After back-to-back TA championships, Menard is a devoted Trans Am convert

In 2025, Paul Menard powered his No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang to his second-consecutive Trans Am TA class championship in just his second full season in the series. In a close battle against series veteran Adam Andretti, the championship fight came down to the final race of the year, where Menard captured the crown and added to 3GT Racing’s legacy as a championship-winning organization.

Menard kicked off the year much like he did in his 2024 championship run, with a victory at Sebring International Raceway. He returned to Gym Weed Winners Circle two races later, capturing the win at Sonoma Raceway, where he held off a hard-charging Chris Dyson in a tight battle that ended with a 0.291s margin of victory.

Following a podium finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Menard scored his third victory of the year at Lime Rock Park’s Trans Am Memorial Day Classic, leading a stout field and widening his championship lead.

At Watkins Glen International, Menard notched his first win at the iconic track 22 years after making his first NASCAR start there. Menard’s momentum carried until the end of the summer, with his fifth victory of the season coming at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a track where he also took the checkered flag the season before.

After scoring second-place finishes at both VIRginia International Raceway and Barber Motorsports Park, Menard cinched the crown in the season finale at Circuit of The Americas. He and title rival Andretti traded positions in the closing laps, underscoring the intensity of the title fight all season long. “

Former NASCAR racer Paul Menard is a two-time Trans Am champion in as many seasons as a full-time competitor. Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

“To be a two-time champion in Trans Am with Paul Gentilozzi and Tony and John and the history that they have and the history that the series has, means a lot,” said Menard. “It’s a great series. I grew up watching [Trans Am]. They make a big push to bring it back to what it once was.

“I’ve driven a lot of cars. I’ve driven a lot of race cars on dirt, on asphalt, on road courses, on ovals. These are, hands down, the most fun, coolest race cars on road courses in North America. You can get into some ice racing or some dirt racing or something. Those cars are really fun too, but a totally different discipline. But, hands down, if you’re going to drive a road course car, these are by far the best. To be a two-time champion in that discipline means a lot.”