MENARDS RACING NOTES – MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
No. 15 Sylvania/Menards Chevrolet Monte Carlo – Nextel Cup

NOTES OF INTEREST ON THE MICHIGAN CUP CAR
Nextel Cup Primary Car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chassis #022/ Back up Car #037
Last Raced: Car #022 was raced at California in February (finished 20th) and at Michigan in June (finished 12th).
Interesting Cup Fact: In two previous NASCAR Nextel Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway, Paul Menard has completed all but one lap and even led a lap in competition this past June. In addition, Menard’s solid finishes of 20th (August – 2006) and 12th (June – 2007) point to added potential for Menards Racing come Sunday afternoon.

OVERALL NOTES OF INTEREST
DEI and Menard Ready for Intermediate Track Success
Menard’s best Cup finishes have been on intermediate style race tracks. Not only did Menard finish 12th in the June race at Michigan, but Menard has had finishes of 7th (Atlanta – 2006); 14th (Charlotte – 2006); 17th (Homestead – 2006); 20th (California – 2007); and 15th (Texas – 2007) at this type of track. In 12 intermediate track starts, Menard has an average finish of 20th.

Special Paint Scheme
In addition to the special Sylvania hood, this weekend Menard’s #15 Menards Chevy will feature a special paint scheme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Chevrolet, one of the most recognizable cars in American motoring history. The scheme will include decals replicating the iconic 1957 car design.

Raybestos Rookie Power
Currently, Menard stands third in overall Raybestos Rookie ratings. He has 162 points; 50 points behind Juan Pablo Montoya who leads the battle with 212 points. Menard has won Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors in four events this season, including Michigan, Richmond, Phoenix and Watkins Glen.

Standings Status
Paul Menard is currently 36th in Driver’s Points, while the No. 15 team gained two positions to 29th place in Owner’s Standings following last weeks race at Watkins Glen International. The team is has a 299 point cushion on the top-35. Menard’s prowess on intermediate style racetracks should aid his Dale Earnhardt Inc. backed team in its quest towards the top-20 in owner’s standings.

QUOTES ON MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Paul Menard on the 3M Performance 400: It’s good to be back on a mile and a half. I like Michigan and California because you can pass in the corners and the way the groove is at this track, you’ll see guys racing three wide. I’m not sure what it is about Michigan that I like so much, but of course it helps to have had a top-20 in last year’s August race and a 12th place in June at the track. With that we know going into this weekend that we should be solid in race trim and qualifying I don’t worry too much about any more, thanks to being locked in.

Nextel Cup Car Chief “B” Hoover on the 3M Performance 400: We think this is one of our best tracks for set up wise and Paul likes it helps. We had a great run last week and that momentum will definitely be. This paint scheme is pretty neat. Chevrolet does a lot for this sport and for our team so we’re happy to carry the company colors.