Richard Petty Motorsports officials announced today AJ Allmendinger will drive for the NASCAR Sprint Cup team in 2010.
Allmendinger joined the team, then known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports, with five races remaining last season, then signed on to drive the organization’s No. 44 this season. Originally slated to run the opening eight points races, plus the non-points Budweiser Shootout, Allmendinger has picked up additional sponsorship for this season and is running through the year’s 26th race at this point. He heads into this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix 20th in the standings with a pair of top-10 finishes. Scene Daily
“This was an easy decision for us,” said Tom Reddin, the team’s chief executive officer. “A.J. has done a superb job, both on and off the track in 2009. We want to let everyone know that he’s going to be a vital part of Richard Petty Motorsports for what we believe will be a long-term, winning relationship.”
“I’m thrilled about this,” Allmendinger said. “Racers are no different than anyone else. We like to know we have a job. I’m very thankful to be where I am and I expect we will keep running better and better each weekend. I think I have found a long-term home at Richard Petty Motorsports.”
Allmendinger was racing without an actual contract at RPM, getting paid in what he described as “creative financing” based on sponsorship money as it came in.
Other teams had inquired about Allmendinger’s availability, so RPM officials wanted to get Allmendinger signed to end the lobbying for his services. ESPN
Sponsorship from Dodge, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Valvoline, Harrah’s, Super 8, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Charter Communications extended Allmendinger’s schedule through the Sept. 12 Richmond race.
Reddin said he is confident the team will secure the sponsorship needed to extend the number of races Allmendinger will run this year. He is 20th in points, 104 points out of the 12th and final Chase position. NASCAR.COM
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