Next Saturday Paul Menard will make his debut in the Budweiser Shootout to kick of DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona International Raceway. In his first two seasons Menard has not recieved the chance to participate in the event.

Menard will also reveal the No. 98 Quaker State-Menards Ford Fusion.

"It's definitely going to be cool to run in that event," Menard said. "The last couple years I've had to watch it on TV, so actually getting in this year and being able to race will be a big advantage for us."

The Budweiser Shootout will be the first race that the new logo and special hood treatment hit the track. The logo will remain on the No. 98 Yates Racing Ford through the Daytona and California weekends.

"Both Quaker State and I have a new look for the 2009 race season," commented Menard. "I'm excited to be driving the Quaker State car during the Bud shootout and kicking off the NASCAR season with the motor oil brand that delivers the protection consumers need for their everyday driving."

Kicking off the 2008 NASCAR season, the Budweiser shootout is a great opportunity to get the feel of Sprint Cup action before the Daytona 500. Labeled as a non-points race, Menard has all intentions of going all out to attain the trophy.

"Yeah, this race has been crazy. Kind of like the Sprint All-Star race in Charlotte I guess," Menard said. "You just want to win, that's really all that matters in this event.

"No matter what, you're not taking any points away from the race, so I think the mindset is just to go out and win at all costs. That's my thinking anyway."

Menard continued, "It'll also be a chance to (hopefully) work with Bobby (Labonte) a little bit out there and see if we can draft together with the other Ford teams. Our Shootout car is about identical to the 500 car, so if we're good Saturday night, I like to think we'll be good the next Sunday."