Petty pleased with Green's work in No. 43

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Richard Petty wouldn't say for sure, but he sounded like a guy who wanted to keep Jeff Green in Petty Enterprises' No. 43 Dodges in 2004.

	Richard Petty says Jeff Green's feedback has been a welcome addition. Credit: Autostock

"We're still working on that," Petty said. "We'll probably wind up being basically what we end up this year. I don't think we've had that much discussion. Everybody on both sides of the fence hope that the next two or three races will blend that team together so we can go on to next year and not have to restart it again."

The No. 43 has used five drivers this season, starting with John Andretti, who lasted 14 races before being replaced by Christian Fittipaldi. Shane Hmiel and Scott Maxwell each attempted to qualify for one race but failed.

Green joined the team at Dover in September and has been a welcome addition, Petty said.

"So far, we're really happy with it," Petty said. "We see more in him that we do our cars. Once we put him in there, that's another feedback to us to tell us we've got to get our cars a little better. He's been a lot of help with that.

"We've had a rookie in the car, and he couldn't really help us. We've had veterans in there, but they've been running Winston Cup so long that they get oriented in that.

	Jeff Green

"Jeff's been a big help in saying, 'OK guys. I've run these other cars and have felt this, and I don't feel that in this car. This is a good thing about this car, but that's a bad thing.'"

Green's best finish in six races has been a 16th at Dover. He's qualified ninth at Kansas and 10th at Martinsville, too, but failed to make the race at Atlanta last week. Green starts 42nd on Sunday.

Petty is hopeful Green, crew chief Gary Putnam and the rest of the No. 43 team can show enough promise to keep them together.

"If they can work together for two or three months, I think they can come up with something good," Petty said.

Several drivers are looking for rides next season, including Johnny Benson and Steve Park. Petty wouldn't comment on anyone specific and wouldn't say when the team would decide who to put in the No. 43.

"We talk all the time," Petty said. "We're just like everybody else. I'm sort of like what Bill (Elliott) told everybody: when I get ready to tell you something, I'll call you and tell you. That's about the way I work, too."