#28/38 Team Past News and Rumors
Past 2008 News

Races [4] that CitiFinancial is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
 Michigan - 8/15
California - 8/31
Richmond - 9/6
Texas - 11/2
(see images on my #38 Paint Scheme page)

Races [3] that FCC/Digital TV Transition is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
 Martinsville - 10/19
Phoenix - 11/9
Homestead - 11/16
(see image on my #38 Paint Scheme page)

Past 2007 News

  • SPONSOR? have not heard much about sponsors for the #28 [was #88] or #38 Yates Racings teams. Supposedly per a Max Jones interview on Sirius Satellite Radio, the team has sponsorship in the works, the teams will be sponsored and that they are making sure the deals are what they need.(12-31-2007)

  • Doug Yates and Max Jones join forces: Yates Racing announced Thursday that Max Jones, long-time general manager for Roush Fenway Racing and former road-racing driver has joined Yates Racing as a co-owner and will also assume the role of General Manager . Jones, a native of Long Beach, Calif., joins Yates Racing after serving as general manager for Roush Fenway Racing’s Cup program in 2007. “We’re thrilled to have someone as respected as Max join Yates Racing,” said Yates Racing owner, Doug Yates. “With his experience in the sport and working with such a large and successful organization as Roush Fenway Racing for so many years, he will immediately step in and improve our race operations. As we continue to improve and restructure in preparation for a successful 2008 season, having someone with Max’s experience and credibility only accelerates the process of getting Yates Racing back to where it needs to be and that’s competing for wins and championships on a weekly basis.” Jones will add his experience to one of the most successful operations in motorsports. Since venturing into NASCAR’s Cup series in 1989, Yates Racing has recorded 57 wins, 269 top fives, and 427 top-10 finishes, including the Cup series championship in 1999.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(11-15-2007)

  • Roush to build all Yates cars: Roush Fenway Racing will be building all of Yates Racing’s Sprint Cup next season, and team co-owner Jack Roush said he’s looking forward to helping the Yates group return to its performance levels of old. Starting with the 2008 season, Roush Fenway Racing will manufacture all of Yates Racing’s cars, with Yates moving to Concord, N.C., next to Roush Fenway’s shops. Yates, meanwhile, will lease its current shop in Mooresville, N.C., to Petty Enterprises. “We’re making preparations to enter into a service agreement with them that will avail them of the technology and of the vehicles with the engineering essence and the vehicles that are coming out of our construction activities,” said Roush Saturday morning at Phoenix International Raceway. “We want to try to breath some blue sky and some viability back into the program.” One of the benefits of Roush Fenway Racing building cars for both teams is that in the long run, it will result in cost savings, because the cost for R&D, tooling, etc., will be spread over a larger number of cars, Roush said. “We’ve got some opportunities of scale, in terms of understanding what we need to do and then the more volume you generate off that for the same amount of engineering work, design work, tooling, all those things you do, it’s an extraordinarily expensive proposition to go do all the testing that’s necessary to build and support one Cup car in today’s world,” said Roush. “If, taken to the other extreme, an IROC scenario where all the cars were completely identical coming out of the factory, then the cost to the teams and the value to the sponsors would be maximized. This is something in between.”(Ford Racing)(11-12-2007)

  • Best Buy moving? UPDATE 6 to the #19: hearing that Best Buy will not return to Haas CNC Racing in 2008, but supposedly will stay in the sport with an unknown team, possibly a Dodge team, the #19 GEM Dodge of Elliott Sadler is one rumored possibility.(10-22-2007)
    UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing has settled on its drivers for its two-car Sprint Cup team in 2008, but its sponsorship situation is unsettled. Best Buy, which backs the team's # 66 - driven for the first time this weekend by Jeremy Mayfield - has not decided its future, a spokesman for the company said this week. And Wednesday, a statement released by Yellow Transportation said that company is evaluating its future in the sport. Yellow entered Nextel Cup this season as sponsor of Johnny Sauter's #70. Sauter will be replaced next season by Scott Riggs. Haas CNC Racing General Manager Joe Custer said this week the team is negotiating with both companies to return next season.(SceneDaily.com)(10-25-2007)
    UPDATE 2: hearing Best Buy sponsorship is a done deal to Gillett Evernham Mototsports #19 team and driver Elliott Sadler, who supposedly made a commercial for Best Buy already.(11-1-2007)
    UPDATE 3: As far as sponsorship goes for the #19 next season, team sources said it will be a combination deal, with Best Buy, Valvoline and Stanley all rotating as primary sponsors next season.(SPEEDtv.com)(11-3-2007)
    UPDATE 4: Best Buy Racing will hold a press conference at Phoenix International Raceway Friday, November 9, to announce its sponsorship of a new driver and team, and unveil its 2008 car design.(11-8-2007)
    OR And Best Buy is expected to be announcing a sponsorship move today, possible to the Jack Roush-Doug Yates operation, possibly with driver #38-David Gilliland.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-9-2007)
    UPDATE 6: Best Buy, Inc., announced it has entered a new affiliation with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The nation's leading electronics retailer will serve as the primary sponsor of driver Elliott Sadler and the #19 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge Avenger in 15 Sprint Cup Series events in 2008, including the 50th running of the "Great American Race," the Daytona 500. "At Best Buy, we're all about bringing consumers the complete product and service experiences, and that's what we feel we've found with Gillett Evernham Motorsports," said Barry Judge, senior vice president, Marketing, Best Buy. "With Gillett Evernham Motorsports, not only do we have the focus on performance, but we also have a charismatic fan favorite and proven winner in our driver, Elliott Sadler. We're confident this new relationship will generate excitement and enthusiasm among our employees, as well as our customers." To announce the partnership, Best Buy and Gillett Evernham Motorsports held a press conference on Friday morning, Nov. 9, at Phoenix International Raceway, which featured a unique twist on the traditional sponsorship announcement. Instead of representatives just speaking about the new partnership, the relationship was announced through a special video piece that aired on flat-screen TV's placed in front of the media center stage. Produced by Best Buy's internal Yellow Tag production team and filmed last week at the Mooresville, N.C., Best Buy store, the humorous clip features Sadler, Evernham and local Best Buy employees, known as "Blue Shirts." In 2008, Best Buy will enter its fourth season as a sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In 2005, Best Buy partnered with NetZero as co-primary sponsors of the #0 entry, fielded by Haas CNC Racing. For the past two years, Best Buy has served as the primary sponsor of the #66 Haas CNC Racing car.(Evernham Motorsports PR)(11-9-2007)

  • Team Red Bull buying Yates' shop? UPDATE no: Team Red Bull [#83, #84) has approached Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88] about purchasing its racing and chassis manufacturing shops in Mooresville, N.C. The offer comes in the heels of Yates' announcement that it wants to move to Concord, N.C., to a shop currently occupied by Boris Said's No Fear team (next to Roush Fenway) to expedite their sharing of technology in 2008. Yates will use Roush-built chassis next season. Red Bull is in dire need of more space. It gets engines from Toyota Racing Development and buys chassis, but wants to start departments in both areas. Buying Yates' facilities would give them the room to do that.(Sports Illustrated)(10-11-2007)
    UPDATE: "Robert Yates did contact us awhile back to see if we were interested in talking with him about purchasing his building or his teams. We weren't - so the conversation ended there. We're committed to building our team from scratch and making our cars competitive. We don't have plans to buy anyone else's team."(Red Bull VP of Competition, Guenther Steiner statement)(10-18-2007)

  • Gilliland to run special pink M&M's scheme at Charlotte: For this weekend’s Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, David Gilliland and Team 38 are joining forces with primary sponsor, M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies, as they lend sweet support to the fight against breast cancer. M&M’S is offering its consumers the opportunity to go pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October to commemorate Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th year in the fight against the deadly disease. The brand will also make a minimum guaranteed contribution of $550,000 in support of Komen for the Cure’s promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Gilliland will run a special paint scheme with pink M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure logo on his #38 Ford at Charlotte. Additionally, from October 11-13 MY M&M’S will host a computerized kiosk at the Speedway where NASCAR visitors can order the Promise Blend in support of finding the cure. In addition to the activities scheduled for this weekend’s race, M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies is offering the following products, merchandise and activities in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure throughout the month of October:
    • MY M&M’S will donate 10% of the sales of its “Promise Blend” to support the cause. The pink and white M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, available at www.mymms.com/sgk, are pre-printed with the new Susan G. Komen for the Cure "Moving Ribbon" logo and a "for the CURE" message.
    • Limited-edition dark- and light- pink M&M’S Milk Chocolate and M&M’S Peanut Milk Chocolate Candies will be sold nationwide in stores in September and October. Both varieties are available in 14-ounce and 21.3-ounce bags.
    • M&M’S World stores are also getting in on the action, donating 10% of Pink Ribbon merchandise sold in-store in 2007 to the world’s largest breast cancer organization. M&M’S World stores are located in New York, Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla.(M&M Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on the #38 Team Schemes page.(10-11-2007)

  • M&M's to sponsor #18 car and Kyle Busch in 2008: Mars U.S. announced a three-year partnership with M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies as the sponsor of the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team and driver Kyle Busch in the Sprint Cup Series beginning in 2008. “I can’t wait to climb behind the wheel of the M&M’S car next season,” Busch said. “M&M’S Racing has been a fan favorite for years in the sport and it’s an honor to drive for one of the most recognized brands in the world. My focus is to win, and I know that everyone at Mars shares that vision as well. I want to thank the associates at Mars U.S. for this opportunity and look forward to a winning relationship.” During the 2008 season, Mars U.S. brands will serve as the primary sponsor of JGR’s #18 Sprint Cup Series team for a total of 30 point races. Mars will feature the popular M&M’S Brand colors beginning with the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. Snickers and Pedigree also will serve as primary brand sponsors for several races. Additionally, Combos, Twix, Skittles, Starburst and Milkey Way brands will provide support as associate sponsors. Interstate Batteries will serve as a primary sponsor of the #18 Sprint Cup team for six point races. The 2008 season will mark the 15th year for Mars U.S. as a primary sponsor in NASCAR’s premier racing division. The famous candy maker joined the series in 1990, running its first three seasons under the Snickers Brand moniker. After serving as an associate sponsor for four seasons, the company returned with the Skittles Brand colors in 1997 before transitioning to M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies in 1999.(Joe Gibbs Racing site)(10-3-2007)

