Ford the first time since the 1969 season, Richard Petty Motorsports drivers will be behind the wheel of Fords in NASCAR competition. RPM is in the beginning stages of a merger with Yates Racing that will be completed prior to the 2010 NASCAR season.
“This is a pretty big deal for us. We’re thrilled to partner with Ford, “ said Petty. “We’ve talked with a lot of folks, but in the end it came down to the success the Gilletts and I think we can achieve with Ford Racing.
“Right now this deal is real new. There are lots of details still left to be ironed out, so we don’t have a lot of answers for anyone. We’ll be working on all that in the coming days, weeks, and months, but we do intend to have everything in place before the start of next season. I’ve won races with Ford and plan to again.”
"I am very pleased that Richard Petty Motorsports has made the decision to switch to Ford for the 2010 season," said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "They had choices to consider other than Ford, and it's gratifying to us that they have enough faith in the Ford Motor Company and what we're doing to make the switch. We believe we can provide them with superior analytical tools and powertrain, and we will work with them closely on the technical front to help them become even more competitive than they are.
"What's also really cool to me is the chance to have someone with the class and the legacy of Richard Petty involved with Ford. Combine that with the chance to work with the Gillett family, who we have great respect for, and add some great drivers to the Ford camp, well, it's hard not to be excited about this opportunity."
Richard Petty Motorsports will consists of four drivers. Current RPM drivers, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, and A.J. Allmendinger, along with Yates Racing’s Paul Menard will make the new Ford-powered Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2010 season.