Thread: Richard Petty's Choices

You know, Petty is without question one of the best drivers in NASCAR history, but I have to question his business choices. He essentially pushed his son out of the racing car this season when he merged his team with another. Then in merging yet a second time, he sort of pushed out Aric Amirola who had been set to drive a fully sponsored car all season. Amirola is now suing Petty, and I'm sort of on his side. It's come to light that more than one of Petty's drivers have been driving without being paid, too. Petty needs to close the doors if he can't even have the decency to pay his drivers.

Many drivers have been affected by various mergers in the racing world. The present economy is affecting all people, no matter their walk in life. I understand Amirola's frustrations but I'm not sure there will be much that can be done because of the merger.

I can't believe any driver would be out there without getting paid. Amirola may have a good case if contracts were signed prior to the merger.

I was never a fan of Petty ever. I do agree that tough economics time calls for drastic measures, and this could just be his plan, less drivers = less payroll for him to pay out. I do think that it is really wrong if he has drivers that are driving but not being paid though - in this case they could sue.

Amirola isn't the only driver at RPM who is driving or has been driving this season without pay. That's what scary. It just feels weird, though. It seems like they should be getting something. Reed Sorenson is the other driver I believe who was given the option of driving for nothing or having the car parked.

I'd hope that all drivers get paid, but I wonder if some of them are inclined to overlook the prospects of late payments for the thrill of the sport?

Maybe some choose to remain optimistic because they love to drive?

Sorenson and Amirola did it because a) yes, they love to drive and driving beats not driving and b) if they were going to be fired eventually, they wanted a chance to show their stuff and maybe get a new ride.