The head of Dodge Motorsports on Friday called Richard Petty’s defection a “business decision” that won’t affect the manufacturer’s participation in NASCAR. Richard Petty Motorsports has signed a letter-of-intent to merge with Yates Racing and field a four-car Ford team next season. It leaves Dodge with just three Roger Penske-owned cars in its 2010 lineup. But president and CEO Mike Accavitti said that’s enough for Dodge, which has had to continuously reinforce its commitment to NASCAR because of the cash problems that forced parent-company Chrysler into Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization earlier this year. “Dodge’s plan – to be a championship contender in 2010 with Penske Racing and a solid lineup of drivers – has not changed,” Accavitti said. “We remain firmly focused on our objectives to be the leading manufacturer in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, win races and compete for the Sprint Cup at the right level.”(Associated Press)(9-11-2009)
