Catchfence » Menards Racing

NASCAR Driver Matt Crafton Takes on Menards 200 in the ARCA Racing Series

Press Release — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:12:02 +0000

“Veteran Tackles Two Series in One Weekend; Qualifies in Toledo Just Hours After Racing in Dover”

Matt Crafton

Sandusky, OH – May 4, 2011 - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) driver Matt Crafton will compete in the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway on Sunday, May 15. The race is the fourth of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season, and will be Crafton’s third appearance in ARCA.

Crafton, who drives the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado for ThorSport Racing in the NCWTS, will attempt to qualify for the race less than 24 hours after competing in the Truck Series race at Delaware’s Dover International Speedway.

Two years ago, Crafton made the journey from Charlotte to Toledo after racing the Truck Series in order to practice and qualify an ARCA car for Paul Menard. Last year, he had the chance to race – flying in just after the May 22 Charlotte Motor Speedway Truck Series race to qualify seventh and finish fifth at the checkers.

No stranger to Ohio, the Tulare, Ca. native visits Northern Ohio and the ThorSport Racing Sandusky-based shop regularly. “I come check in on my guys and my No. 88 fleet of trucks, meet with Bud (Haefele), crew chief, and get setups done with the team. My owners, Duke and Rhonda Thorson, believe in Ohio for racing and know it’s a place where we can focus on the sport without a lot of chatter or noise from other teams. It’s good chi overall, keeps the guys motivated.”

Crafton will drive the No. 88 Messina Wildlife Management / Menards Ford Fusion, out of the Kimmel Racing stable of ARCA cars. The opportunity to run in the ARCA Racing Series is a result of the overall Menards Racing program in ARCA, and the business relationship between Messina Wildlife Management and Menards.

The quick turnaround is nothing new to the racing veteran, who is used to being on flights all over the country. “Between Menards appearances, which I really enjoy doing so that I can meet fans – and racing in the NCWTS, along with running my businesses with dirt cars and being a driver coach to Travis Pastrana in the NASCAR K&N Series, life is busy. I’m looking forward to getting back to Toledo – it’s a great racetrack with great fans. The track is awesome and I really like racing it. Pit strategy is huge at this track, since the tires fall off early and the rookies will be looking to their crew chiefs to really learn. We’ve learned a lot about tires this year in the Truck Series on repaved surfaces and different tires, so I’m interested in seeing what these Hoosier tires do next week.”

Currently third in overall driver points in the NCWTS, Crafton isn’t phased by the pressure. “It’s great to race in the ARCA Racing Series, because this is just plain fun. I’m going to race to win, I’d be ridiculous not to say that and there is some great competition in ARCA. Trucks this year is pretty cut-throat – every team and every driver has to be on their game 150% of the time to get a win and even get in the top ten. I’m proud of the momentum we’ve had so far, and it’s a great time for Ohio-based racing. Toledo Speedway shines a spotlight on Midwest racing at its finest, and I think it’s going to spotlight some really great talent there.”

Before moving to the NCWTS full-time in 2001, Crafton won the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series Championship in 2000. He earned his first career Truck Series victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 2008 and has scored top-10 finishes in seven of the last eight years. Crafton still claims the title on most consistent top 10s in the NCWTS, with seventy seven consecutive appearances in the group. He recently celebrated with the SPEED Channel on-air at Nashville on their 200th broadcast – of which Crafton has appeared in all 200 – with a celebratory “smash” to host Krista Voda. “They had a cake, and she was egging me on with no forks or plates…I had a feeling I knew what I needed to do. So we joke that I was practicing for my upcoming wedding with fiancee Ashley – but I don’t think Ashley was a big fan of my techique! Krista was a great sport.”

The annual ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards spring event at Toledo Speedway will kick off on Friday, May 13 with the opening of ARCA Fan Fest 2011, and on-track action featuring the Buckeye 305 Touring Sprint Car Series. The ARCA cars hit the track on Saturday, May 14, with practice at 12:30 p.m. and Menards Pole Qualifying Presented by Ansell scheduled for 3:30 p.m. An ARCA Truck Series race will conclude the on-track action at 5 p.m., with a Welcome Race Fans Party to follow.

Spectator gates and ticket sales for the Menards 200 will open at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 15 and an autograph session featuring the entire starting ARCA Racing Series field is scheduled to take place from 12 – 1 p.m. The green flag will drop on the 200-lap, 100-mile Menards 200 at 2 p.m.

Advance discount tickets for the Menards 200 are available at Toledo-area Menards stores, including locations in Sandusky, Findlay, and Defiance. Race fans can save on ticket prices through May 10.

Toledo Speedway is located at 5639 Benore Road in northeast Toledo, just off I-75 and Alexis Road. More information is available by calling (419) 727-1100, or by visiting ARCARacing.com.

- ThorSport Racing Press Release

Menards Joins RE/MAX as Co-Presenting Title Sponsor of ARCA Series in 2010

Press Release — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:01:16 +0000

“Ansell, Messina Key Vendor Partners”

ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards Logo

TOLEDO, Ohio (December 7, 2009) – Menards, the third largest home improvement retailer in the United States, will join RE/MAX as presenting sponsors of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series in 2010. The series will be known as the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards.

“This announcement represents the culmination of well over a year of research, negotiation and evaluation of benefits and return on investment,” said ARCA Vice President of Marketing and Communications Mark Gundrum. “For ARCA and Menards, we have established a very solid understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities on each side of the agreement. We feel there is tremendous potential for growth of this relationship going forward.”

