NASCAR: The massive deal that led to one small change

One of Petty GMS Motorsports’ announcements would not have been possible if not for another major acquisition ahead of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Earlier this month, it was announced that GMS Racing owner Maury Gallagher paid $19.1 million for a majority interest in Richard Petty Motorsports in a deal that included both of Richard Petty Motorsports’ charters for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The following week, it was confirmed that the newly formed organization would operate under the new name of Petty GMS Motorsports.

The two drivers who had been slated to drive for Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing, Erik Jones and Ty Dillon, respectively, are both set to compete for the newly branded team in 2022.

Jones is set to return for a second season behind the wheel of the #43 Chevrolet after signing a contract extension with Richard Petty Motorsports toward the end of the 2021 season, and he is set to work with former JR Motorsports crew chief Dave Elenz.

Dillon, who was announced as GMS Racing’s driver toward the end of the 2021 season, is set to compete alongside Jones and work with crew chief Jerame Donley.

But there was one small change announced in regard to Dillon, and that was his car number.

The initial plan was for Dillon to compete behind the wheel of the #94 Chevrolet in 2022. But as a result of another major acquisition that took place this offseason after being announced over the summer, he is set to pilot the #42 Chevrolet.

The number 42 is a number that has deep ties to the Petty family, and it is one that would not have been available for Dillon and the Petty GMS Motorsports organization to use prior to this offseason if not for this other major acquisition.

Chip Ganassi Racing have run the #1 Chevrolet and the #42 Chevrolet, but in an unexpected move this past summer, first-year team Trackhouse Racing Team announced that they would be acquiring their entire organization, including both of their charters.

The Justin Marks and Pitbull-owned team had run their #99 Chevrolet for Daniel Suarez this year using a charter that had been leased to them by Spire Motorsports, so they knew that this charter would not be available for them again in 2022. As a result, they are set to run a two-car operation following their acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing.

They are set to keep the #99 Chevrolet for Daniel Suarez, but Ross Chastain, who drove the #42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing, is set to move to the team and drive the #1 Chevrolet next season.

This left the number 42 without a car or a team for 2022.

Presented with the opportunity, Petty GMS Motorsports changed that, and given the history surrounding that number and the Petty family in particular, these two major acquisitions couldn’t have happened at a better time.

Daytona International Speedway is scheduled to kick off the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season on Sunday, February 20 with the Daytona 500. The 64th running of the Great American Race is set to be broadcast live on Fox beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.