Petty team desperate for sponsor

Since 1949 Petty Enterprises has forged a legacy as the most successful organization in American motorsports history by forming lasting partnerships with trusted sponsors based on the Petty family principles of hard work, integrity, dedication and charity. These core values have produced some of the most enduring and successful partnerships in all of sports. In 2009 primary sponsorship of the famed No. 43 Dodge will become available for only the second time since "The King", Richard Petty partnered with STP in 1972—a relationship that continues to this day. Petty Enterprises‘ current partner, General Mills, has been the primary sponsor of the No. 43 for the past nine seasons and will continue through the end of the year.

"We value our relationships with all of our sponsors," said Robbie Loomis, Executive Vice President, Operations. "We appreciate everything that General Mills has helped us accomplish over the past nine seasons both on and off of the track, and we wish them well in their future plans.

The No. 43. driven by "King" Richard and his record 200 wins is synonymous with success not just at the highest levels of motorsports, but across all sports. 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte, continues that tradition today.

"Bobby is one of the most marketable and popular drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," said Brian Moffitt, Vice President, Marketing. "He and his family share the ideals and values of the Petty organization and he remains a key component to the long-term future of Petty Enterprises. While there is substantial sponsorship interest in Bobby and Petty Enterprises we will carefully consider our options to ensure the continuation of our rich tradition and to build on current momentum. Prospective partners are well aware of the special power of the "Petty" brand, as numerous surveys and marketing groups have identified Richard Petty as one of the most iconic brands in all of sports."

"I am proud of our organization‘s rich tradition." said Richard Petty "We look at bringing in fresh resources and new partners as a real opportunity to further grow and improve the Petty organization. Especially those who share in the same core values of integrity, dedication and winning that have come to define Petty Enterprises."