Scenedaily.com reports that Richard Petty Motorsports employees have been told that they're going to be paid through this weekend's race at Martinsville – but that the team's situation beyond that is uncertain in light of the financial difficulties of team owner George Gillett.
Scenedaily reports sources have indicated that Gillett, who sold the Montreal Canadiens NHL hockey team last year, needed to sell the Liverpool soccer team he co-owned with Tom Hicks in order to meet his RPM obligations. That sale happened last week, but at a much lower price than Gillett had expected, to Roush Fenway Racing co-owner John Henry and his New England Sports Ventures.
RPM has a contract with Roush Fenway Racing to supply cars and Roush Yates engines, and team officials reportedly met with Roush Fenway representatives on Thursday to discuss the situation.
Aric Almirola will drive the team's No. 9 this weekend at Martinsville in place of Kasey Kahne, who was released earlier this week and has made an earlier-than-expected switch to the Red Bull Racing Toyota squad. The team also fields Sprint Cup entries for AJ Allmendinger, Paul Menard, Elliott Sadler