Menards initially partnered with ARCA in February of 2009, introducing a comprehensive sponsorship package anchored by a business-to-business partnership with Ansell Protective Products, LLC. The marketing program in ’09 included co-primary team sponsorship of nine time series champion Frank Kimmel, as well as co-sponsorship of ARCA’s pole qualifying award, official category sponsorship, and the naming rights sponsorship of the spring race at Toledo Speedway.

Saturday’s announcement that Menards will increase its presence to the co-presenting series title role comes as a result of a continuation of the business-to-business program with Ansell, and the addition of a second vendor to the Menards Racing Program in ARCA. Messina Wildlife Management joins Ansell in the motorsports program, the company’s first foray into racing sponsorship, with product distribution through the 245 Menards retail outlets.

“On behalf of Messina Wildlife Management, we’re very excited to be here and part of this series,” said James Messina, the company’s Vice President. “This is a tremendous opportunity toward the evolution of our company. We know that this can do a lot for Messina, by way of increased distribution with the Menards home improvement store chain, and through the marketing opportunities this racing program offers. We’re extremely excited to be a vendor partner with Menards Racing, and to join Ansell in this joint effort.”

Ansell’s announced continuation will include extending the relationship with Kimmel Racing, as well as a strong series presence.

“On behalf of our employees worldwide, we are all very excited,” said Steve York, Director of Channel Development for Ansell. “I’m proud to say that we have reached an agreement in principal with Menards and Frank Kimmel to return to the ARCA Series in 2010. Since coming on board this year, the program has become a tremendous business opportunity for us. We were able to confirm that ARCA’s demographics represent the customers we are trying to reach. It’s been a strong year and we can’t wait for 2010.”

Kimmel, ARCA’s all-time active leading driver, finished third in championship points in 2009 in the no. 44 Ansell-Menards Ford.

“It’s been a great relationship with Menards and Ansell,” said Kimmel. “It’s so gratifying to know that both companies will be back full strength with Kimmel Racing in 2010. Toward the end of this year, we really got our program much more competitive and we look forward to building on that. ”

Retail offerings at Menards range from lawn and garden supplies to lumber, tools and supplies for landscaping, building and remodeling. The home improvement stores cater to the do-it-yourself consumer and the professional contractor, jobber and installer. Menards is based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and currently has 245 locations in 12 states.

The 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards begins with the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Daytona Int’l Speedway. The race is live on SPEED at 4 p.m. Eastern.

For more information, visit http://www.arcaracing.com.

- ARCA Press Release

Menard Finishes 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season with 26th-Place at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Press Release — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:23:30 +0000

Paul Menard

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (November 22, 2009) – Yates Racing driver Paul Menard and the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team rounded out the final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of the 2009 season this afternoon at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After starting the day 36^th, Menard and company battled the 1.5-mile speedway for 267 laps to finish 26^th in the Ford 400.

The weather in Homestead, Fla. was picture perfect as 43 drivers loaded into their cars for 400 miles of racing. Menard started on the outside row and quickly found his line. Early into the first run, Menard noted to crew chief Larry Carter the handling was a little loose off the corner and a bit tight through the center.

Carter called Menard down pit road on lap 52 for a scheduled green flag pit stop. Tires, fuel and a track bar adjustment were ordered for the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion and Menard exited pit road. Soon after rejoining the field, Menard was lapped by then race leader Jimmie Johnson.

After a caution on lap 79, followed by another pit stop for tires, fuel and a slight wedge adjustment, Menard and Carter agreed they needed to find a way back onto the lead lap. Their opportunity came on lap 100, when the caution flag was displayed again for a wreck between the No. 42 and No. 14 cars. Menard and Carter decided to “wave around” and hope for an early caution flag. The call worked as the next caution was displayed on lap 108, putting the No. 98 back on the lead lap. Menard came down pit road for tires, two cans of fuel and another wedge adjustment.

By lap 200, Menard had worked his way into the top 25 and radioed to Carter that the handling was getting better, but he felt he needed a few more adjustments in their final stops. The No. 98 team continued to make adjustments and Menard maintained his lead-lap running position at the checkered flag.

Denny Hamlin was the race winner, followed by Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Jimmie Johnson. Johnson won his fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. The four-time champion is the first in NASCAR history to achieve four consecutive championships.

“The No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards guys worked really hard in the pits all afternoon and made some great calls,” said Menard following the race. “We started off too loose, and then over adjusted at one point, but with a few chassis adjustments we were able to bring it back and a pretty solid car once we got back on the lead lap. Larry (Carter) made a great call there and it worked out in our favor. We will take the next couple of months to look back on this season, see where we can improve and start getting ready for Daytona.”

After thanking his No. 98 Menards guys on the radio following the race, the team loaded up their Ford Fusion and traveled back to Concord, N.C. for a well deserved “off-season.” The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will begin its 2010 season in early February when it returns to the famed Daytona International Speedway.

