For only the second time in its history, the No. 43 is in search of a sponsor. General Mills has sponsored the famous Petty Enterprises car for the past nine seasons, yet the company recently announced it would be leaving the team at the end of the 2008 season.

“We value our relationships with all of our sponsors,” explained Robbie Loomis, Executive Vice President, Operations for Petty Enterprises. “We appreciate everything that General Mills has helped us accomplish over the past nine seasons both on and off of the track, and we wish them well in their future plans.”

The No. 43 is arguably one of the most famous cars in all of NASCAR. “King” Richard Petty drove the famous No. 43 to 200 victories, seven NASCAR championships and seven Daytona 500 victories. Since 1972, the car has only seen two companies grace the hood of this famous car – STP and General Mills.

Starting in 2009, one company – or a combination of companies – has the opportunity to continue the proud tradition set by the Petty family.

“I am proud of our organization‘s rich tradition.” Richard Petty said. "We look at bringing in fresh resources and new partners as a real opportunity to further grow and improve the Petty organization. Especially those who share in the same core values of integrity, dedication and winning that have come to define Petty Enterprises.”

Following the announced departure from Petty Enterprises, General Mills publicized an agreement with Richard Childress Racing to sponsor the No. 33 Cheerios®/Hamburger Helper® Chevrolet Impala SS for the 2009 Sprint Cup season. Contract negotiations have been ongoing between the Petty organization and the team’s current driver, 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte.

Labonte is currently 21st in the series standings and has a best finish of 11th at the season-opening Daytona 500. The Corpus Christi-native has been one of the names mentioned to drive the RCR No. 33; however no plans have been set.

“I’m very humbled by the level of interest in my future, but at this time I’m concentrating all my efforts in getting Petty Enterprises back to victory lane,” Labonte explained. “I feel good about all the positive steps that Petty Enterprises has made and continues to make.”

Petty Enterprises also announced that this weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway Chad McCumbee would again be replacing Kyle Petty behind the wheel of the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge. McCumbee filled in for Petty twice last year as Kyle decided to cut back his racing duties and focus more on his team, his television career and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Petty Enterprises has been making wholesale changes to its organization over the last few seasons. The team has not been to victory lane since 1999 with John Andretti and has struggled through the years to keep up with the rising cost of competition.

The addition of Jeff Meendering as Labonte’s crew chief and the recent move from Level Cross to Mooresville has shown the Pettys are willing to do what it takes to stay competitive.

“Bobby is one of the most marketable and popular drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” Brian Moffitt, Vice President, Marketing for the team said. “While there is substantial sponsorship interest in Bobby and Petty Enterprises we will carefully consider our options to ensure the continuation of our rich tradition and to build on current momentum. Prospective partners are well aware of the special power of the “Petty” brand, as numerous surveys and marketing groups have identified Richard Petty as one of the most iconic brands in all of sports.”