Petty in Merger Talks

[cosworth151]

This is turning out to be Black Friday for motorsports. On top of withdrawal announcements from Honda and Audi, the most fabled team in NASCAR may be in its last days.

Petty Enterprises, one of two original NASCAR teams left in the sport, may be taken over by Gillett Evernham Racing. Sports Illustrated has said the the teams 43 car will become just another car in the Gillett Evernham stable, and the 45 car will be withdrawn. Petty Enterprises has denied the store, but says a merger of equals is possible.

The team was founded by early NASCAR champion Lee Petty, and is currently run by his son, Richard Petty. Richard, known as "The King of NASCAR," is the series' all-time win leader with 200 Cup wins.Richard's son, Kyle, was just removed as the teams driver. Kyle's son, Adam, was killed in a team car at The New Hampshire Motor Speedway several years ago.

Lee traditionally drove with the number 42, Richard with 43, Kyle with 44 and Adam with 45. Kyle switched to the 45 car to honor his late son's memory.

[cosworth151]

Petty have now released there driver, 2000 season champion Bobby Labonte. They also fired 39 more crewmen on Monday, bringing its total to 65 workers fired since the Nov. 16 season finale at Homestead, Fla. Longtime sponsor General Mills is switching to Richard Childress Racing.

Richard Petty has been in discussion with Gillett Evernham Motorsports about a possible merger. If it happens, the No. 43 (with a driver to be named) will join the No. 9 of Kasey Kahne, the No. 19 of Elliott Sadler and the No. 10 of Reed Sorenson for the full 36-race schedule.

[Scott]

What a shame.  I always thought that when RP moved from driving to running his own team that it would become a juggernaut.  So sad to have him leave the sport he dominated this way.