2008 season review
The storied Petty Enterprises organization went through a year of drastic change in 2008 as it tried to stay competitive against the super teams of the sport. After 60 years, the organization moved from its Petty family Level Cross, N.C., home to new headquarters in the Mooresville area in order to be closer to the sport's Charlotte epicenter. Then in the spring the team sold majority control to private equity firm Boston Ventures in hopes of pumping more revenue into the organization.
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| Kyle Petty's future with the family business is in doubt. (Getty Images) |
Unfortunately, the two major moves didn't pay off in another disappointing and tumultuous year for one of NASCAR's charter organizations. Bobby Labonte was able to steer the team's flagship No. 43 Dodge to a 21st-place finish in the standings and posted a pair of top 10s while bringing veteran stability to PE. But the team's No. 45 entry was anything but stable, with Kyle Petty making only 15 starts. A parade of others, including Chad McCumbee and Terry Labonte, piloted the ride for the balance of the season.
2009 season preview
For the first time in its history, PE might not have someone named Petty driving for the team in 2009. Kyle's start in the November Phoenix race could have been his final ride for his family business as he considers his options for the coming year, which could include a handful of races for another team, Grand American sports car racing, and an increased television analyst schedule. An internal rift between Kyle and team management appears to have festered into the possible breakup, which began at April's Texas race when McCumbee was tabbed to replace the third-generation driver.
"We talked about it, so it's not like I was caught off guard," said Kyle Petty, who insists he was being forced out of the ride. "I don't think I'm the problem. I'm arrogant on that side. I think we have problems. I don't think Kyle Petty is the problem."
"Maybe I'm the only one here willing to tell the truth," said Kyle's wife Patti Petty. "They haven't wanted Kyle in the car the last three years. They want a young driver, a 30-year-old, a 20-year-old."
The team does not currently have sponsorship in place for either of its two entries, including the No. 43, which lost General Mills backing to the new No. 33 entry at Richard Childress Racing. Labonte will be back in the car but it promises to be another long season if additional funding isn't found.
McCumbee is currently tabbed for the No. 45 but the team is open to another driver bringing sponsorship. The team announced there were no plans to merge with another organization such as Gillett Evernham Motorsports or Bill Davis Racing, leaving its future very much up in the air. At this point prospects for 2009 look grim at best.