  • Yates planning to move to shop near Roush Fenway: Robert Yates Racing is planning to move from its shop in Mooresville, N.C., to next to the Roush Fenway Racing shop in Concord, N.C., likely in the building that #60-Boris Said's No Fear Racing team currently occupies. [Co-owner Doug]Yates said the move will allow better technology flow. Yates Racing will purchase chassis and bodies from Roush Fenway, which also will provide marketing and sponsorship help. He said it's about getting the team stronger and hopes to keep his strongest employees. The move won't be the only change for the team that will be known as Yates Racing. It has released the #88 to Hendrick Motorsports and is expected to resurrect the #28 it used in its early years. "We haven't decided exactly yet [on the number]," Yates said. "That's definitely a good possibility." Yates needs two sponsors for next season for drivers David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil. Yates acknowledged Friday for the first time that M&M's and Snickers will not return for next season. Sponsorship is in the works for both teams next year, Yates said. As far as the Busch side, Yates said he wasn't sure what would happen with that team. "It's not the No. 1 priority," Yates said. "If Citi would like to come back [as a sponsor] or we could find sponsorship, we would run it. But the No. 1 deal is to get our two Cup teams back to where they need to be."(SceneDaily.com)(9-29-2007)

  • M&M's looks to be heading to Gibbs #18 in 2008 UPDATE: Mars U.S. was finalizing a deal Thursday to use its M&M's brand to sponsor Kyle Busch when he moves to Joe Gibbs Racing next season. M&M's would replace Interstate Batteries, which has sponsored Gibbs' flagship #18 since its 1992 inception. J.D. Gibbs, president of the race team, didn't respond to a request for comment. But two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mars was working on a deal to sponsor Busch that will be officially announced next month at M&M's World in New York City. They requested anonymity because the deal was not yet complete. Interstate is expected to stay involved with JGR in a smaller role. JGR is also ending its 16-year association with General Motors at the end of this season and will field Toyotas beginning next year. It will make the move with three lucrative sponsors as Mars moves its M&M's brand away from Robert Yates Racing and rookie David Gilliland. It's unclear what the company will do with its Snickers sponsorship on Yates' second car, but the move to JGR is troublesome to the Yates [currently #38 and #88] organization. The struggling team has been trying to restructure all season, and longtime owner Robert Yates said earlier this month that he plans to retire at the end of the season. He's handing over the company to his son, Doug, who plans to call it Yates Racing and field cars for Gilliland and Travis Kvapil.(in part from the Associated Press)(9-21-2007)
    UPDATE: David Gilliland knows he'll likely need a new sponsor following this season since M&M's has emerged as a candidate to sponsor Kyle Busch's #18 Joe Gibbs Racing entry in 2008. Gilliland, the Robert Yates Racing driver who has driven with M&M's sponsorship since he entered the Nextel Cup Series in August of last year, said he's aware that M&M's is likely headed elsewhere in 2008. "I read it on the Internet," he said Friday at Dover International Speedway, site of this weekend's Dodge Dealers 400. "My understanding was we had a contract that went through next year, so I don't know what happened with that. Hopefully we'll find another sponsor who wants to be here and support us next year." M&M's has made a decision and will announce its future sponsorship plans on Oct. 3, spokeswoman Rhonda King said Friday.(SceneDaily.com)(9-21-2007)

  • Yates needs sponsors in 2008: Robert Yates Racing [Yates Racing in 2008] needs two new sponsors to replace Snickers on the #88 [with a new car # and Travis Kvapil as the driver] and M&M’s on the #38 of David Gilliland.(SPEEDtv.com)(9-16-2007)

  • Statement from NHLR on Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing: Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, LLC was excited about its future plans with Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] and were quite surprised by the announcement of Robert Yates’ retirement from racing and handing the team over to his son Doug. [They] wish Robert the very best in his retirement. At this time [they] are continuing to explore several exciting opportunities for the 2008 NASCAR season.(NHL Racing site)(9-14-2007)

  • Yates/Roush alliance could bypass 4-team rule: Roush Fenway Racing officials have been looking for a way around NASCAR's four-car cap rule ever since it was introduced at the end of the 2005 season. Their alliance with Robert Yates Racing appears to be the answer. Roush Fenway Racing, which already shared an engine program with RYR, will expand its relationship in 2008 to include building and selling cars and parts to its fellow Ford partner as well as licensing and marketing. That ultimately will allow Roush after the 2009 season -- the deadline NASCAR has set for it to get to four teams -- to send its fifth car and whatever employees that might go with it to RYR. "That's not part of the deal, but it certainly won't shock anybody here if in two years that's where it goes," Roush Fenway president Geoff Smith said before Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. "When you shrink an organization like NASCAR is doing to us you end up not being able to promote people because they don't have places to go, so they end up leaving us for somebody else. This gives us a chance to really keep all that training money within our Ford Motor company camp." It also allows Roush to benefit from the sharing of information for basically a seven-car team that could grow to eight. Smith said he and other Roush employees have gone to great length to make sure this alliance falls within the NASCAR rules. "We are not even close to any of the prohibitions that NASCAR got," he said. "We're in another universe. This is a real, careful, safe deal. We're not close to getting near their concerns. Here's the rules. You can't own it, you can't profit share, you can't take prize money and you can't underwrite their loss to shore them up. Those are the core rules. Then they told us about ancillary rules. You can't lease them cars. You've got to sell them cars. All those rules, we're good with that."
    Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, initially avoided the question of whether this is circumventing the rules. "You're starting [something]," he said. "Don't go there on me. I'm telling you, don't go there cause I know what you're starting. Ask a regular question." Asked again if this was Roush's way of circumventing the rules, Pemberton said, "There would be concern if you had everything in one facility. That's why we've gone to the four-car limit. There's business sense in buying cars and going and employing an engineering staff that has the resources that make your teams run better." Pemberton applauded RYR for doing what it can to survive after losing its cornerstone driver, Dale Jarrett, and sponsor UPS this season to Toyota. "Employing the services of a group that's got proper engineering and builds cars is what he needs to do to put him and Doug back running again," he said, referring to RYR owner Doug Yates. But NASCAR officials said Roush still would have to get NASCAR's approval, which it doesn't, before moving a team to Yates. While RYR will be a two-car operation next season, it ultimately could be a four-car team with Roush Fenway Racing having all the knowledge and information sharing from an eight-car team. This also guarantees that RYR doesn't leave Ford for another manufacturer had it been sold.(ESPN.com)(9-9-2007)

  • Doug Yates to field two Sprint Cup teams in 2008: Doug Yates announced he will field two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) teams in 2008 with drivers #38-David Gilliland and #88-Travis Kvapil. These teams will be operated under a company called "Yates Racing" which has agreed to acquire operating assets from Robert Yates Racing, including the transfer of car numbers and owner points. The transaction will be effective December 1, 2007. "With this announcement it's clear that the letter of intent with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing will not proceed. We're thankful for their support and would welcome the opportunity to work with them in the future," said Yates Racing CEO Doug Yates. "I am very excited to carry the Yates Racing heritage into the future. I believe I have the experience and understanding of the competition and business requirements that are necessary to be an effective team owner. My first order of business is to revamp our infrastructure into one that can field race teams that can compete successfully with the pre-eminent teams in the sport. I personally think the best business and competitive model in the sport to emulate for long-term success is that of Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing, I have gotten to know Jack and his organization very well through our joint engine company and before I undertook this commitment I asked Jack for advice. I am pleased to announce that Yates Racing will have full support from Roush Fenway Racing, including hardware, engineering, marketing and operational practices, by the 2008 Daytona 500, Yates Racing wants to be in an elevated position where we are competing successfully against any race team in the sport. With David, Travis and Roush Fenway Racing, we will continue to work on finding the right sponsor partners to join our programs." Neither Jack Roush, Roush Fenway Racing, John Henry or Fenway Sports Group will have any ownership interest in Yates Racing.(Robert Yates Racing PR)(9-8-2007)

  • Robert Yates Retiring at end of 2007 season: Robert Yates announced his intention to retire as President of Robert Yates Racing following the last race of the 2007 Nextel Cup season. Certain facets of Robert Yates Racing are being transferred to a new company presided over by Doug Yates. The new entity will be called Yates Racing. Robert Yates Racing will continue with its joint ownership of Roush Yates Racing Engines as well as other ventures. "As many of you know I announced at the Brickyard, earlier this year, my decision to enter into a partnership with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing", said Robert Yates. "The goal of this partnership was to build a team to contend for the championship. The more I thought about it the more I realized instead this was the perfect opportunity for me to pass the torch to the next generation. I don't know how to express my gratitude to the Newman/Haas/Lanigan group for their support and belief we could get to the top. I'm closing this chapter of my life, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for me next. Carolyn and I look forward to watching Doug build Yates Racing into a championship caliber team".
    Since Robert Yates Racing was formed, the now two-car Cup team has posted 57 victories and 48 poles in addition to winning the 1999 NASCAR championship with Dale Jarrett. Current Nextel Cup drivers Ricky Rudd and David Gilliland pilot the No. 88 and No. 38 Ford Fusion's, respectively. On February 11, 2007 at Daytona International Speedway, both of Robert Yates cars qualified on the front row for the Daytona 500. David Gilliland qualified on the pole with Ricky Rudd was alongside in second. Robert Yates Racing also fields the No. 90 Ford Fusion driven by Stephen Leicht in the NASCAR Busch Series. Drivers such as Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd, Kenny Irwin, and Elliott Sadler have driven for RYR.(Robert Yates Racing PR)(9-8-2007)

  • Yates not interested in giving Dale Jr. #38: Doug Yates confirmed his team has been approached by a representative of Hendrick Motorsports about securing the #38 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. next year, but if Yates gets his way, there will be no such transfer. Earnhardt recently was denied the opportunity to take the #8 from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to Hendrick and now is considering other number options. The #38 currently is being used by David Gilliland. "Dale Jr., since he can't have what he wants, he might want the 38," said Yates, president Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. "They're asking for the 38, and the 38 and 88 are our numbers. It's almost a little strange. It's like somebody asking if they can take your girlfriend or your wife out. We feel we're going to have the 38 and 88 [next year]." While Yates said he is not interested in parting with the number, doesn't everything in the sport have a price tag? "That's my dad's side of it," Yates said, referring to his father, Robert Yates. "But for me, these are our numbers, and we're set with them."(ESPN.com)(8-31-2007)

  • RYR asked NASCAR to transfer the #38 to Hendrick for Dale Jr. UPDATE2: SPEED's Bob Dilner reported on Sunday's SPEED report that Robert Yates Racing has asked NASCAR if they could transfer the #38 to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 for Dale Eanrhardt Jr. to use, the #3 in honor of his father, the late Dale Earnhardt, who ran the #3 [a few races in 1981 and then from 1984 until the 2001 Daytona 500 and won 6 of his 7 championships using #3] and the #8 of course is Dale Jr.'s car #8 since he came into the sport. No word what number David Gilliland would switch to, but RYR still has the license on the #28, last used in 2002 with Ricky Rudd and has used the #90 in the past.
    UPDATE: Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Monday that Robert Yates Racing and Hendrick Motorsports are discussing a transfer of that number for 2008. The #38 currently is being used by David Gilliland. No formal request has been made to the NASCAR, which has to ultimately approve the transfer. Officials at Hendrick Motor Sports, Robert Yates Racing and JR Motorsports could not be reached for comment. Should RYR give up #38, it still has the rights to the #28 that was last used in 2002 with Ricky Rudd.(ESPN.com)(8-27-2007)
    UPDATE2: Marty Smith said on ESPN2's NASCAR Now that it is unlikely the #38 will be transferred from Yates to Hendrick.(8-28-2007)

