Lead Lap's NASCAR News » JTG Racing

RPM To Merge With Yates, Switch To Fords

Michael J Smith — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:56:32 +0000

Richard Petty Motorsports will conduct its second merger in as many seasons, as RPM will merge with Yates Racings, fielding Fords next season. Initially, rumors suggested the team would move to Toyotas next season, but RPM officials publicly said the team would not switch to Toyota.

It had been speculated for some time that RPM would switch makes, due in part to the financial difficulties of its current make, Dodge.

The newly formed team will run under the current RPM banner with Paul Menard joining RPM, and teammates Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, and AJ Allmendinger. No word on what will become of Reed Sorenson, current driver of RPM’s No. 43 Dodge. Earlier this season, he was rumored to be out at RPM.

For the remainer of this season, Yates Racing will continue to field a Ford for Hall of Fame Racing’s No. 96, driven by Bobby Labonte and Erik Darnell.

Richard Petty said:

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 right now. 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.

Max Jones, of Yates Racing, said:

On a personal level, I am excited about the opportunity to focus my full energy on building Ford horsepower. We look forward to working with Richard Petty Motorsports to produce power second to none. There are many details to be worked out with Richard Petty Motorsports and as we finalize those details we will keep everyone informed.

This news appears to all but solidify Jamie McMurray’s departure from Roush Fenway Racing, as many thought he might be headed to Yates Racing, which has an alliance with RFR. At last check, RFR was seeking sponsorship to keep McMurray with Yates. But, this new merger would put Yates at NASCAR’s four-team limit.

McMurray could end up piloting Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s No. 1 Chevy next season, as that’s one of the few rides available. He’s been connect to this ride, but nothing official has been said.

Also, Salder has been rumored to be headed over to Richard Childress Racing or JTG Racing next season, which could mean that Sorenson sticks with the team and Menard takes Salder’s spot.

Sadler To RCR?

Michael J Smith — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:27:21 +0000

There’s a rumor circulating that Elliott Sadler could move from Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 19 Dodge to Richard Childress Racing’s No. 07 next season, or he could move to JTG Racing, if that operation chooses to expand. Sadler still has one year left on his contract, but RPM would be much stronger running three cars instead of four. If Salder elected to go to RCR, no word on which driver would be out. Kevin Harvick, however, was rumored to have asked to be released. Jack Daniels will return part time to the RCR’s No. 07.

Ambrose Posts An Impressive Weekend

Michael J Smith — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:19:37 +0000

In Sunday’s Centurion Boats at the Glen from Watkins Glen, Marcos Ambrose brought back memories of Wood Brothers Racing from the 80s. He piloted the No. 21 Ford Fusion to a third place finish in only his third cup start, an impressive feat considering that he started dead last.

Making it an even better story, Ambrose became the first Australian to win in NASCAR when he won the Nationwide Series race, the Zippo 200, one day before. He assumed the lead with three laps to go, when Jeff Burton and Jimmie Johnson both had to pit.

All in all the weekend was a career weekend for Ambrose, and a shot in the arm for both JTG Racing and Wood Brother’s Racing.

While I don’t think Ambrose is going to suddenly turn WBR around, he certainly is walking a little bit taller. And with the five races he has left with the team, look for him to try to learn all he can and gain all the respect he can.

If he stays focused, he should be able to improve the team’s position in the standings, by making races and staying out of trouble, much like he did on Saturday and Sunday.

Ambrose, JTG To Cup With Daugherty

Michael J Smith — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:10:18 +0000

ESPN.com reported that JTG Racing is moving to Sprint Cup next season, thanks to a partnership with former NBA player turned NASCAR analyst Brad Daugterty.

Australian Marcos Abrose will drive the No. 47 Little Debbie Snack Cakes car for the new team, which will be known as JTG Daugherty Racing. Ambrose currently drives the No. 59 JTG entry in the Nationwide Series. He currently sits 13th in points with three top-tens.

Daugherty said:

I have a tremendous passion for racing. This gives me another avenue to be involved in the sport. It’s a big stake to do this at the Cup level, and I hope it opens doors in the sport for other minorities and women.