Kind of like the Sprint All-Star race in Charlotte I guess,” continued Menard.  “You just want to win, that’s really all that matters in this event.

“No matter what, you’re not taking any points away from the race, so I think the mindset is just to go out and win at all costs.  That’s my thinking anyway.”

At a minimum, it’s a good opportunity for Menard to get in competitive racing laps with his new No. 98 Menards team before the first racing event the following week, which will be the Gatorade 150′s on Feb. 12.

“That’s going to be huge for us.  We’ve had a test under our belt and may try and do one more before it’s all said and done and we load for Daytona, but to have a race like this where Larry and I and the crew can work together will be a big advantage for us,” said Menard.

“It’ll also be a chance to (hopefully) work with Bobby (Labonte) a little bit out there and see if we can draft together with the other Ford teams.  Our Shootout car is about identical to the 500 car, so if we’re good Saturday night, I like to think we’ll be good the next Sunday.

“And if we aren’t, it gives us a chance to make the 500 car better that next week.  Either way it’s a good race for us to be in and we plan to make the best of it.”

Budweiser Shootout practice opens on Friday, February 5.  The race will air Saturday night at 8pm ET live on FOX.

ABOUT MENARDS

Well-known as the place to “Save Big Money,” Menards is a family-owned home improvement retailer with more than 240 hometown hardware stores in 12 Midwestern states.  Menards carries all the tools, materials and supplies for all your home improvement needs from just needing a light bulb to building a new house.  Most Menards stores also carry name brand appliances, pet products, lawn and garden supplies and even groceries as your one-stop shopping experience.  There is something for everyone at Menards from the beginning do-it-yourselfer to the experienced contractor.  The company’s strength and success can be seen in the well-stocked and maintained stores, the lowest prices in town and the way guests are always treated like family.         

For more information, visit www.menards.com or www.menardsracing.com

 ABOUT YATES RACING

Yates Racing currently operates three motorsports teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formerly known as Robert Yates Racing, the team is owned by Doug Yates, who took the reins after his father, Robert Yates, retired following the 2007 season. In 2008, Doug partnered with Max Jones; a former road racer and long-time race team championship General Manager. During Yates Racing’s 21-year tenure in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, the organization has earned a total of 57 wins, 49 poles, 270 top-five finishes, 433 top-ten finishes, and a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship. In 2009, Hall of Fame Racing has teamed up with Yates Racing to field the No. 96 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

 Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact Jon Sands with Yates Racing at 704-720-4621 or visit www.yatesracing.com.