Paul Menard has been experiencing neck pain, so two-time NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series champon Matt Crafton will be on standby Sunday at Talladega as a substitute for Menard, if needed.
He could get behind the wheel of the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in the 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Crafton is also slated to drive the #88 ThorSport Racing Ford on Saturday in the Sugarlands Shine 250 Truck Series race, also at Talladega.
“Due to neck issues I’ve been battling, and talking it over with my wife, team and doctors, I’ve made the decision to be sure Matt is prepared to finish out the race for me if needed,” Menard said. “I’m a race car driver and a competitor, but I also need to be smart and take care of myself for my family. As I want what is best for the Wood Brothers and my 21 family, I know Matt can get in there, if need be, and mix it up and will do a great job.”
Menard, who is retiring from Cup Series competition at the end of the season, is expected to make practice laps on Friday, qualify the #21 car Saturday and start Sunday's race. Even if the driver change from Menard to Crafton is made during the race, Menard, as the driver starting the race in the car, will receive the points awarded for where the #21 car finishes the race.
In preparation for his possible substitution role, Crafton also will make some laps in the car during practice Friday.
Crafton has one previous Cup Series race to his credit, also as a substitute driver. he filled-in for the injured Kyle Busch in the 2015 Daytona 500. He finished the race in the 18th position.
