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Menards Extends Sponsorship With Penske To 10 Races In 2017

Simon Pagenaud was quickest in the opening practice session at Road America. [John Wiedemann Photo]

Menards will again adorn the ride of Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud in 2017. [John Wiedemann Photo]

Team Penske and Menards announced an extension that will keep the Midwest-based home improvement store chain as a primary sponsor on Simon Pagenaud’s Verizon IndyCar Series entry for 10 races in 2017. Team owner Roger Penske, Menards owner and founder John Menard and Pagenaud were on hand to discuss details of the deal this morning at Sonoma Raceway.

The Penske-Menards partnership began this year with what was originally announced as a three-race deal. It included the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis that Pagenaud won and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, and was eventually extended to five races in 2016. That number will double next season.

“Today, as you know from a sponsorship perspective, to find the right sponsors who have the right integrity, want to support the sport, it’s difficult,” Penske said. “I think that we’re very fortunate to have someone that understands it. (Menard) understands we don’t win every weekend. Hopefully we have a record that is meaningful as we go forward.”

Menard explained that Pagenaud is a great fit for the brand because his family ran a similar business in his native France.

“The stuff he’s done with our suppliers and our customers and our team members, I mean, he’s great,” Menard said. “He’s warm, he’s gracious. People just like him and that’s what we’re looking for in a spokesperson and that’s what we’re looking for in 2017.”

Pagenaud was proud to be able to continue in the bright yellow car in 2017.

“For me, being able to be part of this incredible livery is very special,” he said. “I feel very honored to be that driver. Luckily we got a win out of the way right away at Indianapolis (in the grand prix), which was very important to John, very important to Roger and the whole team as well. It was an incredible start of a great relationship.”

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