  • Latest on M&M/Snickers leaving Yates rumors: There's been NASCAR garage buzz recently that Mars Inc. Mars Snack Food U.S., the company that produces M& Ms in Hackettstown, is considering leaving Robert Yates Racing. Yates, which fields the Ford that will be driven by David Gilliland on Sunday, has carried the M& Ms brand on the #38 since 2002 [actually started in 2003 with the #38], when Elliott Sadler came on board [in 2003 not 2002]. Sadler left the team after the 22nd race last year. Yates replaced him in the M& Ms car with Gilliland Mars is reportedly still unhappy with the abrupt departure by the popular Sadler. Reports have leaked out that the program is under sponsor review. A recent item on speedtv.com bluntly states that M& Ms will withdraw as a sponsor of the #38 at the end of the year and sister confection Snickers [sponsor of Yates #88 with Rudd] will be moved to another team. Mars media and public relations spokesperson Ryan Bowling addressed the candy question. "Everything you're asking is still pure speculative. If we do decide to go a different route for '08, we'll make that announcement," Bowling said. "Right today nothing's been set in stone." Bowling did not say whether M& Ms would be on the #38 Ford next year. When pressed he admitted that despite the M& M-Yates contract that runs though 2008, there is wiggle room. "You have as a sponsor that you can always evaluate where things are, which is normal for any sponsor, how things are," Bowling said. "M& Ms is still committed to Robert Yates. That's the plan." He added, "I can't give you details on the contract. We're exploring options." Several sources say the M& Ms brand that has been on a NASCAR car since it replaced Mars' Skittles candy on the #36 MB2 Pontiac in the late 1990s will not be on any car next year. "The only thing that's truth at this point is that Snickers expires at the end of this year," Bowling said. The sense in the garage area is the Snickers' sponsorship will move to Ray Evernham's #9 Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne in 2008 [along with another 6 or so rumored sponsors such as Bud, Allstate, Citi Finanacial] An item in Sadler's contract with Yates, however, does not allow him to drive a car sponsored by any of the Mars products before 2008. Bowling insists his company remains behind Yates. "Nothing has been changed. We're still supporting Robert Yates," Bowling said. "Right now our focus is on getting through '07 and not making any announcements if things were to change."(Express Times)(8-2-2007)

  • Bourdais says no to Cup: The partnership of Robert Yates Racing and Champ Car's Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing, announced Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, led to speculation that three-time Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais might be part of the deal. But the Frenchman, who voiced some interest in stock cars after winning an International Race of Champions event in 2005, shot down that notion, at least for now. In San Jose, Calif., for Sunday's Champ Car World Series event, Bourdais told a media gathering that some people are misinterpreting the partnership as the first step in a full-time move to NASCAR by Champ Car's top team. "They're just going to bring some methods and some organization and some knowledge," he said. "It also is completely unrelated to what I will end up doing in the future. So I just think people are getting everything mixed up a little bit." Bourdais has tested with Formula One's Scuderia Toro Rosso team and could be headed there as a replacement for Scott Speed in 2008.(Indianapolis Star)(7-30-2007)

  • Bourdais to Cup? Gilliland re-signed by RYR for 2008 UPDATE: [Robert] Yates also said that three-time Champ Car series champ Sebastien Bourdais could end up driving for the team [Yates/Newman/Hass/Lanigan Racing]. He could partner with #38-David Gilliland, who just re-signed with the team for 2008. M&M's will not sponsor a car next year, but sister candy Snickers will, but not with Robert Yates. Snickers will not sponsor [Elliott] Sadler next year because of contractual restrictions in place from when Sadler left Yates last year, but could be in play on Kasey Kahne's car. Citifinancial [RYR #90 Busch Series team sponsor] is expected to announce its plans soon and is looking at several drivers, including Sadler.(FoxSports/Tom Jensen)
    AND St. Petersburg's Sebastien Bourdais lobbied hard for a shot in NASCAR after winning the second of his three Champ Car titles in 2005. If he still wants it, the chance may be there. Bourdais' Champ Car team, Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, announced a partnership with NASCAR's Robert Yates Racing on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After a news conference, two of the principals - Carl Haas and Doug Yates - said they're interested in bringing Bourdais to Nextel Cup. The problem is Bourdais may be on the verge of signing with Formula One's Scuderia Toro Russo team, for whom he has tested three times. However, Bourdais has said in the past he only wants to go to Formula One if he can sign with a competitive team, and Toro Rosso is one of the worst. Additionally, the 28-year-old Frenchman has been intrigued by NASCAR since beating some of stock car racing's best in an IROC race at Texas a few years ago. Haas, who begins his third stint as a NASCAR team owner, said there have been discussions with Bourdais about moving to NASCAR.(Tampa Tribune)(7-28-2007)
    UPDATE: David Gilliland said Friday that he’s signed a contract extension with Robert Yates Racing and will be back behind the wheel of the #38 Ford Fusion next season. “I’m really glad to have this behind me so I can concentrate on the future,” said Gilliland.(Ford Racing)(7-29-2007)

  • Robert Yates Racing and Newman/Haas/Lanigan Join Forces: Robert Yates Racing (RYR) and Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing (NHLR) have entered into a letter of intent for a partnership in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup and Busch Series. The team will be named Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing effective immediately. “This is a wonderful partnership,” said Robert Yates, founder of Robert Yates Racing. “This gives us a clear vision how to get to the top. It is our goal to continue to build so this team will be better positioned to contend for the championship.”
    “I am very proud of our accomplishments in the Champ Car World Series and hope we can have the same success in NASCAR,” added Carl A. Haas, who has been a team owner in NASCAR’s Cup series on two previous occasions. “We have been looking to add other forms of racing to our Champ Car program and when the opportunity came along to work with Robert Yates Racing, a team that shares the same drive for success that we do, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I think that the NASCAR and Champ Car programs can learn something from each other and only enhance the championship level that Robert Yates Racing and Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing have competed at in previous years.”
    “We have always been an engineering driven team,” said Paul Newman, a partner in Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. “We think we have something special to add to the benefit of both. This in no way lessens our commitment to open wheel racing -- we want to broaden our horizons.”
    “The opportunity of joining Robert and Doug Yates is an opportunity of a lifetime,” added Michael Lanigan, a new partner in Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. “The Yates family has been competing against the best and winning for many years. We look forward to a long and productive association.”
    Since Robert Yates Racing was formed in 1988, the now two-car team has posted 57 victories and 48 poles in addition to winning the 1999 NASCAR championship with Dale Jarrett. Current Nextel Cup drivers Ricky Rudd and David Gilliland pilot the #88 and #38 Ford Fusion’s, respectively. The agreement also includes RYR’s Busch program with Stephen Leicht, driver of the No. 90 Ford Fusion. Drivers such as Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan, Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd, Kenny Irwin, Elliott Sadler and David Gilliland have driven for RYR. RYR and NHR/NHLR have had close ties with Ford Motor Company for many years. RYR has been powered by Ford all 20 seasons. Of NHR/NHLR’s 101 wins and 103 poles, 55 of each have been earned with Ford power. In addition, four of their seven titles were powered by Ford (1993 – Nigel Mansell; 2004-2006 – Sebastien Bourdais).
    “NASCAR Nextel Cup racing is rapidly moving, technology-wise, to engineering areas that Newman/Haas/Lanigan has years of experience with already,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “And Robert Yates Racing brings years of engine development and race craft in the sport that is invaluable to this operation. Put that expertise together, along with joint ownership that is clearly committed to winning, and we have a Ford program that will be a contender for years to come."(RYR PR)(7-29-2007)

  • RYR to merge with Newman-Haas: Robert Yates Racing and Newman-Haas Racing will reveal on Friday its plans to merge, a source close to the situation confirmed to ESPN.com. A formal news conference has been set for that afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Actor Paul Newman, an avid racer and long-time team owner in open-wheel racing, and partner Carl Haas own the team currently leading the Champ Car series with driver Sebastien Bourdais, a three-time champion in the series. Yates last month at New Hampshire International said he had personally abandoned pursuit of a business partner, saying he had no debts and didn't need to get into a more pressure-packed situation answering to a partner's business demands. He did, however, say he would allow a head-hunting firm continue to look in that area. Like Robert Yates Racing, Newman-Haas has had deep ties with Ford.(ESPN.com)(7-25-2007)

  • Sadler back with M&M's? As far as Elliott Sadler’s #19 car, the leading candidate is candymaker M&M’s, which currently sponsors David Gilliland and the #38 Robert Yates Racing Ford, a car Sadler used to drive. Sadler was exceptionally popular with M&M’s when he drove for Yates and sources said the company would love to work with the affable Virginia native again.(SPEEDtv.com)(7-16-2007)

  • RYR presents check to Charlotte Police: A local race team said thank you Tuesday to the men and women in blue with a check honoring two slain Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers. NASCAR team owner Robert Yates remembers the pain of losing a close friend. His son, Doug, grew up with CMPD Officer John Burnette, who was killed in the line of duty on 1993 with fellow Officer Anthony Nobles. At that time, Yates and his team donated $50,000 to the department's police benevolent fund. "I have a lot of respect for police officers," Yates said. And that respect motivated him to do it again. This time the team donated $40,000 in honor of Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton, who were shot and killed earlier this year while responding to a call. We're fortunate we get to do what we love doing – racing,” Doug Yates said. “With M&M and Ford sponsoring us, we want to give back and that's why we're here." Trisha Norket, the mother of John Burnette, knows firsthand how much it hurts to lose a loved one. She says she's thankful for the donation in her son's honor 14 years ago and she knows the widows of Clark and Shelton are just as thankful now. “I always try to remember what would they have us to do and I have to believe in my heart that Jeff and Sean would say, ‘make this contribution to the police benevolent fund to help my brothers and sisters that are still here,’" she said. The police benevolent fund helps various departments within department.(News 14 Carolina). The donation is to help build the Shelton-Clark Memorial.(7-11-2007)

