Almirola close to deal to stay with Petty

Aric Almirola said he is close to a deal that will keep him in the famous #43 at Richard Petty Motorsports in 2013 following Sunday's fourth-place finish at Martinsville Speedway.

"I feel like I'm close to getting it done,'' said Almirola, who was given a one-year deal for this year. "I want to be there.''

Sunday's finish equaled Almirola's career best. He was fourth last season in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. RPM also is close to finalizing a deal to keep Marcos Ambrose in the #9 next season. Team officials said they hope to have everything wrapped up in the next few weeks. ESPN