AJ Allmendinger is set to drive a Ford for the last races of the 2009 season as Richard Petty Motorsports gathers information and data in preperation for the 2010 season.
Elliot Sadler drove a Ford at Talladega last week, finishing ninth after getting caught in a wreck towards the end of the race. During the early stages he lead the race, showing future potential for the Fords.
Sadler will switch back to a Dodge this weekend in Texas but Allmendinger will drive the Ford in preperation for the Petty squad running three Ford Fusions in 2010.
“This is exciting stuff,” said Allmmendinger. “It’s like a new beginning for Richard Petty Motorsports. 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 tyre testing a Ford in Daytona and we’ll drive one at Phoenix and Homestead as well.
“For us, these next three weeks are just learning about what a Ford likes and dislikes as far as chassis set-up 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.”