  • Double M&M's schemes at Daytona: Robert Yates Racing teammates' #38-David Gilliland and #88-Ricky Rudd will be running special M&M's paint schemes in Saturday's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. Gilliland and Team 38 welcome the return of a fan-favorite special paint scheme, the M&M'S Red, White and Blue Ford in recognition of the Fourth of July holiday. Rudd will also exchange his Snickers colors to sport the standard M&M'S scheme on his #88 Ford as the two teams unite under one brand for the race.(M&M's Motorsports PR)(7-6-2007)

  • New York Investors Looking for Cup Teams: The buzz in the garage in New Hampshire is that at least two New York-based investment banking firms have been making the rounds among Nextel Cup teams, looking to invest in one or more teams, eventually taking a race team public with a stock offering. So far, there have been no takers among the NASCAR team owners. At least one of the investment firms has talked with multiple teams in the garage, including Robert Yates Racing [#38 & #88], Dale Earnhardt, Inc. [#1, #8, #15] and Roush Fenway Racing [#6, #16, #17, #26, #99], multiple sources said. The idea has been for the companies to make cash investments of upwards of $50 million in a team and then at some point sell their interests, perhaps by public stock offering. “We looked at their business plan and it didn’t make sense to us,” said Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith, who confirmed his team had been contacted by a New York-based investment fund that he did not identify by name. Robert Yates talked extensively with the potential investors and reached the same conclusion. “You sit in a room with about 20 bankers and you spend about 18 hours in there with them and you realize that they didn’t contribute anything to the gross national product except maybe going to the bathroom,” said Yates, who also has entertained merger and/or partnership offers from Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Robby Gordon Motorsports and Hall of Fame Racing, among others, before deciding to go it alone. Another team principal who spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday morning at New Hampshire, said the team he works with was approached by investors, but chose not to get involved with them, either. “They had a ton of money, but they didn’t know anything at all about racing,” he said, adding the team was not in need of a cash infusion and would only consider an outside investor if that investor could add significant value to the team.(SPEEDtv.com)(7-2-2007)

  • Yates Won't Sell Team: Robert Yates [#38 & #88] has broken off discussions with potential investors into Robert Yates Racing and will remain independent, focusing his efforts on improving the team's performance. And if he's not successful at the task, Yates could step away from the sport entirely, the car owner said Saturday morning at New Hampshire. "I pretty much sent a letter to everybody and said right now I'm not interested in selling or anybody investing," Yates said prior to Happy Hour practice. "I'm just going to try and focus on performance. … I'm pretty much really tired of spending too much time working on something that doesn't benefit anything. … Right now, the thing I don't need is money. The thing I need is performance, and I haven't found a person to bring me performance. That's what I'm looking for, just trying to focus on doing what I'm doing." And that means no co-owner, outside partner or investor, at least for now.(SPEEDtv.com)(6-30-2007)

  • Gilliland wins West Series race at Infineon: #38-David Gilliland held off another second-generation Grand National Division West Series competitor, P.J. Jones, to capture his third career series win by 1.246 seconds in the Blue Lizard Australian Suncream 200 at Infineon Raceway. They were followed by road race specialist Boris Said in third. All three drivers are doing double duty on the twisting 1.99-mile road course this weekend, also competing in the Nextel Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday. Although Gilliland won the Bud Pole, it was 17-year-old Joey Logano who dashed into the early lead at Infineon on Saturday. It did not last long, however, as Gilliland took command on lap 3. Pit stops shuffled the lead positions through the midway point of the race, with Gilliland moving back into the lead on lap 35 and never relinquishing the top spot. Logano had worked his way back up to second later in the race, but his effort ended with engine failure on lap 55 [finished 32nd]. Jones assumed second, but could not get by Gilliland in the closing laps. Said finished third, followed by Eric Holmes and Justin Lofton.(Racingwest.com), Regan Smith, who will also drive in the Nextel Cup race started 16th and finished 31st.(6-24-2007)

  • Stewart unhappy with Gilliland after Happy Hour incident: #20-Tony Stewart was none too pleased Saturday with #38-David Gilliland, who caused considerable damage to Stewart's Chevy during the final Nextel Cup practice prior to Sunday's Citizen's Bank 400 at Michigan. The accident occurred when Gilliland was headed to pit road in his #38 Ford at the end of a long run on old tires. Stewart was just coming out of the pits on new tires. "He checks up at the end of the straightaway, and we run into him," a frustrated Stewart said. "It's really, really easy to see it. They've got two different cameras views of it, and he never stuck his hand out of the window [to signal he was going into the pits]. It really screwed up a really good racecar for [Sunday]. It didn't need to happen. It shouldn't happen." Stewart said he was hoping NASCAR officials would talk to Gilliland about what happened.(NASCAR.com)(6-17-2007)

  • Yates interested in Kyle Busch...and Kurt too: UPDATE: Add Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] to the list of teams interested in signing Kyle Busch to drive next season. "I've sent word through his agent [that I would like to talk to him]," RYR co-owner Robert Yates said on Thursday during a Ford function. "I'm very interested." Said Yates' son, Doug, "He would look good in a Ford." RYR not only wants Kyle, but his brother #2-Kurt. But Kurt Busch has three years remaining on his deal with Penske Racing, and according to his agent has no plans to leave. "That's flattering," said Kurt's agent, John Caponigro. "He's locked in at Penske. He's doing fine. He's looking forward to making the Chase this year and having lot of success at Penske Racing." Kyle became available on Wednesday when it was announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was signed to replace him at Hendrick Motorsports next season and that the 22-year-old Busch has been given his release from the final year of his deal in 2008. Bruce Kempton, who represents Kyle, said he's heard from just about every organization in the Nextel Cup garage. He said there had been no contact with RYR, but that his client was willing to listen to anyone. Among the teams other than RYR that have expressed an interest in Kyle are the Chevrolet teams of Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Ginn Racing. While Busch has driven Chevrolets since he left Ford's Roush Racing after the 2001 Truck Series season, he is not married to the manufacturer.(ESPN.com).(6-15-2007)
    UPDATE: Robert Yates Racing [#38 & #88] co-owner Doug Yates wants Kyle Busch in his team's fold, but that might not be the next addition to the team. When asked if the Yates family was close to adding a partner/investor, Doug Yates said: "Yeah. It won't be long." The new investor is not expected to have control of the team, which will still be run by Doug and his father, Robert, according to sources familiar with the situation.(SceneDaily.com)(6-16-2007)

  • Rudd and Gilliland to visit home of M&M's: On Thursday, June 7th, #88-Ricky Rudd and #38-David Gilliland will visit the Masterfoods USA headquarters in Hackettstown, NJ where M&M’s® are produced. They will be joined by the crew members of both teams and will tour the facility as well as meet with associates at the plant.(RYR PR) - cool place, Jayski lived in Hacketstown from 89-91, in the apts right accross the street from the plant, smelled like chocolate quite a bit.(6-7-2007)

  • RYR site returns: after months of fielding questions about what happened to the Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88], have an answer....it's back...at ryr.com. Been told It should be fully functional in the next few days.(6-1-2007)

  • RYR re-signs with Ford for 5 years UPDATE: Robert Yates has signed a five-year extension with the Ford, he told ESPN.com today. There will be a formal announcement on Friday at Dover International Raceway. "What it says to me is that Ford intends to win on Sundays and Mondays, and they're committed," Yates said. "We're happy they're happy with us. It's nice we have signed the thing." This ends any speculation that Robert Yates Racing was looking elsewhere [rumors with DEI/Chevy, and also Toyota]. What the five-year deal offers Yates is some stability and credibility as he continues talks with potential business partners. "The fact is, it's organizational racing now and not individual racing," Yates said. "We have been talking to different people and they ask, 'What manufacturer are you with? How strong is that? How long term is it?' [This contract] puts a lot to bed. We have a good relationship with Ford, and we continue to." Clearly, Yates is upbeat about the future. He said his team is financially healthy with "zero debt and quite a lot of money in the bank," he said. "I'm OK, but what I want to do is race and win," Yates said. There was a much-publicized flirtation between Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc., about a month ago, but there was an obvious conflict -- Yates had always been a Ford devotee, and DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt has made it clear she has deep Chevrolet ties she is unlikely to break.(ESPN.com)(5-31-2007)
    UPDATE: Ford Racing Technology announced today that it has re-signed Robert Yates Racing to a contract that will keep the family-owned team sporting the blue oval for at least the next five years. “Robert Yates Racing is synonymous with Ford,” said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. “We’ve celebrated the joy of winning races and championships with them, in addition to feeling the frustration that this sport can dish out. The main thing is that we’ve gone through all of those times together as loyal partners. We’re thrilled to have this deal behind us and now we can look forward to continuing getting Robert and his team back among the NASCAR elite.” The agreement continues a 19-year relationship that began when Yates became a car owner in 1988. Since then, his teams have won 57 Nextel Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times, and one series championship in 1999. “We’re talking to sponsors and they want to know what product and what kind of support we get from our manufacturer, so this is huge. This deal is important because it plays a big role in what you’re doing to improve your operation,” said Robert Yates.(Ford Racing)(6-1-2007)

  • Toyota: Gibbs? Penske merge with Waltrip? Yates? Toyota, sources said, has approached the Gibbs team with a proposal to leave Chevrolet, which would give it #20-Tony Stewart, #11-Denny Hamlin and #18-J.J. Yeley. Gibbs’ management doesn’t appear to be that interested, but the offer hasn’t been rejected, according to team sources. Penske [#2, #12], who has been with just about every manufacturer in racing over the years and who is one of the world’s biggest Toyota dealers, could be making the move to Toyota for next year. According to sources close to the situation, Penske could be looking at a merger with Michael Waltrip’s struggling Toyota operation. And there is speculation that Robert and Doug Yates [#38, #88] may be willing to listen to Toyota offers, even though they have long-standing ties with Ford.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-31-2007)

  • Shrek back on the #38 at LMS: On this Memorial Day weekend, as the nation pays tribute to our heroes in the Armed Forces, RYR co-owner Doug Yates is asking his team to remember two local Charlotte heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty, Officers Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department. A native of Charlotte, Yates is donating a portion of Sunday’s race winnings from the #38 Team to assist with the re-building of two Charlotte-area parks, which will be dedicated as memorials to the officers. Driver David Gilliland is hoping to score a solid finish in Sunday’s race in support of Yates’ charitable contribution. Joining Gilliland again this weekend are the stars of this week’s top rated box office flick, Shrek the Third, who return to the quarter panels of the M&M’S Ford after an abbreviated ride in last Saturday’s Nextel Open. Leading the efforts in the Charlotte area in raising funds, goods and services to contribute to the building of the memorials is the crew from the Ace & TJ Show, which can be heard locally in Charlotte on its flagship station, KISS 95.1FM. Logo on to www.acetj.com for more information on where to send donations, how to volunteer and further details regarding the plans and locations of the parks scheduled to be rebuilt.(RYR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #38 Team Schemes page.(5-23-2007)