NEXT UP:

Daytona 500

Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile speedway)

Daytona Beach, Fla.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

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

Paul Menard, 2009 Ford 400 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:13:45 +0000

Paul Menard

Homestead-Miami Speedwday

Homestead, Fla.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Ford 400

Sunday, November 22^nd

2:30 PM Eastern TV – ABC

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford

NASCAR Nationwide Series: Ford 300

Saturday, November 21^st

4:30 PM Eastern TV – ESPN 2

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Sunday in the Ford 400.
AVERAGES AT HOMESTEAD… Menard averages a 34.3 starting position and a 27.3 finishing position in Sprint Cup competition. Menard has also led one lap of competition at the 1.5-mile speedway.
LAPS RECORDED AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI… Menard has completed 99.3% of the laps he has attempted in three Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway (796 of 802 laps).
JOHNS MANVILLE ON THE HOOD…Long time sponsor, Johns Manville will return to the hood of the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s Ford 400.
ONE MORE IN THE NATIONWIDE SERIES…Menard will be behind the wheel of the No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion in this weekend’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In 15 NNS starts this season, Menard has recorded one top-five, four top-10 and 11 top-15 finishes.
PREVIOUS NATIONWIDE STARTS…Menard has three previous starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the Nationwide Series and has two top-five finishes in his last two starts.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 3 0 0 0 0

Totals 3 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

20 0 1 3 0

Yates Racing - Current Owner Points Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 35 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

33. Paul Menard 2894 3598 35 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

11/16/08 Ford 400 36 30 268/268 0 Running

11/18/07 Ford 400 39 35 262/267 0 Running

11/19/06 Ford 400 28 17 268/268 1 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 3 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

“It’s really hard to believe that we are down to the last race of the season. This has been a long season, but certainly a growing one. I’ve learned a lot about the new cars and feel that with us building on this season, we’ll be able to transition a lot easier into next. Racing at Homestead is fun because there are a lot of different lines around the track. Your car might not handle very well in the middle, but you can come down a lane and it will handle completely different. Hopefully we can end the 2009 season on a high note for Johns Manville, Quaker State and all the vendors that have been a part of the Menards racing program this season. It’s a big weekend for Ford and hopefully, we can get a Ford Fusion into Victory Lane on Sunday night.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

“With only one race remaining this season, I’ve got to say what a great job all the guys on the No. 98 Menards team have done this season. We’ve faced a lot of ups and downs and these guys have done a great job all season long. It’s always nice to end the season on a high note and that’s exactly what we intend to do this weekend in Homestead.”

Paul Menard – NNS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Matt Puccia

Menard, NNS Results at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

11/18/06 Ford 300 14 3 200/200 2 Running

11/19/05 Ford 300 17 5 200/200 0 Running

11/20/04 Ford 300 3 34 180/203 0 Ignition

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 3 0 2 2 0 0

Menard on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the Nationwide Series:

“Last week did not end the way myself and the guys on the No. 98 Richmond / Menards team thought it would. Matt (Puccia) and all the guys over at the Nationwide shop have done such a good job of giving me great cars this year. We are looking for a strong finish on Saturday to hopefully build on for the 2010 season.”

Crew Chief Matt Puccia on racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the Nationwide Series:

“This is been a good season for Paul and the No. 98 team. We’ve fielded competitive Ford Fusions all season long and have had a few good runs in our No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford. I’m looking forward to the race this weekend at Homestead. It’s a track that Ford has typically been really strong at and we have a lot of good data to use heading into this weekend’s race. We’d love to end the season with another strong performance.”

###

ABOUT RICHMOND:

Richmond is a high quality brand that offers retail shoppers, do-it-yourselfers, and professional contractors a wide variety of award-winning water heating products. The Richmond water heating line features the industry’s first Energy Star™ qualified integrated air-source heat pump water heater that delivers more than twice the energy efficiency of a standard electric storage water heater. Other innovative Richmond products include highly efficient tankless water heaters; low emission gas storage water heaters; and America’s most advanced non-metallic, longest lasting, light weight electric storage water heater featuring a watertight Lifetime warranty. Many Richmond products are Energy Star certified and may be eligible for Federal Tax Credits and local utility rebates. For over 50 years, the Richmond brand has been known for exceptional reliability, excellent value, and trusted after-sale support. Richmond water heaters are available at all Menards Home Centers.

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.

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard, 2009 NSCS and NNS Phoenix Race Previews

Press Release — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:16:42 +0000

Paul Menard

Phoenix International Raceway

Avondale, Ariz.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500

Sunday, November 15^th

3:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford

NASCAR Nationwide Series: Able Body Labor 200

Saturday, November 14^th

4:30 PM Eastern TV – ESPN 2

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Phoenix International Raceway this Sunday in the Checkers O’Reilly Auto Parts 500.
QUALIFYING AT PHOENIX… Phoenix International Raceway is Menard’s second-best qualifying track, averaging a 16.4 starting position. His best qualifying track is Kansas Speedway.
LAPS RECORDED AT PHOENIX… Menard has completed 99.6% of the laps he has attempted in six Cup Series starts at Phoenix International Raceway (1,555 of 1,561 laps).
JOHNS MANVILLE RETURNS HOOD…Long time sponsor, Johns Manville will return to the hood of the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s race at Phoenix International Raceway.
BACK TO NATIONWIDE IN PHOENIX…Menard will be behind the wheel of the No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion this weekend in the Nationwide Series race at PIR. In 14 NNS starts this season, Menard has recorded one top-five, four top-10 and 11 top-15 finishes.
PREVIOUS NATIONWIDE STARTS…Menard has seven previous starts at Phoenix International Raceway in the Nationwide Series and has recorded four top-15 finishes.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Phoenix International Raceway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 5 0 0 0 0

Totals 5 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Phoenix International Raceway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

33 3 5 12 0

Yates Racing - Current Owner Points Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 34 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

33. Paul Menard 2818 3479 34 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Phoenix International Raceway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

04/18/09 Subway Fresh Fit 500 28 11 312/312 0 Running

11/09/08 Checker/O’Reilly 500 9 26 310/313 0 Running

04/12/08 Subway Fresh Fit 500 14 21 312/312 0 Running

11/11/07 Checker Auto Parts 500 19 22 311/312 0 Running

04/21/07 Subway Fresh Fit 500 33 25 311/312 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 5 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Phoenix International Raceway:

“We had a great run going the last time we were at Phoenix. We qualified really well that weekend, I think in the top 10, and then had a pretty good race going until we were hit on pit road. We had to come in a couple times to fix the damage and lost all of our track position. Prior to that, it was a great car. I think our cars have been a lot faster over the last few months and I really enjoy racing at Phoenix. I’m back in the Nationwide car this weekend, so that should help with additional laps around there before Sunday’s race.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Phoenix International Raceway:

“Paul was really good at Phoenix in the spring, but had that mishap on pit road that put us all the way in the back. Phoenix is one of those places where it’s tough to get back lost track position, especially when you have to restart all the way at the back of the field. I know that we have a good car this weekend and would like to finish out the season on a great note. Hopefully we can get it done this weekend in our No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion.”

