Over the next few days, we'll be looking at NASCAR's top teams and sizing up their 2009 seasons, based on both expectation and results. Next up: the newly formed Richard Petty Motorsports.
Drivers (rank): Kasey Kahne (8), Elliott Sadler (23), AJ Allmendinger (27), Reed Sorenson (28)
Wins of 19 races: 1 (Kahne, Sonoma)
The story: Formed by the shotgun marriage of Petty Enterprises and Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Richard Petty Motorsports has had struggles in its opening months, many not of their own making. Chrysler's bankruptcy has plunged RPM into disarray, forcing layoffs and halting testing. The disarray is evident in the standings, with only one driver even inside the top 20. Even so, the team has put together some strong runs, capped by Kahne's win at the Cali road course. The potential is there, but is there enough money for the performance?
Verdict: Petty remains in logistical limbo because of Chrysler, but as Kahne has shown, with a proper Dodge engine he can run with the big boys. Allmendinger, too, has the ability to run strong, but financial considerations could crimp his opportunities to do so. How long will Petty keep four teams running in the current economic environment?
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