As the 2008 calendar year neared its conclusion, Petty Enterprises and Gillett Evernham Motorsports inched ever closer to completing a merger that would mean a new home for NASCAR's iconic No. 43 car, and spell the end for a standalone Petty operation that's been a part of the sport since its founding 60 years ago.
Petty Enterprises is expected to lay off the majority of the 39 employees remaining at its shop in Mooresville, N.C.
Although neither GEM nor Petty officials said an announcement was forthcoming, sources indicated that the organizations were ironing out final details. The merger would entail GEM absorbing Petty's No. 43 car, which according to sources would be driven by Reed Sorenson and sponsored by the Air Force next season.