Richard Childress Racing

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July 16, 2012

Paul Menard and the Duracell/Menards Team Finish 17th in Loudon

"New Hampshire Motor Speedway is just one of those tracks that we are still trying to figure out."

RCR/HHP RCR/HHP

Start - 13

Finish - 17

Laps Led - 0

Points Position - 15

Paul Menard started the No. 27 Duracell/Menards Chevrolet from the 13th position and battled handling issues throughout the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 before finishing 17th. Plagued with a loose-handling condition on the entry and exit of the turns and a tight-handling condition in the center during the majority of the 301-lap affair, crew chief Slugger Labbe called for air pressure and chassis adjustments during the first three scheduled pit stops to help alleviate the challenges that Menard was facing. The Eau Claire, Wis., native remained a fixture in the top 20 despite the persistent handling issues. During a lengthy green-flag run as the race climbed past the halfway point, the No. 27 RCR machine was passed by the leader, but returned to the lead lap when granted the "Lucky Dog Award” on the lap-190 caution. Labbe took advantage of the opportunity and called Menard to pit road for a variety of adjustments, temporarily offering assistance to Menard who drove up the 14th position. Following the final pit stop and round of changes the handling became incredibly loose, causing Menard to drop in the running order and take the checkered flag in the 17th position.
 
PAUL MENARD QUOTE:
“New Hampshire Motor Speedway is just one of those tracks that we are still trying to figure out as a team. The No. 27 Duracell/Menards team did a great job in the pits today, especially with the different adjustments we threw at the car. Everyone is looking forward to the break next weekend to recharge our batteries, and all of these guys deserve it.”

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