Paul Menard

Introduction to Racing

Menard began his racing career at the age of eight, competing in the Briggs Junior Karting Class Championship in his hometown of Eau Claire. He later won the Briggs Medium Class Championship, establishing a strong foundation in competitive karting. At fifteen, he transitioned into ice racing, winning 10 events sanctioned by the International Ice Racing Association (IIRA) in Wisconsin.

During the summer months, he participated in legends car races on short tracks across Wisconsin. He also drove a late model stock car owned by Bryan Reffner and achieved a heat race victory and a fourth-place finish in one of his early starts. Eventually, Menard built his own race car and competed regularly, racing three to four times each week. He chose to pursue stock car racing over IndyCar, citing the absence of an IndyCar feeder series in Wisconsin as a key factor in his decision.

NASCAR Career and Development

Menard’s transition to professional stock car racing began in 2000 when he entered the NASCAR Re/Max Challenge Series, finishing 13th in the points standings in his debut season. In 2001, during his rookie year, he secured a pole position and a victory at Road America in Elkhart Lake, ultimately finishing ninth in the standings. He improved further in the 2002 season, ending the year seventh in the points.

Racing in NASCAR Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series

Paul Menard currently drives the No. 27 Chevrolet SS for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (now known as the NASCAR Cup Series). He also competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro, also for Richard Childress Racing. His professionalism and consistent performance have made him a respected figure in both series.