Richard Petty Motorsports will have a familiar partner on their No. 43 machine, even if they have a new driver — Erik Jones — behind the wheel. The U.S. Air Force will once again be a primary sponsor on the car for two events in 2021 and will be an associate sponsor for the entire campaign. This extends the partnership between RPM and the Air Force to 13 years.
According to a release from RPM, the U.S. Air Force will be on the hood of the No. 43 at Talladega Superspeedway (April 25) and the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway (September 18).
“I am looking forward to this weekend in South Dakota with the U.S. Air Force, and checking-out what they have going on at the U.S. Air Force Snocross National,” Jones said in the release. “Partnering with them, I think, is a really good fit. I have always been supportive of our military in this country and the people who serve. Personally, I have a connection with friends who are members of the U.S. Air Force and have had great careers.
“I think it is a great partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports, one that I feel really comfortable with and am really thankful for.”
The U.S. Air Force served as the primary sponsor for RPM in two events last season. With Bubba Wallace behind the wheel, the No. 43 U.S. Air Force machine finished 15th in the season-opening Daytona 500 and 38th after a vibration ended their race after 164 laps in the Coca-Cola 600.
The 24-year old Jones has two-career NASCAR Cup Series victories, which came in his time with Joe Gibbs Racing. In four full-time NCS seasons, Jones has two Playoff appearances. A season ago, Jones was the highest finishing driver in the year-end standings to not make the Playoffs (17th).
The Michigan-native will attempt to guide the iconic No. 43 machine back to victory lane in 2021.
