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But the hard realities of competing in NASCAR's premier series, many of them financial, have forced the decades-old Petty organization to change. The first came in 2002, when Petty Enterprises began to outsource its engines for the first time. In January, team officials said they were exploring the idea of leaving their old compound in Level Cross, N.C., for a new facility in Charlotte, where the bulk of the industry is based. Now, Petty is talking with executives at Gillett-Evernham Motorsports about forming some sort of alliance. But don't call the prospective deal a merger. Whatever happens, team president Robbie Loomis said, Petty Enterprises will not change its name -- that's one thing Richard Petty will not give up. -- NASCAR.com

NASCAR.COM - Economic reality forces Pettys to explore change - Sep 17, 2007