  • RYR gets engineer back, forming test team: Long-time team engineer Kevin Buskirk returned to the Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88] fold last week after a stint at Richard Childress Racing and will play a key role in getting the team back up to speed. Also in the works is a dedicated RYR test team, which should be especially beneficial in helping the team catch up in Car of Tomorrow races.(SPEEDtv.com)(5-20-2007)

  • Shrek scheme for Gilliland in Nextel Open: Usually M&M’S driver David Gilliland has a strong supporting cast on his #38 Ford with the iconic M&M’S Characters, Red and Yellow. This weekend the list grows as Gilliland welcomes Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots from the upcoming DreamWorks release “Shrek the Third” which opens in theaters on May 18. In support of the highly anticipated movie release, Masterfoods USA has introduced “Ogre-Sized” Peanut Butter M&M’S. For a limited time only, fans can get swamped with peanut butter in a colorful mix of candies inspired by the green guy himself. Gilliland hopes instead to get swamped in a battle for the win in the Nextel Open in hopes of transferring to Saturday night’s main event, the Nextel All-Star Challenge.(RYR/Elevation Group PR), see an image on the #18 Team Schemes page(5-17-2007)

  • DEI/RYR possible merger 'different' now: Doug Yates, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing, said talks about a merger or partnership with Dale Earnhardt Inc. are part of just once scenario his team is considering. “We’re trying to do whatever we can do to get our team as strong as we can get it, so we’ve looked at a lot of situations, DEI being one of them,” Yates said. “They’ve talked to us and we’ve talked to them, plus there is other stuff. We haven’t gotten anywhere with that in particular. Actually, we’re getting really close to some things that we think are going to help our team take that next step and make it strong for a long time to come. Hopefully, we can put some of that stuff together.” Yates said this week’s announcement that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will leave DEI at season’s end changes that potential equation. “I think looking at DEI without Dale Jr. is a different situation,” Yates said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s any better or any worse, it’s just different. ...I think it’s going to take a little while for everybody to realize how big a move that was for the sport and what that means to the sport and what that means to DEI and Dale Jr. going forward.” Yates said that his team is committed to running Fords and he does not see that changing. If DEI would not shift from Chevrolets, he said that “is a deal breaker, I would guess.”(Thatsracin)(5-12-2007)

  • Earnhardt Jr.: 'We'll be driving Chevys' UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. nearly started laughing Friday and said, 'Nah,' when asked if it was really possible he could drive a Ford next season. Dale Earnarhdt Inc., which is in negotiations with Earnhardt Jr. for a contract extension and also must sign a new dale with Chevrolet, has had preliminary talks with other manufacturers and also has talked about a possible merger with Robert Yates Racing. But Earnhardt Jr. couldn't see himself driving anything but a Chevy. As part of his negotiations with DEI, he wants majority ownership of the team. "We'll be driving Chevys, I'll promise you that," Earnhardt Jr. said following qualifying Friday for the Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400.(SceneDaily.com)(5-5-2007)
    UPDATE: The latest on the Dale Earnhardt Jr. saga: The “Robert Yates” NASCAR brand will remain a Ford brand, even in any merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc., according to sources familiar with the Yates-DEI negotiations. However Earnhardt, who has been the heart of DEI, insisted he will be in Chevrolets again next season, no matter what. Those two facts make the DEI-Yates negotiations peculiar, particularly since Earnhardt has been negotiating a new contract with DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. demanding controlling interest in DEI. If DEI officials are negotiating a possible switch to Ford, then Earnhardt would clearly appear to be not involved with those talks. Which would mean if Yates and DEI do come to terms, it would almost certainly be a Yates-DEI merger without Earnhardt in the mix. There has been rampant speculation the past few days that Earnhardt may be moving to either Richard Childress’ Chevy team or Rick Hendrick’s Chevy team.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-7-2007)

  • Ford Racing Aware of DEI-RYR Merger Talk: In response to media reports from this past weekend, Ford Racing confirmed it is fully aware of merger talks that have taken place between Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Robert Yates Racing (RYR) officials. “Ford is fully committed to Robert Yates Racing for the long-term, and they have assured us that are similarly committed to Ford,” said Kevin Kennedy, Ford Racing Technology Communications Manager. “Robert and Doug have been in contact with Ford about the nature of the discussions. We have a valued partnership with them, and they are keeping us informed of those discussions like a true partner would. We fully expect they will remain with Ford for many, many years.” Robert Yates Racing and Ford have a relationship that goes back to the formation of the race team in the late 1980s, and Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, has repeatedly stated that the manufacturer is fully committed to bringing RYR back to the top of the field. Media reports this past weekend also stated that Ford had been in discussions with DEI about a switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2008 season. Davis has repeatedly said that Ford is interested in adding championship-level teams to its Cup roster. “We definitely have been talking with DEI. Truthfully, we’ve been having informal talks with them for several years,” said Kennedy. “We have not yet made a formal offer to them, but we know that their GM contract is up at the end of the year. We had some discussions with them, and we’ve made it clear that we’d love to have them in our program.”(Ford Racing)(5-1-2007)

  • DEI to buy RYR? UPDATE 4: It was reported on SPEED's NASCAR Raceday that Dale Earnhardt Inc (DEI) is interested in buying Robert Yates Racing (RYR) and RYR is interested in joining forces with DEI. It was also reported that the teams would end up being in the Chevy camp.(4-29-2007)
    UPDATE: In attempts to strengthen its teams and expand to four cars, Dale Earnhardt Inc. [#'s 1,8,15] has had preliminary discussions with Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88] about a partnership, as well as Ford Motor Company and another manufacturer, DEI executive team member John Story confirmed Sunday morning. While the company also is in the midst of contract negotiations with NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., DEI is working toward trying to solidify its future. That means getting the finances and the technological support it needs from a manufacturer and working toward fielding a fourth team by 2008 or 2009, said Story, who oversees sales, marketing and communications activities at DEI. What would be more startling would be the potential move to Ford or another manufacturer considering Chevrolet's long relationship with team founder Dale Earnhardt. The Chevrolet deal is not contingent on Earnhardt Jr. remaining at DEI, Story said. Yates said his team would remain Ford. Story said that talks with Yates could continue even if DEI remains with Chevrolet.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(4-29-2007)
    UPDATE 2: With Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. discussing a potential merger, how would that affect Yates-Roush Engines, which makes the motors that power all of the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup teams? RYR co-owner Doug Yates was adamant that his team will not switch to Chevrolet power no matter what, and Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith said he hopes any deal will build up the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup effort. “We’re aware that he’s marketing his teams,” Smith said of Robert Yates prior to Sunday’s Talladega race. “We have a joint engine business that’s affected by the number of customers that we have. We want to see the Ford number of teams remain at least at its current level for the benefit of the engine business and for the competitive benefit for Ford Motor Co.”(SPEEDtv.com)(4-30-2007)
    UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt, Inc., [DEI] will move to four Nextel Cup Series teams by 2009, be it through the acquisition of another team or the addition of a fourth team in-house, team executive John Story said Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. Story said DEI has been in discussions with Robert Yates Racing for four-to-six weeks about a partnership, but cautioned that those talks are preliminary and that no documentation has been exchanged between the teams. If DEI were to acquire Yates, one of the two teams would have to forsake its manufacturer. Yates, a Ford flagship team for nearly two decades, would move to Chevrolet; or DEI, whose founder, Dale Earnhardt, won seven championships in Chevrolets, would move to Ford. "The only proposal we have right now for a manufacturer next year is from Chevrolet," Story said. "Teresa [Earnhardt] has been tremendously loyal to Chevrolet for a lot of years. We've had some conversation with a couple other manufacturers. They've called to inquire what our contract situation was. We told them, in fairness, we are going to sit down and exhaust our options with Chevrolet first, and if the opportunity came up we'd talk to somebody else. We haven't seen anything in writing from anybody else." RYR president Doug Yates said they'd rather stay in Fords, and that Ford Racing officials see a DEI merger as a way to get Ford back to prominence in Nextel Cup. But he didn't rule out a manufacturer switch. How this impacts Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract negotiations isn't known, but Story said a deal with Ford and RYR isn't contingent on Earnhardt Jr. staying at DEI. Earnhardt Jr. wants controlling interest in DEI, but Chevrolet officials want to keep him.(ESPN.com)(4-30-2007)
    UPDATE 4 Toyota denies talks: Toyota’s Lee White says his company was not involved in any talks with DEI: “We have not had any conversations with Dale Earnhardt Jr. “There is a tremendous amount of both equity and liability involved with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet has such equity built into Dale Earnhardt Jr. and that particular race team - that equity is great for the bigger picture and the health of our sport. Right now Toyota is not ready to take on the liability that would come with that scenario.”(Winston Salem Journal)(4-30-2007)

  • Dark M&M's paint for Gilliland at Talladega: #38-David Gilliland welcomes the return of M&M’S Dark Chocolate Candies. In fact, Gilliland made his debut for Team #38 in the M&M’S Dark Ford last August at Michigan International Speedway. The special paint scheme features the same color purple featured on the packaging for M&M’S Dark Chocolate Candies as well as “Miss Green,” marking her first ‘on-track’ appearance of 2007. M&M’S Dark Chocolate Candies were permanently introduced last year after being made available for a limited time during 2005. M&M’S Dark Chocolate Candies are identified with the word “Dark” printed underneath the “m” on many of the dark chocolate candies in the bag. The candies boast a smooth and delicious dark chocolate center in the same Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange and Brown color candy shells.(M&M's Motorsports PR)(4-26-2007)

  • Yates and NFL Owner to team up? UPDATE denied: Robert Yates [team owner #38, #88] is reported to be looking at a possible deal with the NFL's New England Patriots, run by Robert Kraft. The Kraft family is considered one of the most powerful families in Boston, and Robert Kraft is listed by Forbes as worth $1.1 billion, putting him No. 698 in the world.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-16-2007)
    UPDATE: ESPN2's NASCAR Now's Angelique S. Chengelis reported on Tuesday show that she talked to the New England Patriots spokesman Stacy James who said there is no truth to the rumor and news to Bob Kraft.(4-18-2007)

