Car Notes - Johns Manville/Menards Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Paul Menard Brickyard 400 Preview video - click here
Nextel Cup Primary Car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chassis #023/ Back up Car #037
Last Used: #023 is new car rebuilt from one of the old No. 15 cars, formerly raced by Michael Waltrip in 2005.
Fun ‘Cup’ Fact: The No. 15 team recently rebuilt this racecar to complement the unique 2.5-mile oval track. Updates include a new high down force body and a different rear end housing that the crew believes will translate to an increased amount grip for Menard.
Menard Ready for Brickyard Start
Menard has looked forward to the opportunity to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since he was a child attending the Indianapolis 500 with his father. The No. 15 team tested car #023 at Kentucky Speedway last week and although the track isn’t exactly like the Brickyard it gave the team an opportunity to work on some things that will really help the organizations big track program. According to crew chief Dave Charpentier, some of those findings will translate to the team’s Indy strategy.
Johns Manville Double Take 
The sponsor on the hood of Menard’s No. 15 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will also be seen on the No. 7 Ford driven by Robby Gordon. Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products.
Raybestos Rookie Power
Currently, Menard stands third in overall Raybestos Rookie ratings. He has 132 points; 64 points behind Juan Pablo Montoya who leads the battle with 196 points. Menard has won Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors in three events this season, including Michigan, Richmond and Phoenix.
Working Towards Top-35
Paul Menard is currently 38th in Driver’s Points, while the No. 15 team sits 39th in Owner’s Standings, 319 points outside of the top-35. Last week in Chicago, Menard’s engine problems left him with a 42nd place finish and a 60 point further deficit on the top-35.
Daytona Quotes:
Paul Menard on the Cup Race:
I have dreamed of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since I was a kid. My dad took me to my first race here and I guess that’s when I knew that I definitely wanted to drive. My team has had a rough year, but if we’re going to turn our luck and our performance around, this is the place to do it. We had a great test last week that helped us decide what car we wanted to bring to Indy and I think Charpy and the boys are really ready for this weekend.
Nextel Cup Crew Chief Dave Charpentier on the the Cup Race:
Obviously qualifying draw is huge at Indy. Since qualifying is early in the morning, we definitely want an early draw. If you get a late draw the track can be about 15-20 degrees hotter and that equates to about three tenths in your lap time. I like racing at Indy because it’s a unique track and just the fact of being in the facility with such history is pretty cool.
