Richard Petty Motorsports officials announced today that Best Buy will continue as a NASCAR Sprint Cup sponsor for driver A.J. Allmendinger.
Allmendinger competes in the organization's famed No. 43., which will carry primary sponsorship from Best Buy in 24 points races as well as two non-points events. In addition, the company will serve as an associate sponsor for the No. 9 driven by teammate Marcos Ambrose. The deal marks the company’s second year with driver AJ Allmendinger and its seventh year in the sport of NASCAR.
“Best Buy is proud to renew our relationship with Richard Petty Motorsports and driver AJ Allmendinger for the 2011 season,” said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president, marketing, Best Buy. “Richard Petty is a motorsports icon and is well respected within the sport of NASCAR. Being a part of a team with his leadership is a privilege. We will be doing some innovative work with Richard Petty Motorsports surrounding our sponsorship, creating new and fun ways to engage the fans. We look forward to continuing our support of AJ and the No. 43 team as they strive to make their way to Victory Lane.”
The organization underwent a series of offseason changes, taking on new ownership partners and putting Richard Petty back in a larger role with the team that bears his name. The operation is slimming from four to two NASCAR Sprint Cup teams, with Allmendinger and Ambrose competing in 2011.
Allmendinger finished a career-best 19th in the standings last season.
“It’s great to have Best Buy back on board our No. 43 Ford,” Allmendinger said. “They have been a great partner and I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that is as passionate about its racing program as I am. I think this is going to be a great year for this Richard Petty Motorsports team and I can’t wait to get the Best Buy Ford into Victory Lane.”
