Eau Claire, Wis. native Paul Menard will be retiring at the end of the 2019 season from racing full-time in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series. Menard, who has competed in over 460 career races at NASCAR's highest level, won the 2011 Brickyard 400.
According to a news release from his current team, Wood Brothers Racing, Menard is retiring to spend more time with his family:
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of my career racing in the NASCAR Cup Series and I’m so thankful for all the great memories and friendships I’ve made through this sport. But I’m looking forward to spending more time at home with my wife Jennifer and our two young children while moving forward with the next chapter of my life,” said Menard. “I want to thank everyone at Wood Brothers Racing, along with Team Penske, and our partners at Menards, Motorcraft, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers and Ford. It’s been a privilege to work with them and some of the true legends of our sport, including Andy Petree, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Robert Yates, Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Roger Penske and Glen and Leonard Wood. I’m excited for what the future holds and I’m looking forward to sharing the plans for 2020 and beyond in the coming weeks.”
The 38-year-old Menard has been racing at least part-time in NASCAR's top three circuits since 2003.
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