Ambrose has options |
Currently enmeshed in a “17 races in 17 weeks” run that will carry
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series through the 2015 season finale at Homestead Miami
Speedway on Nov. 16, a handful of teams traveled directly from Indianapolis
Motor Speedway to Watkins Glen International today, to test for next month’s NASCAR At The Glen.
One of those teams is Richard Petty Motorsports, working to secure
both of its NASCAR Sprint Cup teams a berth in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint
Cup. RPM left the Brickyard yesterday after a 21st-place finish for
driver Aric Almirola and a 22nd for teammate Marcos Ambrose, flying
directly to the Watkins Glen road course for a two-day test session.
The goal of the test will be to collect information and give
Ambrose and Almirola the best possible setup when they return for the race
in two weeks. If Ambrose can win the event – and he is a leading candidate to
do so – RPM will put two cars in the title Chase for the first time ever.
In addition to a brutal race
and testing schedule, RPM’s No. 9 Ford team must maintain focused in the face of
persistent reports that Ambrose could depart the team at season’s end.
The Aussie's future has been the subject of widespread speculation for weeks now, and multiple sources tell GodfatherMotorsports.com that
Ambrose will in fact return to his native Australia at season's end to drive for a new
Aussie V8 Supercar team fielded by veteran series owner Dick Johnson and new
partner Roger Penske in 2015.
Ambrose is a two-time
champion of the Aussie VB Supercar Series and Penske Racing president Tim
Cindric confirmed recently that discussions have taken place about fielding a team with Johnson. Penske is currently
building a number of new automobile and Western Star truck dealerships “down
under,” but a spokesperson for Dick Johnson Racing said earlier this month that
"there is nothing to report at the present time.”
RPM owner Richard Petty said
last week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that Ambrose “has been good for Richard Petty Motorsports,” adding,
“we admire what he's been doing for us.” Petty said the decision on whether to
stay in the U.S. or return to Australia is up to Ambrose.
In Petty’s words, “You'll
have to ask him."
Ambrose has declined comment,
telling reporters at IMS, "If I had something to say, I'd already say it."
good luck, marcos whatever you do
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