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Menard joining RCR in 2011

Wed 11th, August 2010

Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Paul Menard has signed a multi-year agreement with Richard Childress Racing to drive a fourth and new entry for the organization in the Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2011, the team announced Wednesday.

Menard will continue to be sponsored by his family-owned Menards home improvement stores. His car number at RCR remains undetermined. He will team with Kevin Harvick, the current Sprint Cup points leader, Jeff Burton, who sits third, and Clint Bowyer, who trails 12th-place Mark Martin by just 10 points.

"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," team owner Richard Childress said in a statement. "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."

Menard, 29, currently drives the No.98 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports and is 23rd in points. He also is running a full schedule in the Nationwide Series this year.

"Richard Childress Racing has shown this year that they're headed on the right track," Menard said. "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."

Menard has yet to win in 133 career Sprint Cup starts. He drove a full Cup schedule for Dale Earnhardt Inc. from 2007-08 before joining Yates Racing the following year. RPM and Yates merged at the end of last season.

"We have enjoyed having Paul Menard and the Menard family as a part of the Richard Petty Motorsports team this season," team owner Richard Petty said.

RCR will return to a four-car operation next year after the organization was trimmed to a three-car stable this season. Casey Mears drove a fourth entry for the team during the 2009 season, but lack of sponsorship forced Mears' team to cease operations prior to the start of this season.