HARRISBURG, N.C. — Richard Childress Racing announced late Tuesday that the team will expand to four cars in 2009 with General Mills coming on as sponsor of the new team.
The announcement fueled speculation that in addition to General Mills, which has sponsored the No. 43 of Petty Enterprises for the past nine seasons, Bobby Labonte, driver of the No. 43, will join RCR next season.
Labonte said in a press release Wednesday morning that he has made no contractual agreements beyond 2008 and is concentrating on this season in the No. 43 made famous by Richard Petty.
“I’m very humbled by the level of interest in my future, but at this time I’m concentrating all my efforts in getting Petty Enterprises back to victory lane,” Labonte said in the announcement. “I feel good about all the positive steps that Petty Enterprises has made and continues to make. General Mills has been a huge part of making the 43 team what it is today. I worked diligently with Petty Enterprises to continue General Mills involvement with the team. Today, we all learned they have made a decision. I truly appreciate all they have done to contribute to our success at Petty Enterprises. Moving forward, I’m going to work hard each week to win races. I want to do the best I can for Petty Enterprises and everyone who puts great cars under me each week.  That’s our focus, and that’s what I feel is the right thing to do for all our partners. At this time, I have no intention to talk about my plans after 2008 because of the immediate tasks at hand.”
As RCR announced its proposed expansion, Petty Enterprises announced that its primary sponsorship for the No. 43 for 2009 and beyond is open. That sponsorship is available for only the second time since 1972 when STP signed on as primary sponsor and helped Petty to his record 200 Cup victories.
“Prospective parners are well aware of the special power of the Petty brand,” said Brian Moffitt, vice president of marketing for Petty Enterprises. “Numerous surveys and marketing groups have identified Richard Petty as one of the most iconic brands in all of sports.”