Forget about Richard Petty Motorsports merging with another team in 2018.
NBCSports has reported that a Petty spokesman says the team will remain an independent entity, even as it fqaces a murky future.
The team is in search of a new home after failing to renew its lease; doesn't know who will drive its No. 43 and has no idea who will be its main sponsor.
RPM and Smithfield Foods had a handshake agreement to continue as a sponsor for the No. 43, but talks blew up RPM wanted to put Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. in the car. Smithfield announced this morning it was taking it sponsorship money to Stewart-Haas Racing.
Smithfield has been with another RPM driver, Aric Almirola, since 2012, leading to speculation he may end up at SHR..
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Where RPM goes after this is anyone's guess.