Menard to run a limited N'wide slate in Yates' 98

CONCORD, N.C. -- Yates Racing announced on Monday it will field the No. 98 Ford Fusion in a limited number of Nationwide races in 2009. Yates Racing driver Paul Menard will run 16 races in the No. 98 Menards Ford Fusion.

"To be able to field a Nationwide Ford Fusion on top of our Cup program says so much about Yates Racing," said Max Jones, co-owner and general manager of Yates Racing. "Matt Puccia, who will be the crew chief on the No. 98 car, has done a great job with putting together a team that we feel will have some great runs this season."

Puccia worked last season with Roush Fenway Racing driver Erik Darnell in the Truck Series earning one win, nine top-fives, 12 top-10s and two pole awards.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Matt Puccia and the entire No. 98 Nationwide team," Menard said. "We took the No. 98 Menards Ford Fusion down to Rockingham last week for a one-day test and were really pleased with how fast our car was right off the truck. Our first race of the season in the Nationwide Series isn't until Bristol, which gives us a few more weeks to work on our car."

Menard will also race, in order: at Texas and Phoenix in March; Darlington, Charlotte and Dover in May; New Hampshire in June; Chicagoland in July; Watkins Glen, Michigan and Montreal in August; Atlanta and Richmond in September; Fontana in October; and Phoenix and Homestead in November.

Rheem Water Heaters will serve as primary sponsor for 14 races.

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