RCR to Expand With Petty's Sponsor
2008-04-01
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Childress Racing will expand to four cars next season with General Mills as sponsor, a partnership that leaves Petty Enterprises searching for financial backing for its famed No. 43 for just the second time since 1972.
General Mills has sponsored the No. 43 the past nine seasons, taking over when STP gave up its role as primary sponsor of the car Richard Petty drove to 200 victories. Bobby Labonte currently pilots the flagship Dodge.
But the car will need a sponsor for 2009, and perhaps even a driver.
Childress didn't say Tuesday who will drive his new No. 33 Chevrolet next season, but Labonte's deal with Petty Enterprises is up at the end of this year. As the 2000 Cup champion, Labonte is extremely attractive to Childress because his past champion status would automatically qualify the car for six races.
Robbie Loomis, executive vice president at Petty Enterprises, has previously said the team has offered Labonte an extension that the driver is considering. Loomis did not immediately return a phone call Tuesday from The Associated Press.
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Bobby Labonte on the sponsorship issues at Petty Enterprises:
“I’m very humbled by the level of interest in my future, but at this time I’m concentrating all my efforts in getting Petty Enterprises back to victory lane. I feel good about all the positive steps that Petty Enterprises has made and continues to make.
“General Mills has been a huge part of making the 43 team what it is today.
"I worked diligently with Petty Enterprises to continue General Mills involvement with the team. Today, we all learned they have made a decision. I truly appreciate all they have done to contribute to our success at Petty Enterprises.
“Moving forward, I’m going to work hard each week to win races. I want to do the best I can for Petty Enterprises and everyone who puts great cars under me each week.
"That’s our focus, and that’s what I feel is the right thing to do for all our partners. At this time, I have no intention to talk about my plans after 2008 because of the immediate tasks at hand. I ... ask for everyone’s patience in this matter and, again, am humbled by everyone’s interest. ”
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ryan Newman, Daytona 500 Champion!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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he's had plenty of time with RCR with very limited results.
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wimper... eerr wimmer isn't a good racer.. not a good fit for RCR... he has no aggression in his whole body.... he can inherit a bush ride, or do test sessions.. he just isn't a cup driver. bobby, well his best days are probably gone, but jeff burton is doing well there and bobby has been in harvick and rcr busch rides... I really think the biff wants to stay at rousch.. I would anticipate personality probs with him and kev.... time will tell, but I gotta give the edge to bobby, sponsors like him.
__________________ Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway
maybe they will get Tony Raines.I think he would fit pretty good there.
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Bobby Labonte on sponsorship, future
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