Paul Menard – NNS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Matt Puccia

Menard, NNS Results at Phoenix International Raceway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

11/1/03 Bashas’ 200 28 22 181/181 0 Running

11/6/04 Bashas’ 200 22 14 205/205 0 Running

4/22/05 Bashas’ 200 2 15 200/200 0 Running

11/12/05 Bashas’ 200 11 13 200/200 0 Running

4/21/06 Bashas’ 200 23 17 206/206 2 Running

11/11/06 Arizona 200 7 37 166/203 0 Running

4/17/09 Bashas’ 200 3 14 203/203 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 7 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Phoenix International Raceway in the Nationwide Series:

“I’m glad to be back with Matt (Puccia) and all the guys on the No. 98 Richmond / Menards team for the final two races of the season. It would be great to go out on a high note with these guys and look to build something going into next season. Those guys in the Nationwide shop have given me such good Ford Fusions all season, and I’m looking to be back in one this weekend. I’ve won out at Phoenix before in the Southwest Series and really enjoy racing at the track.”

Crew Chief Matt Puccia on racing at Phoenix International Raceway in the Nationwide Series:

“It’s been a few weeks since the No. 98 Richmond / Menards guys have been at the track and I know they are looking forward to getting back this weekend and next with Paul. We’ve had some good runs and have learned quite a bit and are looking for a good run this weekend. We didn’t have as good of run as I thought we would earlier this year, but it’s something to build on for this race. We know what we need to do, we just need to go out there and get it done.”

###

ABOUT RICHMOND:

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.

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard Finishes 29th in Sunday’s Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway

Press Release — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:09:03 +0000

Paul Menard

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (November 8, 2009) – Paul Menard’s No. 98 Vertis / Menards Ford Fusion received damage early in this afternoon’s Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Menard started the race from the 29th position and was part of an accident that happened on lap three of the 334-lap event. Menard’s No. 98 Ford Fusion incurred damage to the front end/nose area, as result of the damage Menard struggled with the handling of the No. 98 and was relegated to a 29th-place finish.

Weather was not an issue in Texas and teams were able to run both practice and qualifying on Friday, as well as get in two practices on Saturday morning.

Pole winner Jeff Gordon led the 43-car field to the green flag shortly after 3:15pm (EST). Menard, who started 39th, picked up a handful of spots during the first two laps. However, as the field exited turn two, points leader Jimmie Johnson was struck in the rear quarter panel by Sam Hornish, Jr. The contact sent Johnson spinning down the race track as the field quickly slowed behind him. Menard made hard contact with the rear bumper of another race car, denting in the nose of the No. 98 Vertis / Menards Ford Fusion.

In order to maintain track position, crew chief Larry Carter instructed Menard to stay out during the first pit stop. However, during the next green flag run, Menard noted the car’s handling was not very good and it was very tough exiting the corners. On lap 50, Menard was lapped by race leader and eventual race winner Kurt Busch.

As the field began to make green-flag pit stops on lap 52, Carter called Menard down pit road on lap 53 for service to their Ford Fusion. Carter called for fuel, four new sticker tires, and a track bar adjustment to help Menard with the loose handling off the corners. Since the team pitted under green flag conditions, there was not enough time to fix the damage that had occurred just 50 laps prior.

The team had to wait for the next caution flag to really work on their race car. After being lapped again by Busch, the caution flag was displayed on lap 86 when the No. 77 spun coming off turn two. During the extended pit stop, the No. 98 team changed four tires, added two cans of fuel and did extensive work to the nose of their Ford Fusion. Following the pit stop, Menard exited the pits in the 34th position.

Entering the midpoint of the race, the handling had not improved and Menard was scored two laps down from the leader. Carter and the entire No. 98 team continued to make changes to their car, but nothing seemed to gain them any grip on the track.

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In a final effort to gain track position, No. 98 team took a gamble on fuel at the end of the race. Before the final pit stop, Carter began instructing Menard to save as much fuel as possible. The team pitted with the exact number of laps they thought they would be able to run if the race remained green all the way through. The gamble paid off as Menard moved from 34th to 29th in the final run of the race as other competitors ran out of fuel during the closing laps.

“We got pretty behind on our car after we were involved in the wreck early on,” said Menard following the race. “Other than pit earlier, I don’t know what we could have done. The guys did the best they could to get the nose fixed, but it was pretty beat up. That will and can easily change how your car drives. Mine was horrible at times and decent at others. I thought we had a pretty good car going into this afternoon’s race, but when we were caught up in the wreck early, that really knocked us out of contention.”

Next week, the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team will make their final west coast trip of the season with a stop at Phoenix International Raceway. ABC television and MRN radio affiliates will carry the live race broadcast beginning at 3:00 p.m. (EST).

NEXT UP:

Checkers / O’Reilly’s 500

Phoenix International Raceway (One-mile speedway)

Avondale, Ariz.

