Richard Petty Motorsports plans to keep No. 9 car

Despite expectations of Chase Elliott (who runs the No. 9 car in the Nationwide Series) running a part-time Cup Series schedule next season, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) says that they plan on using the number in the Cup Series for the foreseeable future.

When asked about giving the number to Hendrick Motorsports, RPM’s Director of Competition Sammy Johns doesn’t see any changes coming.

“Currently, we’re committed to racing the number 9 and we have no immediate plans to change,” John said during his media availability.

Johns also mentioned that their new driver, Sam Hornish Jr., will participate in Cup testing later this year, but didn’t specify what number he’d use during the session.