CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The NASCAR sponsorship landscape took another hit Tuesday when Smithfield Foods announced it will leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season to become a primary sponsor next year at Stewart-Haas Racing.
The decision leaves Richard Petty’s race team in need of a sponsor, Aric Almirola unsure where he will drive next season and put Stewart-Haas in a curious position. The team has sponsorship shortfalls on three of its four cars, and didn’t reveal where Smithfield will be in the organization in 2018.
“Details of the agreement, including the driver who will be added to SHR’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series lineup in 2018, will be provided at a later date,” SHR said in a statement.
That means Smithfield could end up on the No. 10 Ford, currently driven by Danica Patrick, but her healthy lifestyle brand doesn’t fit with the meat-processing company. Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch both need sponsorship on their cars, too.
“Smithfield has activated heavily and successfully within the sport, and we’re honored to be a part of the brand’s forward initiatives and strategy,” SHR team President Brett Frood said. “Although we’re not ready to announce the full details of the program, we look forward to this new endeavor while remaining focused on the upcoming playoffs and putting forth the best effort possible to win more races and contend for another championship.”