Year in Review: Paul Menard

The Nationwide Series became an oasis of sorts for Paul Menard in 2010.

In his first full-time Nationwide season since 2006, Menard found the success and consistency that was so lacking for him in Sprint Cup. His Roush Fenway Ford remained in the top 10 throughout the season and he racked up 19 top-10s.

He got to go home, and he found success in some faraway places. But through it all, Menard got to enjoy the success he longed for.

What went right

You don't have to ask Menard twice what his favorite track is. Getting to return to his home state and run at Road America was the personal highlight of his season, and he qualified eighth. He spent much of the race in the top five, but settled for 16th after damaging his car mid-race in a collision with Jacques Villeneuve.

Beyond that, Menard had plenty of other highlights. He closed the season on a strong note, finishing 13th or better in 13 of the final 14 races. Menard's season-best performance was a third-place run at Nashville in June, where he flew in for the race after practicing earlier that day at Pocono for the Cup race.

Consistency was also key for Menard. His average start and finish positions were identical (12.6) for the season.

What went wrong

Menard had two solid runs marred by accidents, including a pileup at Dover in May on Lap 199 of 200. He also had an engine failure at the second Charlotte race after qualifying sixth.

Including that Dover race, Menard's low point of the season was finishing 18th or worse in three of four races in the spring. He also qualified outside of the top 10 in all four of those races -- Richmond, Darlington, Dover and Charlotte.

Looking to 2011

The full Nationwide season was an aberration. Menard is moving to Richard Childress Racing next season to run a full season in the Cup Series.

With that deal, he's scheduled to race at least seven times in the No. 33 in Nationwide for Kevin Harvick, Inc. Menard is slated to share that ride with Harvick, Clint Bowyer and Camping World Truck Series rookie of the year Austin Dillon.

With the success the No. 33 had in 2010 -- Harvick finished sixth in the drivers' points despite racing only 28 times -- Menard's strong runs and confidence in Nationwide figures to help keep that going during his time in the car.