In rare interview, Gillett claims RPM-Yates merger is on track

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — George Gillett leaned into a microphone, prepared to answer any questions that might end the swirling speculation surrounding Richard Petty Motorsports.

Just as Gillett began to speak, his cell phone chirped with the tune of the Liverpool soccer club’s adopted theme song. He stopped “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” mid-ring, quickly told the caller he’d get back to him, and returned to his audience.

Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports and Liverpool, is a very busy man these days. He’s working deals with all of his interests, including an agreement to sell the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, while also trying to keep Kasey Kahne on track for a NASCAR championship.

Kahne heads into today’s race at Kansas Speedway last in the 12-driver Chase for the championship standings, 189 points behind leader Mark Martin. His bid for a first title comes amid an appearance of chaos at RPM, and Kahne himself admitted just two weeks ago that he wasn’t sure what is going on with the organization or who is in charge.

Gillett dismissed the notion Saturday this his star driver is in the dark about the wholesale changes confronting the race team.

“He is a very dear young man,” Gillett said in a rare at-track sitdown with reporters. “He is not used to media. He doesn’t particularly like the process, and I think he believed that he was trying to give an answer that would hopefully shut the conversation off.

“Kasey has been fully aware of and apprised of the conversations going on.”

The fact is, there are several conversations surrounding the race team. Gillett just doesn’t have many answers:

UA planned merger with Yates Racing is still moving forward, and Gillett said RPM would be in Fords in 2010. “We’re going now from letter of intent to a formal contract,” he said.

UThe team will be at least three drivers, but Gillett would not reveal the lineup. “We’re very early in the process,” he said. “I’m trying to answer the general questions here today, I don’t have the specifics.”

UIt’s not yet been determined where the race shop will be located. Gillett said the team has looked at leasing different buildings, or moving into Yates’ current facility.