CHARLOTTE, N. C., Dec. 4  -- The chief operating officer of Petty Enterprises disputes reports that the Sprint Cup auto racing operation will merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

Reports Thursday said the proposed Petty-Evernham merger will form one four-car Sprint Cup operation.

"There is a lot of discussion going on, but the 43 car (driven by Bobby Labonte) and Richard Petty will be at the track next year," Petty executive Robbie Loomis told the Charlotte Observer. "I feel very confident in saying that everything is moving forward in our sponsorship drive. We are on track for the 43 car, but the second car is up in the air."

CHARLOTTE, N. C., Nov. 29  -- Paul Pierce scored 19 points Saturday, pacing Boston to an 89-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats for the Celtics' eighth straight win.

Charlotte, United States  - Bank of America, the second- largest US financial institution, posted profits for the second quarter of 3.4 billion dollars that were down on last year but well above expectations.

The bank said it had been compelled to make write-downs of 1.2 billion dollars as a result of the continuing financial crisis.

Net revenue for the quarter rose to a record 20.3 billion dollars.