  • Yates also looking for a financial partner: Add Robert Yates Racing to the ever-expanding list of Nextel Cup Series owners actively courting investment partners. RYR president Doug Yates said Saturday that he and his father have been pursing investors for six months. They've gotten some inquiries but nothing solid, Yates said. Among those investors with which Yates has spoken are the Maloof brothers, owners of the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise and the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. "We talked to them last year," Yates said. "Nice group of guys. Nice family. But they felt like, at the time, they were focused on their business. They have a lot of businesses, so that's a name that's come around. But there are a lot of people out there interested. We know how popular the sport is and people from the outside can look and see, 'Hey, this has some value.'" Yates said the most viable method for Nextel Cup teams to hold value is franchising, and feels it's time NASCAR implemented a franchise system. "At some point, I think NASCAR has got to start looking at franchises, and making these teams worth something," Yates said. "Right now it's a shame -- [a team] goes from something to nothing really quick. It's not really fair to the people who have helped grow the sport." Richard Childress was the first owner to sell a stake of his team to an investment group, and the performance of his team has improved tremendously since. Next up was Jack Roush, who made a high-profile sale of 50 percent his team to Boston Red Sox owner John Henry's Fenway Sports Group. Ray Evernham is searching for an investment partner and Petty said Friday at Martinsville Speedway that Petty Enterprises is, too.(ESPN.com)(3-31-2007)

  • Yates still sees challenges in Unleaded Fuel usage: Doug Yates [#38, #88 Roberts Yates Racing Fords] has had a chance to pull apart and examine the engines from the first two races in the unleaded era, and he sees some challenges ahead. In fact, Yates said, his engines came within, say, 10 laps of wholesale failure in unleaded's debut at California. "We came back from Fontana and every engine we had was almost broken," said Yates, chief of Roush-Yates Engines, which produces all motors for Ford's NASCAR fleet. "Some were broken and just didn't fail on the track. The 21 car [Ken Schrader/Wood Brothers] broke. #99-Carl Edwards's engine was broken and he didn't even know it. It must have broken coming to the checkered flag or on the way to the garage. "I've talked to the other engine builders in the garage, and they say this is a way bigger challenge than we all thought it was going to be." NASCAR has used unleaded gas in the Craftsman Truck and Busch Series for a few years [actually started in 2006]. It decreed last year that unleaded would become the mandate beginning at California this year. The California and Las Vegas races were the laboratories. Yates said he saw few problems with valves and valve seats, which had been thought to be most vulnerable with the new fuel. Lead has lubricating properties, and unleaded fuel deprives the engine of much of that inherent lubricity. But it goes much deeper than that. "What people don't understand is anything you change in these engines is a big deal," Yates explained. "I'm getting tired of hearing people on TV saying, 'Oh, it's just unleaded fuel.' It's a very hard change for the engine guys. The initial thing was valves and valve seats; that continues to be a problem. But what people don't understand is they reduced the octane from 112 to 98. Whenever you reduce octane, the fuel burns faster, so now you're microwelding rings, breaking pistons, having [fuel] distribution issues. It used to be when you lowered the octane, you lowered the compression. Well, obviously in racing, you're not going to lower the compression, so the tuning of the engine is probably the toughest thing." Doug, son of legendary team owner Robert Yates, studied engineering at North Carolina State, and he admits the change to unleaded has been a major mental puzzle. "I should have gone for my master's," he said with a smile.(source: Ford Racing site)(3-18-2007)

  • Shrek scheme for Gilliland: #38-David Gilliland is scheduled to run a M&M's/Shrek paint scheme in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May, see an image of the scheme on my #38 Team Schemes page.(2-12-2007)

  • Gilliland wins the pole for the Daytona 500: #38-David Gilliland won the Budweiser Pole for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 186.320mph for his 2nd career pole and first pole at Daytona. Gilliland's teammate, #88-Ricky Rudd will start 2nd, on the outside pole. The rest of the top-five are #40-David Stremme, #42-Juan Montoya and #6-David Ragan, but only the top two drivers are guaranteed their spots after qualifying Sunday. Three drivers not in the top-35 owners points [from 2006] are guaranteed to make the Daytona 500: #60-Boris Said, #14-Sterling Marlin and #70 Johnny Sauter. Plus #44-Dale Jarrett is in the race for sure as he is first on the list to use the past champion provisional. #00-David Reutimann was the fastest Toyota, 15th fastest. See the qualifying results on my Daytona Starting Lineup Qualifying/Grid Page.(2-11-2007)

  • Yates to turn over Cup team to son Doug in 2008: Robert Yates [owner of #38 & #88 teams in Cup] plans to turn over the running of his Nextel Cup organization to his son, Doug, after this season. This will be Yates' 40th season in the industry since beginning with Holman-Moody in 1967. "We're giving it a shot so this year I can quit while I'm ahead," Yates said on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. "Hopefully, I can quit and get in the rocking chair and watch Doug do what he's going to do for the next 20 years." Yates added that Jack Roush's decision to sell 50% of Roush Racing to John Henry and Fenway Sports Group in Boston -- an official announcement will be made Wednesday -- will only strengthen the engine program he shares with Roush. Yates said he will own 50% of the engine program, with Roush and Fenway Sports Group getting 25% each.(ESPN.com)(2-11-2007)

  • Rudd helps out Gilliland at Daytona testing: #88-Ricky Rudd was a surprise visitor to Daytona International Speedway, today. He ran last week’s NASCAR test with Robert Yates Racing, then returned to help teammate #38-David Gilliland learn his way around the 2.5-mile track. Rudd, a 23-time Cup winner, is back for his second stint with RYR after sitting out last season. He and Gilliland took turns in Gilliland’s #38 M&Ms Ford Fusion, each running a few laps before huddling over computers to compare notes and analyze data. It was a classic case of a graying veteran with 108 combined DIS starts helping a newbie whose next speedway start will be his first. “I’m here to offer help and advice, but mostly to give drafting help,” Rudd said. “The 500 will be his first start here, and drafting’s awfully important. David won the pole last fall at Talladega, so he can get around big tracks. But Daytona changes so much during runs. He’s got to decide if he wants the car a little snug or a little loose, and I think I can help with that.” Rudd, who turned 50 years old last fall, is impressed by his 30-year-old teammate. “He’s going to be awfully good,’’ he said of Gilliland. “Some people might think Robert took a chance because David’s gotten in some wrecks and all. But he’s fast, and I’d rather have someone who’s fast. You can always calm them down, but you can’t always make them fast.” Rudd has already helped smooth Gilliland’s learning curve. Specifically, he showed his teammate that, yes, DIS is bumpy and, no, it’s not just you and, yes, this line is better than that one. “You can tell in a rental car that the track’s bumpy,’’ Gilliland said, “but never having raced here, I didn’t know if it was me or our car or the lines I was taking. Ricky drove my car for a while, then came back and said, ‘No, the car definitely needs to go over the bumps better.’ That’s something I wouldn’t have known without him being here. “As a guy coming here for the first time, there’s nothing I’d rather have more than a teammate with that many starts. He’s already helped me a lot, and I look forward to working with him everywhere we go. He’s been there for any questions, so I’ll lean on him as much as I can. All the little suggestions he’s made will add up to a lot.’’(Ford Racing)(1-17-2007)

  • No Crew Changes at the #48, but new spotter UPDATE: hearing that the #48 Lowe's / Hendrick Motorsports Chevy team and driver Jimmie Johnson expect no changes to the over-the-wall championship team when Nextel Cup testing begins next week in Daytona with the exception of spotter Earl Barban who is no longer with the team [no idea what team he is going to]. Crew Chief Chad Knuas is reviewing resumes for a new spotter.(1-4-2007)
    UPDATE: hearing Barban will be #38-David Gilliland's spotter in 2007.(1-5-2007)

    Past 2006 News

  • Rudd/Gilliland tested for RYR? been told that David Gilliland and Ricky Rudd tested the COT [Car of Tomorrow] last week at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Greenville, SC for Robert Yates Racing. Gilliland is, of course, the driver of RYR's #38 M&M's Ford and Rudd is being heavily rumored to be taking over the #88 Ford [Snickers? renumbered to #28?] in 2007.(12-21-2006)

  • Associate sponsors for Yates: freecreditreport.com and McDonald's, Team Rensi's Busch sponsors, will be on Robert Yates Racing's Nextel Cup #38 and #88 cars as associates sponsors in 2007.(SceneDaily.com)(11-19-2006)

  • Yates doing better: Robert Yates was back in the Nextel Cup garage at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, a weekend after health concerns kept him home from the Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta. Instead of being at the track, Yates made a pair of hospital visits back in North Carolina, being treated for stress. "I don't think I stress, but other people think I do," Yates said Saturday. "Some medication fixed me up, I just needed some help last week. I had a little similar deal about a year-and-a-half ago. Really the same thing and the same [medication] cured it. Maybe I learned and won't let it get back in that situation. I feel good now, but I had a couple of rough days." After his first trip to the hospital, Yates doesn't even remember leaving to return home. That experience really caught his attention. "I went back as soon as I woke up - I didn't want to die at home, so I went back," Yates said. "I drove to the hospital twice and they kept sending me home. But then when I got back the second time, I had a hard time getting out. I had to go find the doctors [via phone] at the soccer field somewhere to get out of there on Saturday. But I feel good now. I was planning on going to Atlanta; I wanted to go because I felt like our cars were going to run good, and they did. But I had to take care of my system and I think I've got that straightened out."(SceneDaily.com)(11-6-2006)

  • Combo's for Gilliland: #38-David Gilliland will have the Combo's paint scheme on the #38 Ford at Texas Motor Speedway, the scheme has run a couple other races this season, see images of the scheme on my #38 Team Schemes page.(11-3-2006)

  • Biffle to RYR? There’s talk that Roush Racing and Robert Yates Racing might create a new team for Greg Biffle. The team would be Robert Yates’ third and would reduce to four the number of full-schedule Cup teams owned by Jack Roush.(Ford Racing)(10-14-2006)

  • Ford to help out RYR: Ford director of racing technology Dan Davis said Friday that his company will do everything possible to help Robert Yates Racing regain its competitive footing after two woeful seasons that included the defections of drivers Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett. That help will include, he said, finding a sponsor to assure that the #88 Ford will return even though Jarrett took the powerful UPS account with him to Michael Waltrip Racing. "I've told Robert, 'I will do anything in my power to develop whatever you need,' " he said. "It's a struggle for him at the moment." Davis said there was nothing Ford could do about some defections, such as Mark Martin, when owners such as Bobby Ginn are willing to pay an enormous salary for a part-time driver. Martin will contest 20 points races for MB2 Motorsports next year. "It's all about compensation," Davis said. "I'm saying maybe that's happened to one of my friends. Eventually everyone looks at this and says, 'Damn, this is really quite an offer. And you know what? I really have a lot of loyalty and I have a lot of this and I have a lot of friends and I owe my career to somebody and I'm torn on this because of that, but damn. Damn.' And I think we get to that point when you have new manufacturers in the mix. You have new owners in the mix, you have new sponsors in the mix that are willing to upset the norm in terms of compensation." Davis confirmed driver/owner Robby Gordon will switch from Chevrolet to Ford for next season. "He's excited about coming in because he knows the motor program is really good," Davis said. "The chassis are really good, the bodies are really good. He can concentrate on race craft and getting the team working well."(St Petersburg Times)(10-14-2006)