Sunday, November 15, 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

Paul Menard, 2009 Dickies 500 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:34:10 +0000

Paul Menard

Texas Motor Speedway

Fort Worth, Texas

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Dickies 500

Sunday, November 8^th

3:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – PRN

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Vertis / Menards Ford

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Texas Motor Speedway this Sunday in the Dickies 500.
MENARD AT TEXAS… In his six previous starts, Menard’s best finish at the 1.5-mile speedway was last April when he started fifth and finished 13^th. He has also led one lap of competition at TMS.
AVERAGES… Menard has an average start of 20.8 and an average finish of 23.0 in Cup Series competition at Texas Motor Speedway.
VERTIS MAKES DEBUT ON HOOD…The No. 98 team will unload the Vertis / Menards Ford Fusion for the first time this season. Vertis Communications is a premier provider of targeted advertising and marketing solutions to America’s leading retail and consumer services companies.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Texas Motor Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 6 0 0 0 0

Totals 6 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Texas Motor Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

33 2 5 7 2

Yates Racing - Current Owner Points Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 33 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

33. Paul Menard 2742 6248 33 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Vertis / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Texas Motor Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

04/05/09 Samsung 500 5 13 334/334 1 Running

11/02/08 Dickies 500 11 22 332/334 0 Running

04/06/08 Samsung 500 19 17 338/339 0 Running

11/04/07 Dickies 500 16 30 322/334 0 Running

04/15/07 Samsung/Radio Shack 500 42 15 333/334 0 Running

11/05/06 Dickies 500 41 41 194/339 0 Engine

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 6 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Texas Motor Speedway:

“The last time we were at Texas, I thought we had one of the best cars we’ve had all season long. We qualified fifth and finished the race 13^th that weekend. Yates Racing and Ford have really done a great job with their intermediate program and I think that getting back to Texas this weekend will be a good rebound from last weekend. It was hard to believe that we picked up a piece of debris on lap four. That really could have happen to anyone out there. Hopefully our No. 98 Vertis / Menards team can bounce back from last weekend in Talladega and have a competitive weekend in Texas.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Texas Motor Speedway:

“I think our intermediate program has been one of our stronger programs this season. We’ve had fast cars for Paul at Chicago, Atlanta, and of course Texas earlier this season. I think all the guys are ready to get back out there after going out so early last weekend in Talladega. That was really a huge let down because I thought Paul had one of the better cars on Friday during practice. A strong weekend in Texas would be great for our No. 98 Vertis / Menards team.”

###

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.

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

For More Information Please Visit:

www.yatesracing.com

www.menardsracing.com
- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard, 2009 AMP Energy 500 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:43:47 +0000

Paul Menard

Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega, Ala.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: AMP Energy 500

Sunday, November 1^st

1:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

1:00 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

1:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Talladega Superspeedway this Sunday in the AMP Energy 500.
MENARD AT TALLADEGA… In his five previous starts, Menard’s best finish at the 2.66-mile speedway is a second-place finish. This is also Menard’s best career finish in Sprint Cup competition.
LAPS LED AT TALLADEGA… Menard has led 12 laps in Sprint Cup competition at Talladega Superspeedway.
AVERAGES… Menard has an average start of 20.0 and an average finish of 24.0 in the Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway.
ZECOL RETURNS TO THE HOOD…The No. 98 team will unload the Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s AMP Energy 500. Zecol produces Professional quality, High Performance automotive chemicals and additives.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Talladega Superspeedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 6 0 1 1 0

Totals 6 0 1 1 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

68 4 19 29 8

Yates Racing - Current Point Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 32 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

32. Paul Menard 2705 3393 32 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Talladega Superspeedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

4-26-09 Aaron’s 499 24 13 188/188 2 Running

10/5/08 Amp Energy 500 5 2 190/190 6 Running

04/27/08 Aaron’s 499 22 14 188/188 3 Running

10/07/07 UAW-Ford 500 30 38 144/188 0 Crash

04/29/07 Aaron’s 499 19 43 192/192 0 Engine

10/08/06 UAW-Ford 500 24 34 160/188 1 Crash

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 6 0 1 1 10 0

Menard on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“We had a pretty good car last time we were at Talladega. We missed all of the wrecks out there and that’s the biggest thing about racing at Talladega. Basically, you know what kind of car you have the minute you unload it off the truck, either it’s going to go or it’s not. There really isn’t much that you can improve on once you get there. At Talladega, it’s all about the car and the engine. If you can suck up to the guy in front of you and you have a good engine, then all you have to do is avoid the wrecks and you will come out of there with a good finish. I’m really confident in the engine that Doug (Yates) and all the guys at the engine shop have put together for this weekend, and I’m looking forward to getting out there in our No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion on Sunday.”

Crew chief Larry Carter on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“Everyone says that Talladega is such a crapshoot, because, really it is. You know how good your car is and how good it’s going to be after you finish the first drafting run of the day. After that, it’s up to the driver and the spotter to make good calls and good decisions on the track. It’s like everyone will tell you, if you can just avoid the big wreck that will happen out there, you can typically bring home a solid finish.”

###

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.

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

For More Information Please Visit:

www.yatesracing.com

www.menardsracing.com

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard Finishes 23rd at the “Paperclip Track” – Martinsville Speedway

Press Release — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:25:57 +0000

Paul Menard

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 25, 2009) – With only one practice heading into Sunday’s race, Yates Racing driver Paul Menard and his No. 98 Schrock / Menards team posted a solid 23^rd-place finish at the “paperclip-shaped” track in Martinsville, Va. Gloomy weather overshadowed Friday and Saturday, limiting the teams to only one rain-shortened practice and qualifying on Friday afternoon. The team rallied from going down a lap in the race to finishing on the lead lap in the top 25.

