Change is part of NASCAR. Sponsors come, sponsors go; team members move on, new ones get hired. It's just a normal cycle for the sport, and one that happens the most when the cars are not on the track.
The team that has gone through the most changes in the last few years is the one that is run by the icon of the sport.
Richard Petty Motorsports was in a major state of limbo heading into last year. Two drivers were leaving, with one terminated with five races to go, and sponsors were beginning to find new homes with other teams. It was to the point of wondering whether the organization would even be able to survive or compete an entire season.
But entering 2011, things began to piece together with sponsorship, and the drivers on the team entered the season with a lot of confidence.
The campaign ended with one going to victory lane, and both having strong runs to end the season, giving a lot of momentum heading into 2012. But, as the off-season kicked into high gear, one driver opted out of his contract to sign with another high-profile team, and a new face came on board to take over an iconic car.
So what is going to happen with RPM in 2012? Here's a look at their two drivers that will compete in this year's Sprint Cup season.
MARCOS AMBROSE: Stanley Tools/Dewalt Ford
Heading into 2011, the "Tasmanian Devil" was looking forward to his opportunity with his new team, taking over the car that Kasey Kahne drove the year before. But, it was unclear what would happen as Ambrose was not known much for his circle-track runs, whereas his best tracks were ones going left and right.
In a way that was right, as Ambrose gained his first career victory at Watkins Glen. But, Ambrose ended the season with a lot of momentum.
Ambrose finished the season with 12 top-fives and 25 top-10 runs, and only failed to finish one race all season.
Now, with the departure of A.J. Allmendinger, Ambrose now takes over as the lead driver in the organization. The new year has lofty expectations for the Australian driver. He will be favored at the road courses, but do not be surprised if this man gets his first oval win this year. He definitely can get the job done.
ARIC ALMIROLA: Smithfield Foods Ford
The departure of Allmendinger to Penske Racing opened the door for a new driver of the iconic No. 43 car. The driver chosen was not on the radar of media, nor fans.
Petty decided to go with the driver that JR Motorsports had driving the No. 88 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series, and former driver for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Aric Almirola. The move was out of left field, but this could be the big break for Almirola.
Last time he had a full-time career in Cup competition was in 2009 as he was the driver of the No. 8 for EGR. But, problems came regarding sponsorship, and the team had to fold because there was not enough funding to keep afloat. Almirola found a home in the Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports, racing alongside Danica Patrick for the last few years.
Now, he gets a break and is hoping to make the most of it. Although sponsorship is not complete, it is coming together. Almirola just has to make the most of his opportunity.
The next team preview will be one that saw a lot of highs, some lows, but was rarely out of the spotlight of the media, Joe Gibbs Racing.
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