Marcos Ambrose’s NASCAR future has been secured with the announcement of the sale of the Richard Petty Motorsports assets to an investment group comprising Richard Petty, Medallion Financial Corp and DGB Investments.
Petty, a seven-time NASCAR champion who has won 200 races, including ten times at Daytona, is known in the NASCAR world simply as “The King,” will serve as Chairman of the team and will be actively involved in overseeing day-to-day operations of the company.
Ambrose will line up in the famed number nine Ford Fusion backed by Stanley Black & Decker alongside A.J. Allmendinger in the two-car team.
It has also been announced that Ambrose’s new crew chief will be Todd Parrott, who called the shots for driver Dale Jarrett in his 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series victory.
For Ambrose, confirmation of the leadership structure at his new team allows him to concentrate on pre-season preparations ahead of a massive 2011 season.
“Obviously it’s a great relief to have my future secured; I can’t wait for the year to kick off in earnest at Daytona in February,” Marcos Ambrose said.
“It’s an incredible honour to race for Richard Petty; he is an absolute legend in the sport.
“We have a point to prove in 2011, it’s my third year in the top NASCAR’s elite level, and our aim is to win races and make the end of year Chase.”
Team leader Richard Petty is equally pleased with the announcement.
“Today is a great day for me, my family, our fans and our wonderful sponsors- Ford, Stanley, Best Buy, Valvoline, Reynolds, Air Force, Super 8, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), WIX Filters and Menards have supported me through thick and thin, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Richard Petty said in a statement.
“George and Foster Gillett deserve a great deal of credit for running a successful race team.
“They made a significant investment into the business and helped get back into Victory Lane.
“Going forward, we have put together an all-star ownership team consisting of myself, Medallion, and VeriFone CEO Doug Bergeron.”
Andrew Murstein, President of Medallion Financial, commented- “We could not be happier to be able to acquire these assets together.
“Richard is one of the greatest names, not only in NASCAR, but in all sports.
“His name and image are a world recognized brand with unlimited potential to grow and expand in racing.
“Ample working capital has been invested in the company to ensure this great team and legend will not only continue to perform, but will thrive and be back in the winner’s circle.”
“With Richard Petty’s unmatched name and reputation in the motorsports industry, I know this investment is well-timed to succeed.
“We are going to help put Richard Petty Motorsports back in Victory Lane.”
Douglas Bergeron commented- “With Richard Petty’s unmatched name and reputation in the motorsports industry, I know this investment is well-timed to succeed.
“We are going to help put Richard Petty Motorsports back in Victory Lane.”
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