Prior to racing at Martinsville Speedway this weekend, Menard and his Menards teammate Matt Crafton visited with over 212 employees at the local Masterbrand Cabinets (Schrock) factory. After touring the facility, Menard focused on the race weekend ahead of him.

Heading into Friday, weather once again limited the teams to only a one-hour practice, instead of the normal 90 minutes. After practice the team prepared for qualifying, where Menard posted the 30^th-fastest time of session. On Saturday morning, the wet weather returned, forcing NASCAR officials to cancel both practice sessions scheduled for the morning.

On a picturesque Sunday afternoon in the mountains of Virginia, 43 drivers loaded into their cars for the start of the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Menard started from the 30^th position and noted to crew chief Larry Carter that the car was very loose exiting the corners, but otherwise handled well. During the first pit stop of the day on lap 46, Carter called for four tires and a spring rubber adjustment to help with the handling off the corners.

During the ensuing run Menard noted the handling was getting better, but he felt like he needed more handling off the corner. With that, Carter called for an additional spring rubber change during the next pit stop on lap 90.

The handling continued to improve in the exits of the corners, but as the race went on, Menard radioed to the team that it was too tight in the center of corner. Carter and the No. 98 Schrock / Menards team made a number of the adjustments to help with the issue.

During a long green flag run shortly after the midpoint of the race, Menard was lapped by race leader and eventual race winner Denny Hamlin. Following a number of late-race caution flags, Menard worked his way back onto the lead lap and looked to the checkered flag.

Hamlin went on to win at his home state track, followed in second by points leader Jimmie Johnson. The rest of the top five was rounded out by Juan Pablo Montoya, Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon.

“We had a pretty good car this afternoon and the No. 98 Schrock / Menards pit crew did a great job all day with the number of adjustments we threw at this Ford Fusion,” said Menard following the race. “Larry (Carter) made some good adjustments which helped, but picking up track position, especially at Martinsville is really tough. We could have made a couple different calls at the end of the race to finish a little better, but we ran well and brought our car home in one piece.”

Next week, the No. 98 Zecol / Menards team will return to restrictor-plate racing at Talladega Superspeedway. ABC television and MRN radio affiliates will carry the live race broadcast beginning at 1:00 p.m. (EST).

NEXT UP:

AMP Energy 500

Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-mile speedway)

Talladega, Ala.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

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

ABOUT YATES RACING

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

Paul Menard, 2009 TUMS Fast Relief 500 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:31 +0000

Paul Menard

Martinsville Speedway

Martinsville, Va.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: TUMS Fast Relief 500

Sunday, October 25^th

1:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

1:00 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

1:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Schrock / Menards Ford

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Martinsville Speedway this Sunday in the TUMS Fast Relief 500.
MENARD AT MARTINSVILLE… In his four previous starts, Menard’s best finish at the .526-mile speedway is 16^th place.
MARTINSVILLE AT THE TOP… Martinsville Speedway is Menard’s second best finishing track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit. Atlanta Motor Speedway ranks first.
AVERAGES… Menard has an average start of 33.8 and an average finish of 23.0 in Cup Series competition at Martinsville Speedway.
SCHROCK RETURNS TO THE HOOD…The No. 98 team will unload the Schrock / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s TUMS Fast Relief 500. Schrock delivers a complete cabinet solution for the smart shopper, seeking a great looking and highly functional room design. BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE, SMART ON THE INSIDE.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Martinsville Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 4 0 0 0 0

Totals 4 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Martinsville Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

67 2 14 27 1

Yates Racing - Current Point Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 31 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

32. Paul Menard 2611 3312 31 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Schrock / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Martinsville Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

3/28/09 Goody’s 500 38 25 498/500 0 Running

10/19/08 Tums QuikPak 500 27 27 500/504 0 Running

3/30/08 Goody’s 500 35 16 500/500 0 Running

10/21/07 Subway 500 35 24 505/506 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 4 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Martinsville Speedway:

“I’ve always enjoyed racing at Martinsville. In our first race of the season at Martinsville, qualifying was rained out and we had to start the race near the back. Larry (Carter) and all the guys have done a good job with focusing on qualifying lately to help us get better track position to start the race. At Martinsville it’s imperative that you get a good starting position. If not, you are already behind the 8-ball and have the leaders on your bumper just a few laps into the race.

“We tested our No. 98 Schrock / Menards Ford Fusion at Little Rock last week and are looking forward to a good run this weekend.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Martinsville Speedway:

“We’ve worked really hard on our qualifying efforts. I think every crew chief in the garage will tell you that you having track position, especially at Martinsville is key to having a good race. We have to get in there on Friday, have a good practice and qualifying and I think it will be a good weekend overall the for the No. 98 Menards team.”

###

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.

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

For More Information Please Visit:

www.yatesracing.com

www.menardsracing.com

- Yates Racing Press Release

Paul Menard Finishes 27th in NASCAR Homecoming Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway;

Press Release — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:25:14 +0000

Paul Menard

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

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

ABOUT YATES RACING

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard, 2009 NASCAR Banking 500 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:19:30 +0000

Paul Menard

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Concord, N.C.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: NASCAR Banking 500

Saturday, October 17^th

7:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

7:00 PM Eastern RADIO – PRN

7:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Saturday night’s NASCAR Banking 500.
MENARD AT CHARLOTTE… In his five previous starts, Menard’s best finish at the 1.5-mile speedway is 14^th place.
AVERAGES… Menard has an average start of 27.2 and an average finish of 26.4 in Cup Series competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
JOHNS MANVILLE RETURNS TO THE HOOD…The No. 98 team will unload the Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s NASCAR Banking 500.
MENARD IN THE NATIONWIDE SERIES… Menard posted his 11^th top-15 finish in 14 Nationwide Series starts at Auto Club Speedway last weekend.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 5 0 0 0 0

