Richard Petty Motorsports unveiled today a paint scheme with historical significance at Daytona International Speedway. The newly-formed Richard Petty Motorsports #44 Valvoline Dodge Charger, driven by AJ Allmendinger during Daytona Speedweeks, will feature a tribute to winning history with a replica paint scheme of the Valvoline Dodge that Kyle Petty drove to an ARCA victory for Petty Enterprises at Daytona 30 years ago (Feb. 11, 1979).”The Valvoline retro paint scheme is awesome,” said Allmendinger. “Its great to be a part of the winning history that both Petty and Valvoline enjoy, and Ill be working hard to get the #44 Valvoline Dodge into the winners circle.” The replica paint scheme will make its racing debut during Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona.”Richard Petty is a natural partner for Valvoline”, said Rob Clendening, motorsports manager at Valvoline.”Both names embody sustained excellence, tradition and winning innovation. The Petty return to Valvoline partnership is more like a family reunion. And lets face it, the car looks great!” Richard Petty, a seven-time Daytona 500 winner, would also like some déjà vu for his team’s #44 Valvoline entry. “Just looking at the Valvoline #44 car brings back pleasant memories,” said Petty. “It was Kyle’s first race and we won. It’s really neat to be reunited with Valvoline and hopefully we can deliver another victory for them here at Daytona.” Allmendinger added,”The King has been awesome and supportive and obviously has a lot of experiences we can learn from. You dont win 200 races without knowing what you are doing. Hes been someone I have always admired and it will be neat to have him in our meetings. When he speaks you listen.”(Valvoline/DMF Communications PR)(2-6-2009), see images of the car on my #44 Team Schemes page.
