THE TIES THAT BIND
This year’s SYLVANIA 300 race is a family affair for the Menards and SYLVANIA
Loudon, N.H. (Sept. 16, 2007) – Not only is NASCAR a family-friendly entertainment sport, it is also common for racing to be considered “the family business.” This year’s SYLVANIA 300, however, will bring a new twist to the notion of family ties, when father and son, John and Paul Menard, will both take an active role in the race – one as the flag dropper and the other as a driver.
But what makes this story even more interesting is that John is the founder of Menards Home Improvement stores in the Midwest, and one of SYLVANIA’s largest customers, while son Paul is driving the SYLVANIA-painted No. 15 Chevrolet at the SYLVANIA 300, creating a unique relationship that links business through bloodlines.
“The SYLVANIA 300 is such an exciting time for Menards and SYLVANIA, and I am truly honored to represent both companies,” Paul Menard said. “I feel confident going into New Hampshire with the SYLVANIA-sponsored No. 15
Chevrolet. I’ve led some laps in this car, so I have no doubt it’ll give me another strong race. I’d say the future’s looking pretty bright right now.”
“We are thrilled to have Paul as our representative at this year’s SYLVANIA 300,” Charlie Jerabek, president and CEO of OSRAM SYLVANIA and Grand Marshal for the SYLVANIA 300, said. “The fact that Menards is one of our largest clients makes this relationship even more special and unique. You can bet everyone at SYLVANIA will be rooting for Paul to come across the finish line at this year’s race as a top place contender.”
Over the past year, Paul Menard has improved upon his rankings within the NASCAR series. In June 2006, Menard won his first Busch race in Milwaukee and has been making waves ever since. With seven top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes in the past year, Menard finished sixth in the Busch series final standings and was the top “Busch regular.” In his Busch Series career, Menard has 14 top-five finishes, 36 top-10 finishes, two poles, and has led for 368 laps.
This year Paul Menard will race a dozen Busch series events in the No. 15 Chevrolet. The SYLVANIA 300 will be Menard’s 30th Nextel Cup event of his racing career.
ABOUT OSRAM SYLVANIA
OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.