Totals 5 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

66 5 17 28 1

Yates Racing - Current Point Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 30 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

32. Paul Menard 2529 5728 30 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Sprint Cup Series Results at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

5/25/09 Coca-Cola 600 31 29 226/227 0 Running

10/11/08 Bank of America 500 27 26 331/334 0 Running

5/25/08 Coca-Cola 600 25 41 244/400 0 Running

10/13/07 Bank of America 500 17 22 336/337 0 Running

5/28/06 Coca-Cola 600 36 14 400/400 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 5 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

“It’s always nice this time of year when we get to be home for a couple of weeks. This weekend we are at Charlotte and next weekend we go up the road to Martinsville. I know it’s great for all the crew guys because they get to spend some extra time at home with their friends and family, and this Saturday we get to race in front of them, which always makes the race a little more special to the guys.

“Last weekend at Fontana, I thought we were going to have a much better car than we showed in the race. We had a couple of really good practices, but when the sun came out, it really changed the setup of our car. This Saturday we race at night, which is typically gives you a little more grip and makes the cars really fun to drive. I’m looking forward to being back in the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards Ford Fusion on Saturday night.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

“I think the entire No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team is looking forward to being home this weekend and racing in front of their friends and family. This is always an exciting race and I think we will unload a pretty strong Ford Fusion for Saturday night. We’ve been pretty strong this season at the intermediates and I don’t expect anything different this weekend. If we can get a little luck in qualifying and in the race, I think we’ll have a pretty solid night on Saturday.”

###

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.

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard Posts 27th-Place Finish at Auto Club Speedway

Press Release — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:51:53 +0000

Paul Menard

FONTANA, Calif. (October 11, 2009) – Yates Racing driver Paul Menard and the No. 98 Energizer / Menards team fought an ill-handling race car for most of the day in Sunday’s Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway, After starting the race from the 41st position, Menard was able to pick up a handful of positions, however was left with a disappointing 27th-place finish to end the day.

The morning clouds and haziness over Auto Club Speedway did not burn away until 50 laps into the Pepsi 500. Menard, who started the race 41st picked up a number of positions in the early laps of the 500-mile event and noted to crew chief Larry Carter that the car was working well around the speedway.

During the first pit stop on lap 31, Menard entered pit road scored in the 31st position and asked for only a slight air pressure adjustment to help with a “loose off” handling issue he was fighting. After working his way up to the 28th place, the sun began to come through the clouds and drastically change the track condition.

As the next run went on, Menard radioed that his No. 98 Energizer / Menards Ford Fusion continued to lose grip in the corners. Shortly after relaying the message to the team, Menard was passed by race leader and eventual race winner Jimmie Johnson.

Menard and the No. 98 team continued to make changes to the balance of their Ford Fusion, but nothing seemed to give the No. 98 the grip it needed. Despite the issues, Menard held his track position and avoided a number of accidents, including two late in the race that claimed several competitors running around the No. 98.

In the closing laps of the race, a multi-car wreck forced NASCAR to red flag the event. After several minutes of clean up, the race re-started with just five laps remaining. Johnson held off his teammate Jeff Gordon to capture the win at Fontana. Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Martin and Tony Stewart rounded out the top five in today’s Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway.

“Coming into the race and even in the early part of it, I thought we had a great car,” Menard said following the race. “However, when the sun came out, the track began to lose a lot of grip and our No. 98 Energizer / Menards Ford Fusion wasn’t setup for that. We made the changes we thought would work, but we continued to lose grip in the longer green-flag runs. The guys in the pits did a great job today with their pit stops, but we just weren’t setup for the changing track conditions.”

Next week, the No. 98 Johns Manville / Menards team will enjoy a week at home for the homecoming race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. ABC television and PRN radio affiliates will carry the live race broadcast beginning at 7:00 p.m. (EST).

NEXT UP:

NASCAR Banking 500

Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.5-mile speedway)

Concord, N.C.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

ABOUT MENARDS

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

ABOUT YATES RACING

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard, 2009 NSCS Pepsi 500 and NNS Copart 300 Race Previews

Press Release — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:45:28 +0000

Paul Menard

Auto Club Speedway

Fontana, Calif.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Pepsi 500

Sunday, October 11^th

3:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

3:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Energizer / Menards Ford

NASCAR Nationwide Series: Copart 300

Saturday, October 10^th

4:30 PM Eastern TV – ESPN 2

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

4:30 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Auto Club Speedway this Sunday in the Pepsi 500.
MENARD AT FONTANA… In his five previous starts, Menard’s best finish came in his first start at the two-mile speedway where he finished 20^th
LAPS… Menard has completed 476 of 477 (99.8%) of the laps he has attempted in Cup Series competition at Auto Club Speedway.
ENERGIZER RETURNS TO THE HOOD…The No. 98 team will unload the Energizer / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s Pepsi 500.
MENARD RETURNS TO NATIONWIDE SERIES… Menard will make his 14^th start this season in the Nationwide Series and his eighth Nationwide Series start at Auto Club Speedway
LAPS LED AT AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY… Menard has led seven laps in Nationwide Series competition at the D-shaped speedway.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Auto Club Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 5 0 0 0 0

Totals 5 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Auto Club Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

36 1 4 11 0

Yates Racing - Current Point Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 29 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

32. Paul Menard 2447 5551 29 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Energizer / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Results at Auto Club Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

02/22/09 Auto Club 500 27 37 221/250 0 Running

08/31/08 Pepsi 500 29 37 249/250 0 Running

02/25/08 Auto Club 500 29 27 248/250 0 Running

09/02/07 Sharp Aquos 500 20 24 249/250 0 Running

02/25/07 Auto Club 500 22 20 249/250 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 5 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Auto Club Speedway:

“Although it seems like last season since we raced at Fontana, I remember us having a really good run going before we lost a transmission about halfway through the race. So far this season we’ve had some of our best runs at the intermediate tracks. We had a really good car at Atlanta and then last week at Kansas we unloaded really well and I thought we were going to have a strong race.

