Paul Menard

NASCAR driver Paul Menard is sponsored by his father's hardware store company Menards. Menard grew up around cars and participated in go kart and ice racing in his youth. He began his car racing career in 2003 when he entered the Watkins Glen Race. He has since raced in Briggs Medium Class Champion, ReMax Challenge, SCCA Trans-Am and the Grand-Am Cup.

During the 2009 Daytona 500 in Lap 138, Menard slammed into a wall as he left the second turn. He then slid by competitor Jeff Burton and his car got hooked on Burton's cars bumper. Menard's car then plowed into another wall and crashed.NASCAR: Lap-by-Lap:Daytona

"It's a new beginning for me with a new team. "Driving for Yates Racing and Ford this year I'm looking forward to good things. We've got a lot of leadership between Max Jones and Doug Yates, everyone here wants to win races each weekend - starting with the Daytona 500."—Paul Menard, on his chances in the Daytona 500Menards Racing: Paul Menard Profile

• Mahalo's Guide to NASCAR
• ESPN: Career Stats
  • Height: 5'10
  • Weight: 180
  • Rookie Year: 2007