Driver analyst role not in the cards for Paul Menard

Eight races remain before Paul Menard retires from full-time competition in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Menard and Wood Brothers Racing announced earlier in September Matt DiBenedetto would replace Menard in the No. 21 ride in 2020.

“It’s coming to the end of the season, the pressure’s on, we’re in the playoffs, it’s exciting times,” Menard said.

Through the first 28 races of the premier series season, Menard has netted four top-10 finishes, with a season-high sixth-place run at Bristol Motor Speedway in April. He currently sits 19th in driver’s standings.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Once drivers step away from racing, some have found their next professional chapter in the broadcasting booth.

However, do not expect Menard to follow in the footsteps of Rusty Wallace or Jeff Gordon.

“Absolutely not,” Menard said to The Racing Experts about the likelihood of entering a driver analyst role in 2020.

The 39-year-old driver did not elaborate on the matter.

Across his entire Cup Series career, Menard has raced in 463 points-awarding races, amassing two poles, one win, 20 top-five finishes, 69 top-10 finishes and 336 laps led.

Menard’s highest finish in driver standings came in 2015, when he made the playoffs and finished 14th overall.

As of the Federated Auto Parts Saturday night (September 21) at Richmond Raceway, Menard has started 444 straight races, a streak that dates back to New Hampshire in June of 2007.

SOURCES
Racing-Reference.info