AVONDALE, Ariz. — AJ Allmendinger has signed a contract to drive for Richard Petty Motorsports through 2010, a deal that ends the constant uncertainty he's had this season.

RPM officials did not say what car number Allmendinger will drive next year or if the team has sponsorship. He's been racing this year in RPM's No. 44 Dodge by piecing together funding from several different companies.

Allmendinger was originally signed to drive the first eight races of this season, and that deal has twice been extended to get him at least to September. Now it appears he's got a ride for the rest of the year and beyond.

Allmendinger is a former Champ Car star who has flourished this season. He finished third in the season-opening Daytona 500.