In a move which may be considered a bit of shock, but, will certainly encourage Ford fans it was announced today that Richard Petty Motorsports has signed a letter of intent which will result in a merger with Yates Racing starting with the 2010 season.
The newly merged team will be called Richard Petty Motorsports.
RPM had been formed as a result of a merger with Gillett Everham Motorsports and Yates had been operating as a satellite of Roush Fenway Racing.
“This is a pretty big deal for us. We’re thrilled to partner with Ford, “said Petty in a team release.
“We’ve talked with a lot of folks, but in the end it came down to the success the Gilletts and I think we can achieve with Ford Racing.”
“Right now this deal is real new. There are lots of details still left to be ironed out, so we don’t have a lot of answers for anyone. We’ll be working on all that in the coming days, weeks and months, but we do intend to have everything in place before the start of next season. I’ve won races with Ford and plan to again.”
Petty Enterprises last ran Ford cars 40 years ago, and Richard Petty won 9 races with Ford.
The drivers will be Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, A.J. Allmendinger, and Paul Menard.
"I am very pleased that Richard Petty Motorsports has made the decision to switch to Ford for the 2010 season," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports.
"They had choices to consider other than Ford, and it's gratifying to us that they have enough faith in the Ford Motor Company and what we're doing to make the switch. We believe we can provide them with superior analytical tools and powertrain, and we will work with them closely on the technical front to help them become even more competitive than they are.”
photo:Nascar
The newly merged team will be called Richard Petty Motorsports.
RPM had been formed as a result of a merger with Gillett Everham Motorsports and Yates had been operating as a satellite of Roush Fenway Racing.
“This is a pretty big deal for us. We’re thrilled to partner with Ford, “said Petty in a team release.
“We’ve talked with a lot of folks, but in the end it came down to the success the Gilletts and I think we can achieve with Ford Racing.”
“Right now this deal is real new. There are lots of details still left to be ironed out, so we don’t have a lot of answers for anyone. We’ll be working on all that in the coming days, weeks and months, but we do intend to have everything in place before the start of next season. I’ve won races with Ford and plan to again.”
Petty Enterprises last ran Ford cars 40 years ago, and Richard Petty won 9 races with Ford.
The drivers will be Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, A.J. Allmendinger, and Paul Menard.
"I am very pleased that Richard Petty Motorsports has made the decision to switch to Ford for the 2010 season," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports.
"They had choices to consider other than Ford, and it's gratifying to us that they have enough faith in the Ford Motor Company and what we're doing to make the switch. We believe we can provide them with superior analytical tools and powertrain, and we will work with them closely on the technical front to help them become even more competitive than they are.”
photo:Nascar