Paul Menard and the No. 21 New Ford Tech Mustang are back in the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona, thanks to the team’s pole-winning run at Chicagoland Speedway last summer.
Menard will be returning to the 75-lap non-points race for pole winners from the previous season and others for the first time since 2016.
For Menard, the Clash, which will be run in two segments just after pole qualifying for the Daytona 500, offers him a chance to collect a nice trophy and to brush up on his drafting skills before he gets down to the serious business of preparing for the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest race.
“It’s nice to get a little racing under your belt before the Duels,” Menard said referring to the twin Gander RV Duel qualifying races on Thursday that will setstarting positions 3-40 for the Daytona 500. “The past couple of years I’ve had to practice by myself and qualify by myself then roll right into the Duels with no drafting experience.”
Menard also said he likes the format of the Clash, especially its length.
“I like shorter races for sure,” he said. “A lot of our races are too long.”
He said that no matter the length of a race at Daytona, or it sister track Talladega Superspeedway, the running order can change in an instant.
“You could take a snapshot at Lap Five, or 50 or 200, and you could either be running third or 30th,” he said. “There’s a lot of ebb and flow to restrictor-plate races. You can work your tail off getting to the front and the next thing you know you’re getting shuffled back.”
Sunday’s race and the paint scheme used will give Menard and the No. 21 team a chance to raise awareness of Ford’s commitment to training automotive technicians.
Graduates of Ford’s Technical Career Entry programs are immediately eligible to join the workforce as technicians, the specialists employed by Ford andLincoln dealers, as well as Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers, to repair and maintain customers’ vehicles.
Successful graduates of the program have opportunities for employment at 3,000 Ford and Lincoln dealers.
Those interested in applying for the program can visit www.NewFordTech.com. For scholarship opportunity inquiries, visit NewFordTech.com/YES.
The Advance Auto Parts Clash is set to get the green flag at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Feb.10, with TV coverage on Fox Sports 1.
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About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under-hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers are backed by Ford Motor Company’s two-year, unlimited-miles Service Parts Limited Warranty. Ask for Motorcraft by name when you visit your local auto parts store or your favorite service facility. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers
Ford’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With more than 800 locations and growing, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formedin 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glen’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Paul Menard in the famous No. 21 racer.