  • M&M's teams up with Sam's Club on the #38 at LMS: The M&M’S #38 Ford Fusion will sport a special paint scheme this weekend promoting its partnership with Sam's Club, one of the nation’s largest warehouse chains, in Saturday’s Bank of America 400. Joining Sam's Club in its Nextel Cup Series debut is M&M’S driver David Gilliland, who will make his first career start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “Saturday’s race marks our first involvement in NASCAR and we are very proud to be partnered with the M&M’S Team,” said Mark Goodman, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Membership and E-commerce for Sam's Club. “We all look forward to watching the M&M’S/Sam's Club Ford under the lights in Charlotte as well as having David visit our Kannapolis, N.C. Club to meet our members as we get ready for a great weekend of racing.”(Elevation Group PR)(10-12-2006)

  • Congrats: Derek and Kristi Jones welcome Lauren Nicole Jones, born Sept. 25th at 7:01 p.m. Kristi is the Licensing/Marketing Director for Robert Yates Racing and Derek is the Team Engineer for the #38 M&M'S team driven by David Gilliland.(10-7-2006)

  • RYR one car team in 2007? UPDATE Nope..looks like Martin Robert Yates Racing co-owner Doug Yates told reporters in Richmond, Va., his team could shrink from two cars to one if sponsorship isn't found for its #88 [currently driven by Dale Jarrett with UPS as the sponsor](USA Today sidebar)(9-15-2006)
    UPDATE: Despite recent dire predictions that he may have to shutter his #88 Ford team next year for lack of a sponsor, car owner Robert Yates told SPEEDTV.com on Saturday that he’s close to inking a deal for next season — and he hopes the driver of the #88 in 2007 will be Mark Martin. “From my side, we’re getting pretty optimistic,” Yates said following “Happy Hour” practice for the Sylvania 300 NASCAR Nextel Cup race at New Hampshire International Speedway. “We’re given and getting some good (sponsor) opportunities … I think it’s going to happen, and I’m anxious and I’m happy that we’re getting the cars better. … I think it’s all going to end up on the positive. I think I may have a job for a while longer.” Last week at Richmond, Yates said he might have to close the #88 team down next year, because he didn’t have a sponsor, but events of the last few days have changed his mind about 2007. Asked if things had changed in the last week, Yates said, “Big time,” adding, “I turned upbeat this week.” Asked how close he was to a sponsor deal, Yates said, “It could happen this week. The sooner, the better, but I want to make sure we get our cars right. We’re gaining on that quite a bit. It needs to happen. Right now, I’m very optimistic that we’ll be in good shape and good to go for another season.” The team owner said he wanted a veteran driver and that could mean Mark Martin, who Yates’s son, Doug, has talked to about moving over from Roush Racing. “I know Doug has talked to him … he’s interested,” said Yates. “That’s the feedback I get. I haven’t talked one on one with him.” Martin said Friday he hadn’t talked to Yates but left the door open for options outside of Roush next year.(Speedtv.com)(9-16-2006)

  • Gilliland to run #25 Busch car in 2007? hearing that David Gilliland, driver of the #38 M&M's Ford of Robert Yates Racing, will drive either a part or full-time 2007 Busch Series schedule in the #25 Team Rensi Ford. The team recently announced that current driver Aston Lewis would not return in 2007 and it supposedly the team is looking for a sponsor. The team is currently sponsored by the US Marines.(9-6-2006)

  • More on the rumored RYR/RGM buyout/merger RUMOR: [see the original rumor below] While Doug Yates spent the week denying a report that his Robert Yates Racing organization had been sold, he's not ruling out allowing someone to merge with his company to help it expand. Robby Gordon Motorsports officials have not denied that their company is speaking with RYR, among others, about forming some sort of partnership for the future. As a single-car operation, Gordon's team is at a disadvantage in the Nextel Cup garage. RYR team co-owner Doug Yates said that no deal had been made or would be made to sell his team, he paused noticeably when asked to clarify as to whether there was the possibility that a portion of his organizaion could merge with another. Asked to specify whether he could rule out selling part of his program, Yates defined how difficult the situation is for a two-car team trying to compete with larger programs. If, and Yates heavily emphasized the if, he did alter the structure of his team, the plan would be to expand immediately.(in part from SceneDaily.com)
    AND more from Ford Racing PR at the Yates/Gilliland quotes: DOUG YATES, continued - IS YOUR TEAM CONSIDERING ALIGNING WITH SOMEONE? IS THAT WHAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE TO COMPETE? "There's no doubt that you have to grow to be to that level. NASCAR set the limit at four times, that's what was out there and if you're going to compete, you've need the resources of four teams. I think we all agree on that. How you get there is things we've been kicking around. It's tough to grow, it's tough to find great sponsors like M&M's. They're just not around every corner, so how do you do that? We've been exploring opportunities and that's some of the things that are swirling. Robby's [Gordon] not buying our whole place [never reported that here], I want to put that to rest. Man, you guys caused us a lot of pain, I'll tell you that. That Jayski guy is killing me. I want to tell you something: If you guys weren't talking about us, I'd really be worried. Because the reason you guys are talking about us is because you expect more of us, and I appreciate that. And we are determined to get back to where you can say some good things about us when we get there."
    YOU MENTIONED ROBBY'S NOT BUYING "THE WHOLE THING." IS THERE A SENSE THAT THERE MIGHT BE A PART OF IT THERE? "We're looking for opportunities to grow our business. We have to make smart decisions for the future. My dad is at the point in his career where if he's making every decision of every day he wants to pass the torch off. And I've got a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders. Sometimes you need some energy to help you get there. So, we're going to see how things shape up and make the best decision for our organization, our people, to get a chance to get our cars in victory lane. That is the goal. How you get there, those are tough decisions. But the goal is to get our organization back where we can win the Brickyard, we can win the Daytona 500, we can have four teams that are competing at a very high level every week. That's a tough 'how to we get there?' And that's what we're looking for."(Ford Racing PR)(8-19-2006)

  • M&M’S Chocolate Candies Names Gilliland Driver Of The #38: Masterfoods USA announced Friday that David Gilliland will be the new driver for its M&M’S Chocolate Candies sponsored entry in the Nextel Cup series effective immediately. Gilliland will be behind the wheel of the M&M’S #38 Ford for the remainder of the 2006 season and will compete full-time on the Nextel Cup circuit beginning in 2007, the first year of a three year agreement between the driver and Yates Racing. Todd Parrott returns as crew chief of the #38 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. “We are proud to announce David as the driver for M&M’S Chocolate Candies,” said William Clements, director of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing for Masterfoods USA. “NASCAR fans, like M&M’S consumers, are extremely loyal and passionate and we are excited to continue our partnership with the Yates family. Our 39,000 associates worldwide welcome David to the Mars, Incorporated family and look forward to seeing him behind the wheel of our colorful M&M’S Ford.”
    Gilliland, a native of Southern California, began his racing career on the West Coast stock car circuit as mechanic and crew chief for his father Butch, a championship driver in the NASCAR Winston West Series. Behind the wheel, Gilliland posted numerous wins in the NASCAR Southwest Tour, the Grand National West Series and the Toyota All-Star Showdown. This season he scored his first NASCAR Busch Series victory at Kentucky Speedway.
    "To sign on as the new driver of the M&M’S Ford and to join forces with a championship winning organization is a dream come true,” said Gilliland. “My goal has been to partner with a winning team in NASCAR’s top division, but to drive one of the most colorful and most recognized cars in the sport is just amazing. I have to thank Doug Yates and all the associates at M&M’S for this opportunity and we all look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
    “It’s great to welcome David to our organization,” said Doug Yates, who will be listed as the team owner of the #38 beginning in 2007. “His track record is impressive and with his drive and dedication, he’s a great fit for the M&M’S Team. We are also excited to have Todd Parrott return as the leader of the #38 Team. We believe his knowledge partnered with David’s ability is the right combination to return our team to the front of the field.”
    Parrott joined Robert Yates Racing in 1995, serving as crew chief for driver Ernie Irvan, before joining forces with Dale Jarrett the following season. Over the past decade, Parrott has scored nearly 30 wins as a head wrench for RYR with multiple victories in the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. He also led the organization to its first series championship in 1999 with Jarrett behind the wheel. “To come back to RYR is a very special opportunity for me,” said Parrott. “This has been my home and it’s an organization I helped to build. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with David. I believe we have a lot of great moments ahead of us and I look forward to putting the M&M’S Ford back into victory lane.”(Elevation Group PR)(8-18-2006)

  • Sadler out at RYR as of Monday? Gilliland in at MIS? UPDATE 2: Elliott Sadler cleaned out his locker Monday at Robert Yates Racing, clearing the way for David Gilliland to take over the #38 M&M's Ford. Gilliland, 30, will make his second Nextel Cup start, his first for RYR, Sunday in the GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Gilliland's name has been painted on the #38 M&M's Ford Fusion, and all signs point to a formal announcement within days. Gilliland will be in the car as early as Tuesday for testing at Kentucky Speedway. Sadler most likely will be released from his contract with RYR this week, and he is expected to take over the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge at Evernham Motorsports, which became open when Jeremy Mayfield was released last week.(Sporting News/Greg Engle), Todd Parrott is expected to take over #38 crew chief duties at MIS. An announcement was expected on Monday, August 14th, but it didn't happen.
    UPDATE: David Gilliland returned to the site of his nationally-recognized June 18 "Meijer 300 Presented by Oreo" Busch Series victory today when he tested the #38 Robert Yates Racing Nextel Cup Series Ford at Kentucky Speedway. The 30-year-old said he is close to having the chance to try to duplicate that success in the Nextel Cup version of the car if he signs a full-time deal to fill the seat rumored to have been recently vacated by veteran Elliott Sadler. "We're getting closer. I believe I'm going to finish off the year in the car and I'm real excited," Gilliland said. "It's just a great opportunity. After we won the Busch race here, it opened up a ton of doors. (Owners) Robert and Doug (Yates) have been great and everyone at M&M's is willing to give me an opportunity. Hopefully, we can take full advantage. It definitely happened faster than a lot of people thought it would. We worked hard to get here and feel I deserve to be here." Gilliland put the #38 through its paces under the watchful eye of new, yet familiar, veteran Crew Chief Todd Parrott. He formerly served as crew chief for the #88 Robert Yates Racing car [and also the #38 with Sadler] and returned to the team this week following a 22-race stint with Petty Enterprises and the #43 car of Bobby Labonte. "Today has been awesome," Gilliland said. "Todd is a winner and has a lot of experience in the Nextel Cup Series. That's what we're going to need. We want to do everything we can to cut our learning curve and get to the front as soon as possible."(Kentucky Speedway PR)(8-15-2006)
    UPDATE 2: no announcement yet from RYR, but with Sadler officially being named to the #19 Dodge on Wednesday, plus Gilliland being added to nascar.com's entry list, looks like Gilliland will be in the car this weekend at MIS.
    AND on Friday morning [August 18th] at Michigan International Speedway "M&M’S Chocolate Candies To Announce Future NASCAR Plans".(8-17-2006)

