RPM to add to Allmendinger's schedule

Quote :

FORT WORTH - Richard Petty Motorsports is close to extending AJ Allmendinger's schedule beyond the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24.

Considering Allmendinger, 27, is currently 15th in the standings, 34 points out of the Chase Zone, it's time for RPM to lock him down.

"If you had told me last year that I'd be 15th in points right now, I would have laughed at you," Allmendinger said. "But we're in striking distance of the top 12."

Allmendinger wasn't even entered in the Samsung 500 at Texas last year. Veteran Mike Skinner filled the seat as Red Bull Racing tried to figure out why the No. 84 team had missed the first three races of the season. Inevitably, the focus turned to crew chief Ricky Viers, who was replaced by Jimmy Elledge before the Chicagoland race last July.

Despite the team producing its first top 10 of the season two weeks later at the Brickyard, Allmendinger parted ways with Red Bull after the race at Kansas in September when it became apparent Scott Speed had been selected as Red Bull's second driver.

In an effort to shore up a ride for 2009, Allmendinger signed on with Gillett Evernham Motorsports for the final five races of the season. The newcomer outraced his veteran teammates, Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler, in the first two events and bested the No. 19 team in all five races. And in this year's season-opening Daytona 500, Allmendinger was the top Dodge under the new Richard Petty Motorsports banner, finishing third.

"We had a great Daytona and pretty good season," Allmendinger said. "We'd like to be stronger — particularly on the mile-and-a-half tracks — but that's not just the 44 car, that's all four teams."

With Allmendinger so close to the top 12 in points, RPM needs to decide whether it is committed to moving forward with the driver and the team before another organization snatches him up. According to multiple sources, Joe Gibbs Racing has already inquired about the driver's status as they consider starting up a fourth team.

But Allmendinger's first priority is to make things work with his current deal.

While RPM is currently securing additional sponsorship, potentially with Hunt Brothers Pizza, nothing will guarantee Allmendinger and the No. 44 Dodge's success faster than a revamped pit crew. Allmendinger inevitably loses positions every time he enters pit road.

RPM has an Aug. 15 deadline to pick up Allmendinger's option for 2010. Given that Allmendinger has proved that he's the second-best driver at RPM and has served as a catalyst to invigorate Kahne and the company's flagship No. 9 squad, it would be foolish to let him get away.

~FOXSports

I hope things work out for AJ.

I thought I heard something about JGR may have an interest in AJ? A 4th car possibably? idk?
I could see him taking over the #20. I'd like to see him in equipment that he really could do something with.
The downfall is look at who his teammates would be ... KB & DH <whinners>

I'd also like to see how AJ could do in a fast car. Would be interesting to see how he did if he ended up at Gibbs in either the 20 or a 4th car.

would be nice if someone would give AJ a legitimate shot to do something somewhere before he moves

not that I'm saying he's done nothing becasue getting in the top 35 and qualifing on time is a BIG accomplishment, esp in a dodge

Hunt Brothers Pizza keeps Allmendinger racing through Richmond...

Quote :

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A.J. Allmendinger picked up a sponsor that will keep his Richard Petty Motorsports entry running at least until September.

Allmendinger started the season with just enough sponsorship to take him through the first quarter of the Sprint Cup schedule. RPM officials recently extended his deal through the end of May, and an agreement on Wednesday with Hunt Brothers Pizza will now take the No. 44 to the September race in Richmond, Va.

Allmendinger opened the season with a third-place finish in the Daytona 500, and has continued to impress RPM officials since. He's currently 20th in points after finishing 34th last week at Texas.

GREAT!!

I have a feeling AJ will be racing all season!

that would be sad if he qualified for the chase, but wouldn't get into the chase due to sponsor issues... that's a possibility

At this rate, I'm sure AJ would have no trouble finding future funding.

AJ is now locked in through 2010!

Quote :

RPM locks up Allmendinger UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports has picked up the option on #44-AJ Allmendinger's contract, locking up the driver through 2010. According to multiple sources, Joe Gibbs Racing had inquired about Allmendinger's status as they consider starting up a fourth team. RPM had an Aug. 15 deadline to pick up Allmendinger's option for 2010.(FoxSports)(4-17-2009)
UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports announced today AJ Allmendinger will race for the team in the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. “This was an easy decision for Richard Petty Motorsports,” said Tom Reddin, the team’s chief executive officer. “AJ has done a superb job, both on and off the track in 2009. We want to let everyone know that he’s going to be a vital part of Richard Petty Motorsports for what we believe will be a long-term, winning relationship.” The Petty team signed Allmendinger before the start of the 2009 season with plans to run the Bud Shootout and the first eight point races. Allmendinger finished fifth in the preseason Bud Shootout, and posted a third-place finish in the Daytona 500 and a ninth-place finish at Martinsville. He was the only driver without a guaranteed starting spot to qualify for all of the races in 2009. Sponsorship from Dodge, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Valvoline, Harrah’s, Super 8, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Charter Communications extended Allmendinger’s schedule through the Sept. 12 Richmond race. Reddin said he is confident the team will secure the sponsorship needed to extend the number of races the 27-year-old Californian will run in 2009 for the full season. Allmendinger is 20th in points but only 104 points out of the 12th and final “Chase” position. “I’m thrilled about this,” Allmendinger said. “Racers are no different than anyone else. We like to know we have a job. I’m very thankful to be where I am and I expect we will keep running better and better each weekend. I think I have found a long-term home at Richard Petty Motorsports.”(RPM PR)(4-17-2009)

-Jayski

Good for AJ