September 12, 2017 David Martin-Janiak 0

Richard Petty statement on Smithfield Foods

Richard Petty Motorsports and STP have released a statement

Smithfield Foods have backed out on a handshake deal with Richard Petty Motorsports.

Earlier today it was announced that Smithfield Foods would depart Richard Petty Motorsports. Indirectly, that announcement also leaked the info that Aric Almirola would be replaced at the team.

The domino effect… It was also announced today that Danica Patrick would not return to Stewart-Haas Racing.

Richard Petty Motorsports has now released a statement. Read the words from Richard Petty himself.

DARLINGTON, SC – SEPTEMBER 03: NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty drives the #43 STP Plymouth prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 3, 2017 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)

Richard Petty Statement

“We have had numerous discussions with Smithfield Foods regarding the extension of our relationship dating as far back as February. Over the past few months, Smithfield had continually told me they wanted to be with us, and I recently shook hands on a deal to extend our relationship.”

“I come from a time when we did major deals with sponsors like STP on a handshake. I’m sad to see this is where we are now. This decision is very unexpected, and we are extremely disappointed in this late and abrupt change of direction.”

“Losing a sponsor of this magnitude in September is a significant set-back to Richard Petty Motorsports, but Andy (Murstein) and I are committed to moving forward with the No. 43 team. We have a lot of great partners who have expressed their continued support, and our fans will rally around the No. 43.”

“We’ve been around since 1949, and we’ll be around a lot longer.”

-Richard Petty-

LONG POND, PA – JUNE 11: Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the #43 Smithfield Ford, and Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, pose for a photo opportunity prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11, 2017 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Wallace will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut today at Pocono Raceway. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Sponsor STP Statement

STP has also released a statement regarding the departure of Aric Almirola.

“STP has had the privilege of calling Aric Almirola our driver, STP representative and friend for six years. Aric brought STP back to Victory Lane and into the NASCAR Playoffs and we are grateful for the class has has shown along the way.”

“We wish Aric, Janice and their family the best in the future.”

-STP-

Links

Richard Petty Motorsports
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

NASCAR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Source :https://racingnews.co/

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David Martin-Janiak Motorsports has always been a passion for me, I've raced in Karting and now I have my own Motorsports news website, so i can help other racers convey their passion to the world!