Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing to merge for 2010

Just heard Moody say on Sirius Speedway that RPM and Yates will merge for 2010. How's that for a surprise!? That will throw a monkey wrench into the mix. They will be driving Fords as a 4 car team and drivers will be Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler, A.J. Allmendinger, and Paul Menard. Bye bye Reed Sorenson!

So...where does that leave Jamie McMurray and the #26 car? So much for heading to Yates. Looks like the Hall of Fame Racing team will be on their own next year.

Furthermore, how many owners is that team gonna have? George Gillette, Richard Petty, Ray Evernham, Doug Yates, and Max Jones? Talk about a cluster f**k!

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Permalink Reply by Keith on September 10, 2009 at 3:36pm
The deal ain't done yet, so don't go ordering any swag.
We've seen these things fall apart before with the folks involved.

The real question... is this just another extension of ROUSH or will it really be a standalone team?
Will it mean that RPM closes down their engine shop?
Permalink Reply by TOG on September 10, 2009 at 6:02pm
I think that is exactly what the word on the street is...( engine shop closing )
Permalink Reply by Dave-O on September 10, 2009 at 3:59pm
This was a shocker- I really don't think many saw it coming. How they decided to keep Sadler over Sorenson escapes me.
Permalink Reply by Keith on September 10, 2009 at 4:03pm
Money..... you may not like him, but sponsors do... same scenario as Robby.
Permalink Reply by Dave-O on September 10, 2009 at 5:53pm
Except that Robby has talent and pesonality.
Permalink Reply by Jaci on September 10, 2009 at 4:00pm
Here is what Scene Daily has to say about the deal.

http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/sprintcupseries/Richard_Pet...
Permalink Reply by Rob Hoban on September 10, 2009 at 4:09pm
You can put the Paul Menard in an RGM car speculation to bed. No idea what this does to MAC Murray (BP R.I.P.). Menards = sponsprship so he is firmly in that seat. They'll probably have Rousch engines and support and that's why RPM will shift to Ford.

Is Elliott Sadler still racing? I haven't noticed.
Permalink Reply by alan4s on September 10, 2009 at 4:27pm
Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I get the impression that whether Paul is with the team next year or not is either not fully decided, or was a last minute afterthought.

“This is certainly a great opportunity for both Yates Racing as well as Ford Racing,” Yates Racing co-owner Max Jones said. “I have had a long-term relationship with Ford and look forward to continuing that relationship at Richard Petty Motorsports. “Over the coming weeks we will continue to work with Ford and Richard Petty to lay out the best plan for Paul Menard and all of the employees at Yates Racing.”

It sounds like Max was talking about Yates as it exists today pretty much going away. Also, on the Jayski posting of this, the fact that Menard will be with RPM next year was tacked on as an update attributed to a press release from RPM. I'd bet Gillette had this issued as damage control to try to keep John Menard interested.

This also makes me think Uncle John and Paul knew something was coming, and has been testing the waters somewhat with Paul doing the personal appearences in Robby's merch trailer. There's really no reason for Paul to appear at Robby's trailer instead of with one of the Yates drivers, or even Rousch for that matter.

I bet there will be more shuffling and press releases before this deal is finalized.
Permalink Reply by Ryan Plowman on September 10, 2009 at 4:52pm
I know looking into the appearances at the RGM trailer too deeply only causes more conspiracy theorists, but you are right IMO. Does Paul not have his own merchandise trailer? I know John is a big fan of Robby's and what he is trying to accomplish, but it's only a matter of time before John wants to call some shots. RGM needs both Paul and John that most want to admit.

Single car teams are on their way out. It's sink or swim time for RGM. Get a 2nd car going quick like, or get gobbled up by the mergers and acquisitions.
Permalink Reply by TOG on September 10, 2009 at 4:58pm
Paul doesnt have his own merch trailer,probably doesnt have the fanbase to justify it, and since RG is in the menards sponsorship family, it is a no-brainer to hook his friend up. Thats it.
Permalink Reply by Dave-O on September 11, 2009 at 10:18am
It sounds alot like Yates will just dissipear into RPM. The roush-yates engine program will still exist, but I bet thats the last of the yates brand.
Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on September 10, 2009 at 7:37pm
Couple of points to take from this press release: (2) Top 35 teams will be eliminated. The #26 Roush aand whatever car RPM releases (The #44 or #43 in points, RPM will likely keep the #43). This will move the #82 Red Bull & #71 team inside the Top 35 for 2010.(unless Nascar allows some crazy trading to take place) It will move RGM up to 2 spots also.

The #96 HOF Racing will be looking to land somewhere with Bobby Labonte and possibly Ask.com. RPM will have full sponsorship with : #9 Budweiser, #19 Best Buy / Stanley Tools, #98 Menards & #43 Air Force / Valvoline/ McDonalds & more.

Reed Sorenson will be looking and according to Reed (some of the sponsors would follow him).

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