They say if you work hard and never give in, good things will eventually come to you. Driver AJ Allmendinger is the perfect example of that. The former open-wheel driver and Richard Petty Motorsports have inked a deal to keep Allmendinger with the team through the 2010 season.

“This was an easy decision for Richard Petty Motorsports,” Tom Reddin, Richard Petty Motorsports’ chief executive officer pointed out.  “AJ has done a superb job, both on and off the track in 2009. We want to let everyone know that he’s going to be a vital part of Richard Petty Motorsports for what we believe will be a long-term, winning relationship.”

One of the most determined drivers in the NASCAR garage, Allmendinger has had anything but an easy road since his introduction into the sport. Early struggles with Red Bull Racing forced the California-native to sit on the sidelines for a few weeks while he watch and learned from veteran Mike Skinner – throughout the entire process remaining optimistic and keeping an open mind.

Once back in the race car Allmendinger went on a tear, proving his time out of the car was well spent. A clear improvement throughout the year was all for naught when Red Bull Racing officials opted to put Scott Speed in the car, leaving Allmendinger without a ride.

The young driver filled in for a few teams at the end of 2008, including the then Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Doing a good job, Allmendinger began to turn a few heads within the organization. During the off-season, team officials attempted to put him behind the wheel of the No. 19 driven by Elliott Sadler, however contract obligations and the threat of legal actions over-ruled.

Without a solid ride heading into Daytona, the new Richard Petty Motorsports (formerly Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises) agreed to put Allmendinger in a fourth car for a handful of races. The team agreed if more sponsorship was found for the car, there would be more races.

Getting the job done right away, Allmendinger not only made his way into the Daytona 500, he finished third. Entering the season outside the top-35, he was the only driver – aside from Tony Stewart – to make every attempt in the first five races of the year. Now solidly in the top-35 with one top-5 and two top-10s, things are finally starting to look up for the driver they call ‘Dinger.’

“I’m thrilled about this,” Allmendinger admitted. “Racers are no different than anyone else. We like to know we have a job. I’m very thankful to be where I am and I expect we will keep running better and better each weekend. I think I have found a long-term home at Richard Petty Motorsports.”

With help from Dodge, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Valvoline, Harrah’s, Super 8, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Charter Communications, Allmendinger has sufficient sponsorship funding through the 26th race of the year in Richmond September 12. 

Reddin explained the team is confident they will be able to secure sponsorship for the final ten races of the year – something that should not be a problem if Allmendinger continues to have strong runs.

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