Notes: Kahne stays course despite more RPM layoffs

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Kasey Kahne is trying to stay focused in the wake of additional layoffs at Richard Petty Motorsports. He and his No. 9 Dodge team reported to Phoenix International Raceway intent on improving their performance at the 1-mile track.

Kasey Kahne and Kenny Francis

Kahne, who was second-fastest in Friday's practice (speeds), has an average finish of 19.5 at Phoenix and hasn't cracked the top 10 since 2006.

Pete Rondeau (RPM's director of research and development and former crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr.) and Keith Barnwell (A.J. Allmendinger's spotter) were casualties in the layoffs that preceded the Phoenix weekend.

Adding to the uncertainty is the unresolved status of the merger between RPM and Yates Racing. The sides announced the deal in early September, but it has yet to be finalized.

"From the crew part -- from the sound of it, talking to all the guys -- everybody wants to stick together [next year]," Kahne said. "So I feel like we're going to have the same team. ... I know we're going to try to win races and do everything possible to win, but as of right now, that deal's not done. So to me there are a lot of unknowns. ...

"I know that I'm going to have the same team, and that's all I can ask for -- sticking with [crew chief] Kenny Francis and our guys."

Army returns to Stewart-Haas, 39 car

The U.S. Army will return as a primary sponsor on Ryan Newman's No. 39 Chevrolet next season, albeit at a reduced level. The Army will sponsor Newman's car for 15 points races, down from 22 races plus the non-points Sprint All-Star Race in 2009.

The Army has been in NASCAR since 2003, but this season is its first with Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing. Newman has two poles this year and earned a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

The Army is only permitted to sign 1-year sponsorship agreements.

Carquest extends its sponsorship of 5 car

Carquest Auto Parts has extended its sponsorship deal with Hendrick Motorsports and driver Mark Martin.

The two-year contract extension will make Carquest the primary sponsor for Martin in eight races next season. The auto parts supplier will be an associate sponsor the rest of the year.

GoDaddy.com had previously announced it will be the primary sponsor for Martin for 20 races next season, while Delphi has two races. The Carquest extension leaves just eight races remaining for Hendrick to sell on the No. 5 Chevrolet.

Carquest has been with Hendrick Motorsports since 2002 in different capacities, and joined the No. 5 team in 2005 as a co-primary sponsor.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.