After Kahne's announcement that he departures from the Petty Motorsports to Hendrick Motorsports through the RedBull team for 2011, Paul Menard and his sponsorship dollars are abandoning Richard Petty Motorsports in order to lineup with Richard Childress Racing while A.J. Allmendinger is happy to stay at Richard Petty's team.Richard Petty Motorsports announced that AJ Allmendinger has signed a multiyear contract extension with the team to drive the No.43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
AJ Allmendinger commented:
"I am really excited about my future here with Richard Petty Motorsports. It's been such an honor to be behind the wheel of The King's No. 43 car. I am happy to be able to continue to be his driver and feel for the first time in my NASCAR career I have the chance to build on something. Everyone at RPM and Ford Racing has worked hard to be successful this year and I know we're right on the verge of big things."
Team owner Richard Petty claimed:
"We are very pleased to have AJ as a part of the RPM family. He has proven without a doubt that he is a very talented racer. His passion for the sport is second to none and his desire to be at the top is clear each and every week. I believe in him and what he can do and everyone at Richard Petty Motorsports is thrilled to be able to continue the relationship."
On the other hand, RCR will return to a four-car operation in 2011 as Paul Menard decided to join the team. Menard’s RCR Chevrolet – no car number was announced – will be sponsored by his family’s Wisconsin-based Menards home improvement store chain although he is winless in his 4rth full Sprint Cup season.
Team owner Richard Childress commented:
"Paul has developed into a very good race car driver, and we see his move to RCR next year as an opportunity for him to continue that progress," sAt the same time, we feel Paul will contribute to the continued progress and success of RCR. Paul will fit in perfectly with our team of drivers at RCR, and they are all looking forward to working with him. We're also very proud to be aligned with Menards, one of the great family business success stories in American history."
Menard announced:
"Richard Childress Racing has shown this year that they're headed on the right track. Having three cars competing for the Chase and, ultimately, the championship is no small feat and they're on top of their game. With that in mind, and having known Richard for the past 10 years or so, when this opportunity to join RCR came about it was a no-brainer."
