Menards to return to IndyCar with Pagenaud

By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter & NASCAR Contributor

The highlighter green colors of Menards will return to IndyCar racing as they will back the #22 Penske Chevrolet of Simon Pagenaud for three races.

Menards will sponsor the Frenchman in the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil and the round at Road America in Menards’ home state of Wisconsin.

John Menard entered cars in the Indy 500 every year from 1990-95 before joining the Indy Racing League full time in 1996. The team captured the pole from 1995-96 with Scott Brayton driving. Brayton was killed during practice after qualifying in 96 while elevated teammate Tony Stewart to the pole.

“INDYCAR and the Indianapolis 500 have been a huge part of Menards for as long as I can remember,” said John Menard.  “We’ve enjoyed a great amount of success, but the one thing missing is winning the Indy 500 in the month of May. What better team to return to the series with than Team Penske. Roger and his team have proven that they know how to win the big races. I think Simon will do a great job and I look forward to Menards becoming a part of the history of Team Penske.”

“Menards has a long and successful history in motorsports and we are excited to welcome them to Team Penske in 2016,” said Roger 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 50^th season of Team Penske and the 100^th 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.”

Image Credit: IndyCar