RPM, McArdle part ways before first Chase race

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- In a statement issued by Richard Petty Motorsports on Thursday, team president Rick Russell announced that Mark McArdle, the director of competition for RPM, has left the team.

"The company and Mark have decided to go in different directions. It was an amicable departure and we are finalizing some details with him," Russell said in the statement. "We appreciate all of Mark's many contributions and wish him well in all future endeavors he may pursue."

McArdle

But McArdle had a heated argument with team co-owner George Gillett in the garage last Friday at Richmond International Raceway, and left the track for the rest of the weekend.

RPM said last week it will merge with Yates Racing next season and move to Fords. The argument with Gillett came a day after that announcement.

McArdle said in the statement he is pleased the team got back into title contention under his leadership. Kasey Kahne is one of 12 Chase drivers now racing for the Sprint Cup Series championship.

"We have all worked really hard to get Richard Petty Motorsports back in the Chase and we accomplished that goal Saturday night," McArdle said. "Everyone at the team should take great pride in that. I wish the company nothing but success in the future. There will be nobody rooting harder for the No. 9 to win the championship than me."

McArdle was named director of competition at the end of the 2007 season. Previously he had served as vice president and managing director for Gillett Evernham Engines. He joined Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2003.

McArdle also worked at Penske Racing as an engine builder, and won three times in the Indianapolis 500.