Sprint Cup Car Notes - Menards-PEAK Chevrolet Impala SS

Sprint Cup Primary Car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chassis # 42/ Back up Car #35
Last Used:  Testing - Daytona 2008 (February)  
Interesting ‘Cup’ Fact: Menard’s Daytona 500 debut is three years in the making.  In 2006 Menard was in position to transfer when he was involved in a mid race crash.  In 2007, Menard was the fastest car in pre season testing, but was shuffled out of a transfer position on the last lap of his qualifying race.  This year, Menard happily returns to the 2.5-mile superspeedway with a guaranteed starting spot in the Daytona 500.

Overall Notes of Interest
Mooresville, NC – Paul Menard has waited his entire racing career for the opportunity to take the Green Flag in the Great American Race.  Next Sunday, Menard will realize his longtime dream of racing in the Daytona 500.  While next Sunday’s race will mark the 27-year old driver’s Daytona 500 debut, it’s his second Cup start at the track.  Menard finished last summer’s Pepsi 400 with a solid 21st place finish.

Menard Looking for Sophomore "Jump"
Menard returns for his second full season of Sprint Cup competition with high expectations.  Following in the footsteps of his teammate Martin Truex Jr., Paul’s goals for 2008 include securing a spot in the chase and recording his first Cup win.                  

Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three
Menard’s primary race car is chassis #42, which tested well in the draft at Daytona last month.  Menard rounded out the pre season testing in 16th place overall in drafting speeds.  While his single car speeds only came in at 33rd place overall, the potential for race day success takes center stage for both the driver and crew chief Doug Randolph.

Daytona 500 Quotes:
 
Paul Menard on the 500:
It's fulfilling to know that I’ll be racing in the Daytona 500. Obviously it's one of the biggest races in the world, one that I grew up watching every winter in Wisconsin.  It was always the unofficial start to our racing season, so to be a part of it this year is very special to me and to my family. I hope it will be the first of many Daytona 500 starts.  While I don't see us qualifying very strong, the car drove awesome in the draft and really that's what it's going to come down to.  I think you'll see a big pack for maybe 10 laps or so on new tires, after that it's going to spread out and handling will come in to play.

Crew Chief Doug Randolph:
Our expectations are limited for qualifying, but high for the 500.  The Toyotas seem to have a power advantage. However, our cars worked well in the draft, and if we are able to execute we have the ability to finish in the top 10.  As with any team sport, team chemistry is very important.  We depend on Paul to drive the car to the best of his ability, which we know he does every time he’s on the race track so I think we have a lot to look forward to this season.