Earlier today, the announcement was made that Paul Menard would be leaving Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season to become the fourth driver in Richard Childress Racing's stable starting next year.

The most remarkable element of the announcement by all parties concerned was the ability to keep a straight face throughout.

Menard's continued employment has precious little to do with driving ability. Between Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series, going into this weekend he has made 291 races. Wins? One. In Nationwide. At Milwaukee. In 2006. Yeah, sign 'em up.

No, Menard has a guaranteed job because his last name is Menard. As in the son of John Menard Jr., founder of Menards home improvement centers. When Daddy is willing to pony up the big bucks so his kid can have a 1:1 scale slot car minus the slots, it's amazing how accommodating team owners can be in these economically-challenged times.

Menard is nowhere near the quality of driver that his new teammates are, namely Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer. It'll be interesting to see how the team dynamic works, if in fact it works at all. The Big Three at RCR are all about wins and championships. Menard gives every impression of someone postponing stocking shelves at the old man's store as long as possible. That said, retail shouldn't be an issue for him when his racing days are done. He's already used to working weekends.

(Cross-posted at Examiner.com)