Menards, Johns Manville to sponsor Meira in 2005.

Menards Home Improvement Centre and Johns Manville will sponsor the #17 Honda-powered Panoz driven by Vitor Meira during the 2005 IRL IndyCar Series season officials with Rahal Letterman Racing announced yesterday.

"I am very pleased that we were able to join with John Menard, who has been a longtime supporter of open-wheel racing, and an industry leader like Johns Manville for our 2005 IRL IndyCar Series effort," said team co-owner Bobby Rahal.

"Over the years, John has repeatedly demonstrated his passion for open-wheel racing, and his support and dedication to the IndyCar Series since its inception is well documented."

The partnership also re-unites Menards with Meira, who drove several events with Team Menard in 2002 and 2003.

"Bobby Rahal's commitment to success is also a core value of Menards. We both share the same principles in racing and in our business," said Menard.

"The opportunity to partner with Rahal Letterman, Johns Manville and my friend Vitor Meira creates a programme that will have success on the track and at Menards."

Meira, who joined Rahal Letterman Racing in April 2004, finished eighth in the IndyCar Series standings last season. He was named the IRL Rising Star Award winner after capturing the pole position at Milwaukee and finishing second twice.

"The opportunity to drive for Bobby Rahal, David Letterman and John Menard would be a thrill for any driver," he said. "For me, it represents the people who have given me the opportunity to compete in the IndyCar Series over the last few years. Last season, we were able to make great strides at Rahal Letterman, and we finished in the top 10 of the championship. This year, with a full off-season of testing and strong support from the team and our sponsors at Menards and Johns Manville, we have an opportunity to run for the championship, and that is exactly what we are preparing to do."