“Larry (Carter) and all the guys at Ford Racing have done a great job with getting our car to qualify better and to start the race better. Now if we can just finish the races in one piece we’d be in a much better position. Hopefully we can have a great weekend at Fontana in our No. 98 Energizer / Menards Ford Fusion.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Auto Club Speedway:

“We did a great job the last couple of weekends with our qualifying and improving ourselves in practice on Saturday. We had what I thought was going to be a pretty good race last weekend, but we started the car out just a little too free. This weekend at Fontana I think we’ll have a good run. As a whole, both the No. 98 team and the entire Ford group have been pretty good at the intermediate tracks.”

Paul Menard – NNS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Richmond / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Matt Puccia

Menard, Results at Auto Club Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Led Status

2-24-07 Stater Brothers 300 26 37 122/150 0 Engine

9-2-06 Ameriquest 300 19 4 150/150 7 Running

2-25-06 Stater Brothers 300 36 17 150/150 0 Running

9-3-05 Ameriquest 300 12 10 150/150 0 Running

2-26-05 Stater Brothers 300 32 20 150/150 0 Running

9-4-04 Target House 300 19 21 149/150 0 Running

5-4-04 Stater Brothers 300 22 28 148/150 0 Running

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 7 0 1 2 7 0

Menard on racing at Auto Club Speedway in the Nationwide Series:

“I really can’t say enough about the job that Matt (Puccia) and all the guys on the No. 98 Richmond / Menards Nationwide team have done this season. We are taking the same car that we’ve run so well with this season at the intermediate tracks. Those guys work so hard both at the shop and at the track to give me the best car possible and it has really shown with our finishes this season. I’m looking forward to being back with them this weekend.”

Crew Chief Matt Puccia on racing at Auto Club Speedway in the Nationwide Series:

“I know I speak for all the guys on the No. 98 Richmond / Menards team when I say that we are ready to get back to the track. This team has performed really well this season and is looking forward to having Paul back in the car this weekend. We are bringing a Ford Fusion that has been good to us this season and should have a good showing on Saturday.”

###

ABOUT RICHMOND:

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.

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

- Yates Racing, Press Release

Paul Menard, 2009 Price Chopper 400 NSCS Race Preview

Press Release — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:58:01 +0000

Paul Menard

Kansas Speedway

Kansas City, Kan.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Price Chopper 400

Sunday, October 4^th

2:00 PM Eastern TV – ABC

1:15 PM Eastern RADIO – MRN

2:00 PM Eastern RADIO – Sirius Satellite Radio – Channel 128

Paul Menard No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion

YATES RACING – FAST FACTS

Paul Menard

PAUL MENARD will make his third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway this Sunday in the Price Chopper 400.
MENARD AT KANSAS… In his two previous starts, Menard has a pair of 27^th-place finishes.
LAPS… Menard has completed 476 of 477 (99.8%) of the laps he has attempted in Cup Series competition at Kansas Speedway.
FIRST TIME FOR ZECOL…The No. 98 team will unload the Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion for this weekend’s Price Chopper 400. Zecol produces Professional quality, High Performance automotive chemicals and additives.

Yates Racing – Track History

Current Yates Racing drivers in the NSCS at Kansas Speedway:

Driver Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

Paul Menard 2 0 0 0 0

Totals 2 0 0 0 0

All-time Sprint Cup Series Records for Yates Racing at Kansas Speedway:

Starts Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s Poles

16 0 3 4 0

Yates Racing - Current Point Standings

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- After 28 of 36

Place Driver Points Behind Starts Poles Wins Top-5’s Top-10’s

32. Paul Menard 2374 3026 28 0 0 0 0

Paul Menard – NSCS ADVANCE

Team: No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion

Crew Chief: Larry Carter

Menard, Sprint Cup Series Results at Kansas Speedway

Date Event S F Laps Status Led

9/28/08 Camping World RV 400 6 27 266/267 Running 0

9/30/07 LifeLock 400 23 27 210/210 Running 0

Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Led Poles

Cumulative 2 0 0 0 0 0

Menard on racing at Kansas Speedway:

“Kansas is a lot like Chicago, just with a straight backstretch, but overall the two tracks are pretty similar. We had a really good run going for the No. 98 team in Chicago and were caught up in a wreck, but should have had a top-10 finish. I think with the package we’ve worked on so much over the course of the season and the data we have from Ford, I’m looking for a strong weekend in our No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion.”

Crew Chief Larry Carter on racing at Kansas Speedway:

“Last weekend we focused really hard on qualifying on Friday afternoon and it completely paid off for the No. 98 Menards team. We started the race 10^th and for the most part stayed up there all day. Paul has had some good runs this season at the intermediate tracks and I think is becoming more and more comfortable with our setups and how the cars run at the mile and a halves. If we can qualify well on Friday, I think we’ll have another good showing in our No. 98 Zecol / Menards Ford Fusion.”

###

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.

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

For More Information Please Visit:

www.yatesracing.com

www.menardsracing.com

- Yates Racing, Press Release