Paul Menard will be the fourth entry from Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for 2011. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

4. Paul Menard

The Deal: Menard has a huge advantage over other drivers – he has a sponsor in his back pocket.

With his family’s Menards home improvement stores backing him, Menard has been able to land rides with Dale Earnhardt Inc., Yates Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. Now he has landed his biggest deal yet, taking his sponsorship to Richard Childress Racing next year.

Outlook: Menard is in a no-lose situation. He is joining one of the top multicar teams in the sport, which should give him his best opportunity to run up front and win races. He’s currently 23rd in points – a career high – with RPM, so even if he struggles in his first year with RCR, it still could be a step up. With a top team and three top drivers – Harvick, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer – to lean on, Menard is the luckiest guy in the garage right now.

5. Marcos Ambrose

The Deal: Ambrose came close to winning at JTG Daugherty Racing, but coming close was getting old. After yet another heartbreaking loss at Infineon Raceway this year, Ambrose decided to move on, announcing he was leaving the team despite having a year left on his contract. He quickly landed a new deal, replacing Kahne in the No. 9 car at RPM.

Outlook: On the surface, this looks like a lateral move at best, especially the way RPM has struggled at times this year. But with the backing of Ford and an affiliation with Roush Fenway Racing, Ambrose should get more opportunities to win and run up front. His best chance to win a Cup race is on the road courses – where he is exceptional – and RPM won at Infineon last year with Kahne. If he finally wins, this deal will pay off.

6. AJ Allmendinger

The Deal: Allmendinger landed with RPM last year and showed potential in his first year with the team. Despite struggling this season, he re-signed to return next year.

Outlook: Allmendinger has flashed potential, but also has been inconsistent. Still, he was wise to stick with RPM, where he can build a foundation and gain experience. With the backing of Ford and Roush, he should get the opportunity to improve and possibly win a race.

7. Bobby Labonte

The Deal: After Ambrose told JTG Daugherty Racing he wanted to leave, the team quickly signed Labonte to replace him.

Outlook: It’s been painful watching the former Cup champion struggle since leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, first with Petty Enterprises and then with Hall of Fame Racing and TRG Motorsports. He has basically become a backmarker the past two years, which is a shame for a driver with 21 Cup wins. He may not win with JTG, but at least he will have a shot at being competitive again. Ambrose ran well on occasion at JTG, and with help from Michael Waltrip Racing, Labonte’s experience could give the team a boost. Compared to where he’s been the last five years, this is a step up for the 46-year-old Labonte.

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8. Regan Smith

The Deal: Smith recently announced that he has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with Furniture Row Racing.

Outlook: It’s a shame that Smith hasn’t been able to land a ride with a more established team. He showed potential with DEI, nearly winning at Talladega in 2008. But full-time rides with top and even second-tier teams are hard to come by. At least Smith has run the full season for Furniture Row this year and has a chance to build something with the improving team. Re-signing Smith is a coup for Furniture Row and a chance for Smith to gain more experience before perhaps getting another shot with a top-20 team.

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