AJ Allmendinger: Ready to be the "star" of RPM?
As we all know, Richard Petty Motorsports has seen its highs & lows in it's two years of existence. (Former RPM Driver) Kasey Kahne saw early success in 2009, winning at Infineon. Kasey has run well over the past couple of years, but in early 2010 decided he would sign with Hendricks Motorsports in 2012 and race the 2011 season with Red Bull Racing. RPM's other drivers, Elliot Sadler & Paul Menard, have had mild success with Sadler struggling all of 2010 and Menard becoming a decent driver week in & week out. Sadler will leave RPM for KHI (Kevin Harvick Inc.) in 2011 and Menard is heading to RCR.
So, we are left with AJ Allmendinger and insert Marcos Ambrose, who signed a multi-year deal with RPM starting in 2011 and RPM is doing two things: 1) Down sizing their stable to two cars and 2) Placing "The 'Dinger" into the role of "Star Driver".
AJ has been the most consistent driver in RPM's stable over the past 2 years. AJ got a rough start to his NASCAR career with Red Bull Racing in 2007. Richard Petty and George Gillett decided to take a shot on an unproven guy in 2009 for their part-time
#44 Dodge. 'Dinger came out in his first race with RPM, the Daytona 500, and finished a very dominating Third. Over the entire season AJ showed he could be a "Franchise" or "Star" driver for most race teams throughout NASCAR. He was running on a part-time schedule as I mentioned before, but over the season his performance earned him enough sponsorship, that The King himself kept AJ in 44 for the entire 09 season.
The Dinger was moved to the famed 43 in 2010, that Richard Petty made famous, winning a record 200 races and 7 Championships. AJ again has been the most consistent driver for RPM in 2010. RPM has reportedly struggled with finances recently, but RPM is determined to finish out the '10 season and look forward to 2011.
Now I pose a question to you. Do you think AJ Allmendinger is a good enough driver to be the "Face" of that race team, much less the King's race team?
Barring any changes in plans, AJ and Ambrose will run the two cars for RPM in 2011. Do you think Dinger will be able to put the famed 43 back in victory lane?
I personally think that AJ has all the potential in the world, and it's very obvious the Petty and his associates see something very special in this guy. I look forward to hearing the insight from all you AJ fans. Even if you're not an AJ fan, but Richard Petty, RPM, 43, or just NASCAR fan(s) please feel free to post your opinions, concerns, and comments in this Club Page!
Thank you for being a part of this club and I look forward to interacting with all you fans!
