Bristol, TN – Paul Menard took his rookie run around the famed Bristol Motor Speedway as an opportunity to battle with the big boys of racing; as the 27-year old Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate fought for virtually every position on the racetrack.  The highlight of the night was a 53-lap segment during which Menard kept leaders, Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne in his rear view mirror.
 
“You’re doing a great job, Paul,” radioed Crew Chief Dave Charpentier as Menard continued to hold off the leaders. “You’re running as fast as they are so hold on and we’ll get a caution.”
 
While Menard was not able to hold off the leaders past lap 67, Menard continued to fight for a strong finish in the Sharpie 500.  
 
The race run was a complete 180 from his practice and qualifying results in which Menard struggled.
 
On Friday afternoon, Menard qualified his No. 15 Turtle Wax Ice Chevrolet in 41st place for the Saturday night event.
 
“I just about wrecked twice getting into the corner.” Menard said of his qualifying run.  “It didn’t do that all of practice but once it got loose in then it got tight in the middle so it was kind of like a lose-lose situation.”  
 
The hundred degree weather was certainly a consideration throughout the whole weekend.  
 
“The heat has definitely been a factor in set up.” Menard continued.  “Basically how we left it in qualifying trim in race practice is how we left it and it kind of surprised me.  Luckily we have a practice tonight in the cool about the same time that the race starts so we’ll learn a lot then.”

Next week Menard and the #15 Chevy travel to Fontana, California and the Califrornia Speedway.