Richard Petty by Matt Sullivan Getty Images

Major car manufacturer says it's not making a deal with Richard Petty Motorsports


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It's down to two.

Toyota has confirmed to kickinthetires.com they are not adding Richard Petty Motorsports to its lineup of NASCAR teams for next year.

"We're all set for next year," said president of Toyota Racing Development David Wilson. "We're coming back with Joe Gibbs Racing and Furniture Row Racing, so there will be five supported teams from Toyota for 2018. I cannot comment to what RPM or any other team is doing but Toyota is set for 2018."

With Richard Petty signing Bubba Wallace to drive the #43 for 2018, there's been wide speculation about which manufacturer would provide cars since RPM has not yet signed a deal with current manufacturer Ford.

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"I'll let you know when I find out," Richard Petty said after being asked which manufacturer the team would use.

There are only three manufacturers running cars in NASCAR, and with Toyota bowing out, that leaves Ford and Chevrolet as contenders. NASCAR beat writer Chris Knight tweeted that Ford's outgoing racing director Dave Pericak says there is no commitment from RPM to Ford for next season.

There are rumors that RPM might form an alliance with Richard Childress Racing, which ushers in a switch to Chevy, but that is just rumor at this point.

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