Catchfence

CONCORD, N.C. (October 17, 2009) – Paul Menard and the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team overcame starting from the rear of the field after changing the transmission to post a 27th-place finish in tonight’s “homecoming” race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 98 team never gave up after battling an ill-handling race car for most of the evening.

NASCAR teams enjoyed a hometown race front of family and friends this weekend here in Concord, N.C. With most of the race teams within miles of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the teams welcomed a race before the hometown crowd. Over 105,000 fans packed in the 1.5-mile speedway on a cold and windy evening.

After changing the transmission in the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion following “Happy Hour” practice on Friday, Menard was forced to the back of the field for the start of tonight’s NASCAR Banking 500.

Only three laps into the race, the No. 77 car spun coming off turn two. Menard, with the help of his spotter was able to avoid the spinning race car, but fluid on the windshield of the No. 98 Ford forced him down pit road for the team to remove a tear off. After restarting 39th, Menard quickly picked up a number of positions during the ensuing run.

During the next run, Menard noted the car to be very loose during the early part of the run, then changing to be very tight after just 20 laps of racing. Crew chief Larry Carter and the entire No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team worked patiently through each pit stop, throwing a wholesale of changes at their Ford Fusion. After changing air pressures and making numerous chassis adjustments, the No. 98 team never hit on anything that improved the handling for Menard.

“We struggled all night it seemed,” said Menard following the race. “Larry (Carter) and all the guys did a great job with adjusting on the car, but nothing seemed to work for us. We tried air pressure changes, track bar, wedge, and while we were able to pick up a little here and there, it never changed the problem in the long run. All the guys worked hard and we avoided the wrecks out there, but didn’t come home with the finish I thought we were capable of tonight.”

Menard finished the race 27th, as Jimmie Johnson went on to win his third race in five “Chase” race starts. Ford Racing teammate Matt Kenseth finished second, followed by Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon and Joey Logano rounding out the top-five finishers.

Next week, the No. 98 Schrock / Menards team will travel just 100 miles north of Concord, N.C. for the second race of the season at Martinsville Speedway. ABC television and MRN radio affiliates will carry the live race broadcast beginning at 2:00 p.m. (EST).

NEXT UP:

TUMS Fast Relief 500

Martinsville Speedway (.526-mile speedway)

Martinsville, Va.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

ABOUT MENARDS

Well-known as the place to “Save Big Money,” Menards is a family-owned home improvement retailer with 252 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 the area and the way guests are always treated like family in a hometown hardware store atmosphere.

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.

- Yates Racing, Press Release