Car Notes - PEAK Chevrolet Impala SS
Nextel Cup Primary Car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chassis #019/ Back up Car #016
Last Used: April 2007 (qualified 33rd; finished 25th ) Richmond – May 2007 (qualified 33rd; finished 16th) New Hampshire – June 2007 (qualified 35th; finished 39th)
Fun ‘Cup’ Fact: In one previous Cup start at Richmond International Raceway, Menard finished 16th after starting 43rd.
Busch Primary Car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chassis #019
Last Used: Chassis #019 is a brand new car that’s never before been raced; however it was tested at Iowa Speedway two weeks ago in preparation for the Emerson Radio 250.
Fun ‘Busch’ Fact: Menard has led an impressive 160 laps around Richmond International Raceway. In the fall of 2005, Menard nearly won the race before being passed for the late race win by Kevin Harvick.
Overview
Menard has certainly become a fan of Richmond International Raceway. In his last four NBS starts at the track, Menard has led 160 laps. In his last three NBS starts, Menard’s average finish is fourth place, with his career best Richmond finish coming in the fall of 2005, when Menard came home as the race runner up. In his lone Cup start at the track, Menard grabbed Rookie of the Race honors after climbing from his 43rd place starting spot to finish 16th in the spring event earlier this season.
Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three 
Menard and the No. 15 team tested at Iowa Speedway two weeks ago. The Dale Earnhardt Inc. backed team brought both Cup and Busch cars to the test in order to prepare for this weekend’s on track activities at RIR. After spending two solid days working on both cars, Crew Chief Dave Charpentier expects the results of the team’s efforts in Richmond should be a bright spot of the 2007 season.
Raybestos Rookie Power
Currently, Menard stands third in overall Raybestos Rookie ratings. He has 175 points; 40 points behind Juan Pablo Montoya who leads the battle with 215 points. Menard has won Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors in four events this season, including Michigan, Phoenix and Watkins Glen. In addition, Menard’s 16th place finish earned him Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the May event at Richmond International Raceway.
Standings Status
Paul Menard is currently 36th in Driver’s Points, while the No. 15 team maintained his 29th place spot in Owner’s Standings following last weeks race at California Speedway. The team is has a 258 point cushion on the top-35. Menard’s proven success at Richmond should aid his Dale Earnhardt Inc. backed team in its quest towards the top-20 in owner’s standings.
Richmond Quotes:
Paul Menard on the Cup Race:
"We had a great test at Iowa, which helps going into this race and definitely next weekend’s race at New Hampshire. Obviously, our finish there in the spring was pretty incredible considering we almost missed the show. I think we made up some ground on our COT program at Bristol. It was actually a pretty good handling racecar by the end of the night."
Nextel Cup Car Chief “B” Hoover on the Cup Race:
“We’re had some highs and lows with the COT car this year, but were definitely working in the right direction. After the race at Bristol we felt like we were turning the curve on the program. If anything, the COT evens the playing ground as far as the driver goes and Paul did a great job during the spring race at Richmond, so we’re definitely going in with high hopes this weekend.”
Paul Menard on the Busch Race:
"We tested the Busch car a couple weeks back at Iowa and I was really comfortable with the way the car handled. I guess the car just felt right and when the car feels good to a driver, it usually results in speed on the race track. I’ve always liked Richmond and that helps knowing you’ve led laps at a track. It’s safe to say we’re looking for a win with the Busch car this weekend."
Crew Chief Mike Grechi on the Busch Race:
"The Busch program has been pretty solidly lately. Our last three finishes have been awesome and the only let to do is get a win for the Menards Racing Busch team. Paul and I have really gotten on the same page as far as car set up is concerned and I think that’s what you’re seeing in the results."
