INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Richard Petty said Friday the Race Team Alliance was necessary because NASCAR hasn’t done enough to help the owners slash costs.

The RTA was announced earlier this month as an alliance of nine of NASCAR’s top teams. Rob Kauffman, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing and chair of the owners’ group, said the RTA’s immediate aim is to build purchasing power, create travel partners and finding a common insurer.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France this week said the RTA wasn’t necessary and the sanctioning body believes listening “to one voice is just a bad idea.”

Petty, the seven-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame driver, gave a hearty laugh at the idea the RTA is a bad idea.

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