RPM Makes Competition Changes
| Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:45:08 EDT
MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Richard Petty Motorsports has announced competition changes to improve on-track performance. Effective immediately, Philippe Lopez and Scott McDougall will temporarily oversee all duties and roles previously held by Sammy Johns.
"The past several years, we've made significant investments in our organization with the goal of winning races and competing at a high level," said Brian Moffitt, chief executive officer. "We now have direction over our own chassis and bodies, and work closely with Ford Performance on technology and engineering. With these investments, unfortunately, we have not seen the on-track results we expected this season.
"As we look ahead to 2017, we're taking steps to improve our product to better serve our partners and fans. This means analyzing every part of our organization and making adjustments where needed. Sammy Johns has been a big part of our organization. He helped us succeed in many different ways. We wish him the best."
RPM has seen some success on the track in recent seasons. Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Ford had their most consistent season and highest average finish in 2015. They were also a race-winning team in 2014, qualifying for the post-season Chase.
In 2016, Almirola needs a win in the final two regular-season races to qualify for the Chase. He's 25th in points, eight spots ahead of teammate Brian Scott.
"The past several years, we've made significant investments in our organization with the goal of winning races and competing at a high level," said Brian Moffitt, chief executive officer. "We now have direction over our own chassis and bodies, and work closely with Ford Performance on technology and engineering. With these investments, unfortunately, we have not seen the on-track results we expected this season.
"As we look ahead to 2017, we're taking steps to improve our product to better serve our partners and fans. This means analyzing every part of our organization and making adjustments where needed. Sammy Johns has been a big part of our organization. He helped us succeed in many different ways. We wish him the best."
RPM has seen some success on the track in recent seasons. Aric Almirola and the No. 43 Ford had their most consistent season and highest average finish in 2015. They were also a race-winning team in 2014, qualifying for the post-season Chase.
In 2016, Almirola needs a win in the final two regular-season races to qualify for the Chase. He's 25th in points, eight spots ahead of teammate Brian Scott.