Richard Childress Racing is returning to a four-car Sprint Cup team next year with driver Paul Menard.
Menards, a privately owned and the third largest home improvement company in the United States, will be the primary sponsor. John Menard, a former IndyCar team owner, is the founder of the company.
"Paul has developed into a very good race car driver, and we see his move to RCR next year as an opportunity for him to continue that progress," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.
"At the same time, we feel Paul will contribute to the continued progress and success of RCR. Paul will fit in perfectly with our team of drivers at RCR, and they are all looking forward to working with him. We're also very proud to be aligned with Menards, one of the great family business success stories in American history."
In his fourth full Cup season, Menard is currently 23rd in driver’s standings driving for Richard Petty Motorsports.
"Richard Childress Racing has shown this year that they're headed on the right track," said Menard.
"Having three cars competing for the Chase and, ultimately, the championship is no small feat and they're on top of their game. With that in mind and having known Richard for the past 10 years or so, when this opportunity to join RCR came about it was a no-brainer. I have always had the utmost respect for Richard and what his organization has accomplished in the past and what they're capable of achieving in the future."
He will join current drivers Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer as teammates next year.
RCR had been a four-car team until sponsor, Jack Daniels, left the team at the end of 2009.
Menards, a privately owned and the third largest home improvement company in the United States, will be the primary sponsor. John Menard, a former IndyCar team owner, is the founder of the company.
"Paul has developed into a very good race car driver, and we see his move to RCR next year as an opportunity for him to continue that progress," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.
"At the same time, we feel Paul will contribute to the continued progress and success of RCR. Paul will fit in perfectly with our team of drivers at RCR, and they are all looking forward to working with him. We're also very proud to be aligned with Menards, one of the great family business success stories in American history."
In his fourth full Cup season, Menard is currently 23rd in driver’s standings driving for Richard Petty Motorsports.
"Richard Childress Racing has shown this year that they're headed on the right track," said Menard.
"Having three cars competing for the Chase and, ultimately, the championship is no small feat and they're on top of their game. With that in mind and having known Richard for the past 10 years or so, when this opportunity to join RCR came about it was a no-brainer. I have always had the utmost respect for Richard and what his organization has accomplished in the past and what they're capable of achieving in the future."
He will join current drivers Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer as teammates next year.
RCR had been a four-car team until sponsor, Jack Daniels, left the team at the end of 2009.