Paul Menard and wife welcome new baby, will miss qualifying

Paul Menard and wife Jennifer welcomed the birth of their daughter, Remi Barbara Christine Menard earlier this week. His team tweeted out a picture of the new addition to the Menard family:

To spend more time with his family, Menard will not participate in Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions at Auto Club Speedway.

Matt Crafton, who has been on standby for the last couple weeks will fill in on Friday, driving the No. 27 Duracell / Menards Chevy SS for Richard Childress Racing.

Menard is currently 17th in the Cup standings, and will have to start Sunday’s race at the back of the field due to missing qualifying.