Richard Petty Motorsports To Field Two Cars In 2015

Despite recent reports that sponsors Stanley/Dewalt will jump to Joe Gibbs Racing to back Carl Edwards and the new No. 19 Toyota next season, Richard Petty Motorsports said today that it is committed to remaining a two-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. 

At the start of 2014, RPM announced a three-year extension and investment increase by Smithfield Foods for its No. 43 Ford, driven by Aric Almirola. Smithfield joins Strike 10 Entertainment (GoBowling.com), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the U.S. Air Force and longtime partner STP as sponsors of Almirola, who recently qualified for the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with a victory at Daytona International Speedway. 

Today, the organization announced that it will continue as a two-car organization in 2015, competing weekly with both the No. 9 and No. 43 teams. RPM will also return current manufacturer partner Ford Racing, with Roush Fenway Racing and Roush Yates Engines supplying chassis and engines for both teams. 

Aric Almirola

Twisted Tea Brewing Company will continue their primary sponsorship of the No. 9 team in 2015 as the RPM marketing and new business team continues various discussions with several companies. 

"First, we want to wish Stanley Black and Decker the best," commented Brian Moffitt, President and CEO of Richard Petty Motorsports. "Their commitment and support has been a critical component to the success of RPM. As with all good partnerships, we are proud that the STANLEY and RPM partnership has benefitted both companies. We are grateful for their support and they will always be a part of our family." 

"Today, we are excited to build new partnerships on the No. 9 team," continued Moffitt. "We have a vision that our ownership group and sponsors support and believe in. We have built upon that vision in two short years to become championship eligible. It's that belief that will help us support the No. 9 team. One partner that has supported us is Ford Racing who will again be our manufacturer partner as we continue our relationship that has helped us become a 'Chase' organization." 

"We're proud of our relationship with Richard Petty Motorsports and feel they have done a great job and are competitive every weekend as evident by making the Chase this season," said Jamie Allison, Director of Ford Racing.  "Both the No. 9 and No. 43 teams have shown strength throughout this season and we expect that will only continue next season and beyond." 

It was announced earlier that Marcos Ambrose will not return to RPM in 2015.