Tue Sep 30 14:21:13 2008

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Menard leaving DEI, heading to Yates in '09

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Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Sprint Cup Series driver Paul Menard will leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. and join Yates Racing at the end of the year.

Menard will finish the season in DEI's No.15 Chevrolet but will bring sponsorship from his family-owned chain of hardware stores to Yates.

"This is a great opportunity, and I'm glad to be joining the Yates Racing organization next season." Menard said in a statement. "I think a lot of what Doug Yates and Max Jones are doing over there (are) building for continued success. I'm excited to be a part of their future and excited to work with Travis (Kvapil) and David (Gilliland)."

Yates fields Fords for Gilliland and Kvapil but currently lacks full-time sponsorship for both teams. However, Yates is associated with Roush Fenway Racing, receiving technical and sponsorship support from them.

Menard, in his second full season of Sprint Cup competition, is 28th in the point standings, with his best finish of the year coming in June at Michigan, when he finished 11th.

"It's a positive addition for us to get a guy like Paul in camp here," team co-owner Doug Yates said. "He's been through adversity in his first year in Cup and shown tremendous improvement in his second year."

Menard's car number at Yates has yet to be finalized.

The loss of Menard could have a detrimental impact at DEI. While Martin Truex, Jr. and sponsor Bass Pro Shops are signed for its No.1 car next year, the organization is now faced with finding a replacement driver and sponsor for the No.15, in addition to securing sponsorship for Regan Smith's No.01 ride and Aric Almirola's No.8 entry.