The Menards name will return to IndyCar racing after the home improvement store agreed to sponsor Team Penske and Simon Pagenaud for three races in 2016.
Menards was a long time sponsor in IndyCar, having first made an appearance back in 1996-2003, but will be the prominent sponsor for Pagenaud’s race car for both the Grand Prix of Indianapolis as well as the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, plus the Verizon IndyCar Series’ return to Road America in June.
The sponsor will also be an associate sponsor on the #22 machine throughout the remainder of the season, with Menards looking to add to its two series titles in 1997 and 1999 with Tony Stewart and Greg Ray, while also looking to better its best result at Indianapolis of fifth, which was also Stewart in 1997.
“Menards has a long and successful history in motorsports and we are excited to welcome them to Team Penske in 2016,” said Roger Penske, the team owner of Team Penske.
“John Menard and the entire Menards company have been long-time supporters of INDYCAR racing and it is special to have them on board as we celebrate the 50th season of Team Penske and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
“We will be working hard to bring them their first Indy 500 victory with Simon this May and add to our team’s overall success at Indianapolis.”
Pagenaud is looking forward to racing with the Menards colours in IndyCar this season, and is hopeful of a strong month of May for what will be his fifth Indy 500 and his second with Penske as well as a good race at Road America.
“I think we all remember watching the Menards Indy car competing with all of its success on track, so it’s amazing to become a part of that history,” added Pagenaud.
“I’m excited to welcome Menards to the No. 22 Team Penske Chevy, not only at Indianapolis, but also at Road America, just down the road from their company headquarters. I am really looking forward to representing them this year and the opportunity to go out and win races wearing the Menards colors.”
