NASCAR: Smithfield Foods moving from Richard Petty Motorsports to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018

In what came as a surprise to many, Smithfield Foods has decided to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018, leaving Richard Petty Motorsports.

The fate of Richard Petty Motorsports is in the balance as Smithfield Foods, a five-year sponsor with RPM. Smithfield announced Tuesday that they will partner with Stewart-Haas Racing beginning next NASCAR Cup Series season.

The announcement came via the Smithfield Foods Facebook page.

"“The decision to leave Richard Petty Motorsports and join Stewart-Haas Racing was difficult, but we feel this move will improve our competitiveness on the track and strengthen our position as a leading consumer packaged goods company…Further details of our agreement with Stewart-Haas Racing will be provided at a later date.”"

The move came as a surprise to Richard Petty Motorsports, as team owner Richard Petty stated Tuesday:

"“We have had numerous discussions with Smithfield Foods regarding the extension of our relationship dating as far back as February. Over the past few months, Smithfield had continually told me they wanted to be with us, and I recently shook hands on a deal to extend our relationship. I come from a time when we did major deals with sponsors like STP on a handshake. I’m sad to see this is where we are now. This decision is very unexpected, and we are extremely disappointed in this late and abrupt change of direction.”"

Though Petty has lost a major component to his organization, he remains steadfast to keeping the No. 43 on the track in 2018.

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"“Losing a sponsor of this magnitude in September is a major setback to Richard Petty Motorsports, but Andy (Murstein) and I are committed to moving forward with the No. 43 team. We have a lot of great partners who have expressed their continued support, and our fans will rally around the No. 43. We’ve been around since 1949, and we’ll be around a lot longer.”"

Here is how Smithfield Foods President and CEO Kenneth M. Sullivan responded.

"“We are extremely disappointed that Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) has chosen to disparage Smithfield — its lead sponsor — after five years and tens of millions of dollars of unwavering financial support, despite years of subpar performance on the track. RPM’s claims of a “handshake deal” to extend our sponsorship are unequivocally and patently false. Smithfield’s numerous discussions with RPM over the past several months focused exclusively around one issue: RPM’s inability to deliver on the track and the organization’s repeated failure to present a plan to address its lack of competitiveness. Smithfield is a performance driven company and we demand performance from the people we do business with. For that reason — and that reason alone — Smithfield decided not to renew its contract with RPM when it expires at the end of this year. It is very unfortunate and disheartening that RPM has chosen to disseminate false statements regarding our communications to NASCAR fans who we have supported wholeheartedly with more than a $100 million investment in the sport over the last several years”"

This move raises more questions as to the state of Richard Petty Motorsports. Over the offseason, the Petty operation downsized from two cars to one, and after the 2017 season concludes, the team will be moving to a smaller race shop.

The team’s contract with Ford is also up at the end of the season, so there is a possibility of changing manufacturers before the cars hit the track at Daytona next year. To add to the turmoil at RPM, on Tuesday, RPM announced driver Aric Almirola will not return to the No. 43 next season, leaving more questions than answers leading into next year. More to come on that.

While RPM loses its banner partner, Stewart-Haas Racing adds another partner capable of being a primary sponsor for a winning race team. A statement was given by SHR President Brett Frood.

"“We’re very proud to have Smithfield Foods join the Stewart-Haas Racing family…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. 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.”"

The NASCAR silly season is in full swing, and there are still many dominoes left to fall. While both RPM and SHR have made some moves, they still have some gaps to fill before 2018 dawns.

Next: 10 NASCAR drivers who deserve better rides

How do you feel about Smithfield Foods leaving Richard Petty Motorsports for Stewart-Haas Racing? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow along with Beyond the Flag for the latest news, opinions and analysis stemming from a number of different motorsports series. You don’t want to miss any of it. Also be sure to follow Beyond the Flag on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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