NASCAR 2009

SI.com has learned that Petty Enterprises two-car team will not return in 2009. The sole remaining organization from NASCAR's inaugural Cup season in 1949 will instead merge with fellow Dodge owner George Gillett. The No. 43 car once driven by "King" Richard in all but three of his 200 Sprint Cup victories will be added to the Gillett stable as a fourth car, while the No. 45 car once driven by second- and third-generation drivers Kyle and Adam Petty will cease to exist. Official word of the move is pending and could come as early as this evening.

NASCAR has not been immune to the worldwide economic downturn, with over 500 jobs already lost due to mergers or teams closing up shop. This closure, however, marks the most high-profile organization to date that's been forced to change course for 2009.

NEW YORK -- Petty Enterprises is in discussions to merge its organization with the three-car operation of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, according to Internet reports.

Multiple people familiar with the talks told The Associated Press that the two teams are discussing a deal that would merge Petty's No. 43 Dodge with GEM to become a four-car operation. They requested anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing.

Richard PettySI.com first reported Thursday that Petty Enterprises' top operation will not return in 2009. But David Zucker, CEO of Petty Enterprises, said the report was "not accurate."

He would not discuss a potential merger.

"We're not going to comment on rumors and speculation," he said.

A source within GEM acknowledged the organization has had the desire to expand, but that any reports of a done deal are premature.

"GEM has made it known that we would want to be a four-car team if we had the opportunity, as would many teams," the source said. "But right now the Petty-GEM merger is speculation to us."

Gillett Evernham spokesperson Drew Brown said the company declined to comment on speculation about the reported merger.

Ray Evernham, a minority owner with GEM who has been reportedly seeking to sell his share of the team he started, said he "cannot confirm" reports of a merger.

Petty Enterprises has no full-time sponsorship lined up for next season. The team fields cars for Bobby Labonte, Chad McCumbee and Kyle Petty, although Labonte's No. 43 Dodge is the only car committed to running a full schedule in 2009. On Wednesday, the Petty team said McCumbee is under contract to drive next season but that the number of races would depend upon sponsorship.

Robbie Loomis, vice president of Petty Enterprises, told the AP nothing has changed with the organization, and the team is continuing to talk to potential partners.