Former Hollister resident A.J. Allmendinger signed a contract
with Richard Petty Motorsports through the 2010 Sprint Cup season,
it was announced Friday
HOLLISTER
Former Hollister resident and NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger signed a contract with Richard Petty Motorsports through the 2010 Sprint Cup season on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
“This was an easy decision for Richard Petty Motorsports,” said Tom Reddin, the team’s chief executive officer, on NASCAR.com. “A.J. has done a superb job, both on and off the track in 2009. We want to let everyone know that he’s going to be a vital part of Richard Petty Motorsports for what we believe will be a long-term, winning relationship.”
The deal comes less than 10 days after RPM announced a sponsorship deal with Hunt Brothers Pizza that would allow Allmendinger to continue driving his No. 44 Dodge through the Sept. 12. race at the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia.
Although the contract through 2010 supplies Allmendinger with a ride through this season and next season, it is unclear whether or not RPM has sponsorship beyond Sept. 12.
Allmendinger is currently 20th in the point standings after strong finishes in Martinsville (ninth) and at the Bud Shootout (fifth), not to mention his impressive third-place finish at the Daytona 500 to kick-start the 2009 season.
He is 104 points out of a top-12 spot that would position him in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Allmendinger, 27, was born in Los Gatos and graduated from Leigh High in San Jose before moving to Hollister. He currently resides in Huntersville, N.C.
