Petty Motorsports Unveils Historic Retro Look

AJ Allmendinger and Richard Petty

Richard Petty Motorsports unveiled today a paint scheme with historical significance at Daytona International Speedway.

The newly-formed Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 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. "It’s great to be a part of the winning history that both Petty and Valvoline enjoy, and I’ll be working hard to get the No. 44 Valvoline Dodge into the winner’s 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 let’s face it, the car looks great!"

Richard Petty, a seven-time Daytona 500 winner, would also like some déjà vu for his team's No. 44 Valvoline entry.

"Just looking at the Valvoline No. 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 don’t win 200 races without knowing what you are doing. He’s been someone I have always admired and it will be neat to have him in our meetings. When he speaks you listen."

Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout will be televised on FOX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.