Allmendinger to drive a Ford for RPM the rest of '09

Richard Petty Motorsports announced that A.J. Allmendinger will make his Ford Racing debut Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The Richard Petty Motorsports driver will race the final three races of 2009 in a Ford Fusion.

Allmendinger

"This is exciting stuff. It's like a new beginning for Richard Petty Motorsports," Allmendinger said. "Whenever you do something new you are a little bit excited and a little bit nervous because you haven't done it before. Elliott drove a Ford for us at Talladega last week and everyone was really positive about the experience. It's our turn this week.

"For us these next three weeks are just learning about what a Ford likes and dislikes as far as chassis setup and engine tuning. Nothing beats experience in this sport and the only way you get experience is by just doing it. So we are starting our learning curve this week and hopefully we will be a little bit further ahead for next season by doing this."

Last week at Talladega, Elliott Sadler drove a Ford to a ninth-place finish. Allmendinger will be the only Petty driver in a Ford in any of the remaining 2009 races.