RPM Off To Surprising Start

Seeking to sustain its season-opening accomplishments, Richard Petty Motorsports teams head west hoping to maintain their Daytona 500 momentum.

Leading the pack was Los Gatos, Calif., native AJ Allmendinger and his third-place finish. But close behind is Elliott Sadler and his fifth-place finish, a tribute to both drivers’ resiliency as they endured January uncertainty over which, if any, RPM cars they would drive.

Teammate Reed Sorenson (No. 43 Charter Communications Dodge) finished ninth. The dean of RPM drivers, Kasey Kahne, who at age 28 is in his sixth season with the team, finished 29th. RPM was formed earlier this year by Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ merger with Petty Enterprises.

“Our goal isn’t just to get the 43 car back to Victory Lane,” said NASCAR legend Richard Petty of his own iconic car number. “We’re focusing on all four cars. We’re working together with everyone. People aren’t coming to the track to see Richard Petty race. It’s about those drivers we have here now. I want the 43 to win, but I’d be happy to see the 9, 19 or 44 win as well.”