  • Sadler to the #19 at MIS OFFICIAL: Elliott Sadler will take over the #19 Dodge at Evernham Motorsports beginning with this weekend's race at Michigan International Speedway, a team official confirmed to The Associated Press. Sadler secured an early release from Robert Yates Racing late Tuesday evening, clearing the way for him to replace Jeremy Mayfield beginning Sunday, according an Evernham official who spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not yet been made.(Associated Press), plus there is a scheduled announcement by Evernham Motorsports for a brief update from Ray Evernham and the new driver of the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger today at 11:30am/et.
    OFFICIAL: Evernham Motorsports announced today that it has named Elliott Sadler to drive the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger beginning this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Sadler, who had his first win at Bristol in 2001, has three career wins, seven poles and 16 top fives in 271 starts, brings his hard-charging driving style, fun-loving personality and broad fan appeal to Evernham’s three-car NASCAR Nextel Cup program. He joins Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger and Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger. The 31-year-old native of Emporia, VA, will start his career at Evernham Motorsports this weekend in the backyard of his new primary sponsors – Dodge and the Dodge Dealers. While the terms of his relationship with Evernham Motorsports were not announced, he does have a long term commitment to the program.
    “It’s truly an honor to drive for Dodge and Ray Evernham and to be a part of this team,” said Sadler. “I admired Ray as a crew chief and now as a team owner and business leader. His operation is impressive. When you look at the engineering resources, the talented guys on the team, the marketing programs, the facilities and the way he and his directors run things, you can tell that this is a powerhouse organization that is focused on winning races and championships. I look forward to providing some of those wins and hopefully competing with Kasey and Scott for the championship next year.”
    Sadler is also excited about his new relationship with Dodge. “My family’s business has a Dodge dealership in Franklin, VA, so it will great to represent Dodge and all the dealers across the country,” he added. “They have some amazing cars and trucks, and I’ll be trading in my current truck for a Ram SRT-10 right away.” Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, said Sadler brings the right chemistry, personality and driving skills to round out his stable of NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers. “So much of the success of a team depends on having the right blend of chemistry and communications,” said Evernham. “Elliott will be a great fit with our team right away and will bring the competitive drive and the ability to communicate with the team what the Dodge Charger needs to perform at its best. I think he’s the key that will place this team firmly on the path to success.” Sadler will get his first experience in a Dodge Charger on Wednesday when his team goes to Kentucky Speedway to test. “We’re looking forward to having Elliott join the Dodge family,” said Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge SRT and motorsports product planning and marketing. “He’s got great star power, he’s a talented driver and has excellent potential to be a champion. He’s a perfect fit for the Dodge brand.”(Clear!Blue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(8-16-2006)

  • Robby buying RYR? UPDATE Denied: The LTN Radio Network has learned that Robby Gordon has purchased Robert Yates Racing, #88 and #38 Cup teams and #90 Busch Series team to be effective this week. The Yates-Roush engine program is not included in the sale. No word on the status of the contracts between RYR and sponsors M&M/Mars and Citifinancial, and how they will be affected by the sale.(LTN Radio Network), if this is true...
    UPDATE: a representative from Robert Yates Racing says this is NOT True and will not happen, denying that Yates is selling to Robby Gordon.
    UPDATE 2: A report that Robby Gordon Motorsports [RGM] has purchased Robert Yates Racing's Cup and Busch Series teams was denied by officials with RGM Tuesday. But, John Story, CEO of Robby Gordon Motorsports, said the two teams have spoken about a possible merger of some sort. "As Robby stated several months ago, we have talked to a number of people both in and out of NASCAR about expanding, with the ultimate goal of fielding a championship-caliber team," Story said. "To be competitive in NASCAR's Cup series today, you've got to have multiple teams. So, yes, we've spoken [to RYR officials], but we've spoken with other people also. "That any sort of deal has been completed between the two teams is completely erroneous." According to the Internet story posted by the LTN Radio Network, the purchase of RYR by Robby Gordon Motorsports would be "effective this week." Story said the need to expand to multiple teams has led to discussions with a number of organizations currently competing in the series, including Hall of Fame Racing and PPI Motorsports among others. "Not surprisingly, a number of teams have contacted us as well," Story said. "But you can't just take two single-car teams and put them together and say you are now a multicar team. It's just not that easy. There are a number of issues that come into play." Those issues, he said, include concerns such as shop space, manufacturer representation, sponsorships and driver selection. "If you make a move like that," he said, "you have to make sure you're in lock step with one another. If anything changes, you have to agree on what the new path will look like."(SceneDaily.com)
    UPDATE 3 from RGM: "The rumor that we have consummated a deal to purchase Robert Yates Racing is just that, a rumor. As we publicly stated several months ago, we have spoken to a number of organizations about the idea of aligning resources with the goal of creating a championship-caliber program. In today's NASCAR, great people and multiple teams are two of the requirements needed to win a championship and there are really only two ways for us to get there. The first is to find additional marketing partners for a second, third and fourth car, and the other is to align with another team that is interested in the same opportunities. For months we have been talking to multiple sponsors and teams, and while one of those teams is Robert Yates Racing, we have not purchased Robert's program."(John Story, General Manager and CEO, Robby Gordon Motorsports)(8-15-2006)

  • More news on Mayfield: It has been reported that Jeremy Mayfield (released by Ray Evernham Friday) might be in the #38 Robert Yates Racing Ford beginning this week at Michigan. Mayfield certainly seems to be available. However, it appears David Gilliland, who has been working his way through the junior NASCAR ranks, is going to be the choice come next season for Yates and it has also been reported he could step into the car immediately with Elliott Sadler, already reportedly hired by Evernham for the #19 car next season, starting his new job next week [at MIS]. Some have said that Gilliland, who has not been approved for superspeedways including Talladega coming Oct. 8 during The Chase, might want to protect his rookie status for next year. Some in the know have said it’s not his decision but it’s up to Yates as to whether he wants the new kid to run for rookie honors in 2007. Meanwhile, there’s also was the suit filed by Mayfield to try to keep his ride with Evernham. That has allegedly gone through a negotiation and settlement phase and the settlement was reportedly scheduled to be presented to the judge in court in Statesville, N.C., Monday.(Ford Racing)(8-15-2006)

  • Gilliland in the #38 at Michigan or is it Mayfield...as fill in?: Busch series driver David Gilliland will replace Elliott Sadler as the driver of the #38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing, beginning next Sunday in the GFS Marketplace 400 in Brooklyn, Mich., ESPN's Mike Massaro reports. Sadler previously announced he was leaving Yates at the end of the season. Sadler has signed with Evernham Motorsports, which on Friday fired driver Jeremy Mayfield. This weekend, driver Bill Elliott is replacing Mayfield in Watkins Glen. Earlier this year, Gilliland became the first non-Nextel Cup driver to win a Busch Series race this season.(ESPN.com)
    OR As David Gilliland contemplates his immediate future with Robert Yates Racing -- namely whether or not to lose his rookie status in 2007 by taking a Nextel Cup ride now -- sources close to RYR told NASCAR.com the organization is also in discussion with Jeremy Mayfield about a potential fill-in role in the #38 Ford. Mayfield, released by Evernham Motorsports earlier this week, would only be a temporary fill-in for Yates, and would not sign a multi-year deal. Sources said Gilliland is expected to man the #38 Ford for the final 12 races, but his participation in the fall race at Talladega remains in doubt. He has not yet been approved for racing on NASCAR's superspeedways. Mayfield's termination from Evernham Motorsports earlier this week opens the seat of the #19 Dodge for the current driver of the #38 Ford, Elliott Sadler. Sadler may be in the #19 before season's end, depending largely on the resolutions of various contractual agreements, sources said.(NASCAR.com)(8-13-2006)

  • Todd Parrott Returns to RYR; Steadman to Crew Chief the #43 UPDATE:: Petty Enterprises and Robert Yates Racing jointly announce crew chief Todd Parrott will return to Robert Yates Racing. Greg Steadman, on an interim basis, will take over the crew chief duties on the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driven by Bobby Labonte effective immediately. Parrott has years of experience at RYR and helped lead the organization to a championship with driver Dale Jarrett in 1999. Steadman is no stranger to the crew chief position. A long-standing employee of Petty Enterprises, Steadman is known as one of the top mechanical minds at the shop. Steadman will work hand-in-hand with Loomis, who will take a more active role on the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge.(Petty Enterprises PR)(8-9-2006)
    UPDATE: Parrott will take over the #38 M&M's Ford crew chief duties as of the Michigan race next weekend.(Speed Channel Qualifying Coverage/Larry McReynolds)(8-11-2006)

  • Gilliland signed? with Yates? #28? UPDATE 3 - Press Conference postponed: hearing Busch Series driver, David Gilliland has signed with Robert Yates Racing to run in Nextel Cup in 2007, no word if it is the #38, #88 or #90. Supposedly the announcement will come at Indy next week.(7-28-2006)
    UPDATE: All signs are indicating that former Chino Hills resident David Gilliland will drive a NASCAR Nextel Cup car for Robert Yates Racing next season. In addition to a morning Internet report that said Gilliland has signed a deal with Yates, industry sources said Gilliland and Yates will announce their partnership during the upcoming race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway confirmed a Yates news conference scheduled for 1:15pm local time on Friday, Aug. 4. Gilliland did not return a phone call today, but said Thursday, ``We're getting close on a few really good offers.'' Asked if something was likely to be done in the next week, Gilliland said, ``Yeah.'' A secretary at RYR said team owner Robert Yates and son Doug Yates were not in the team's race shop today, which marked the beginning of the final Cup off-weekend of the season. Yates spokeswoman Rhonda King said, ``We have nothing confirmed to announce at this time.'' Sources said Gilliland is likely headed to the #38 M&M's car being vacated by Elliott Sadler at the end of the season. Gilliland attended the Nextel Cup race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday and ``showed up for an interview on Speed (Channel) while eating a bag of M&M's and proclaiming they were his favorite candy,'' according to a report by the network's Tom Jensen.(San Bernardino County Sun)(7-29-2006)
    UPDATE 2: hearing the #28 could return to RYR with Gilliland driving and M&M's sponsoring, the 2006 #38 owners points going to the #28 [first 5 races of 2007],(7-31-2006)
    UPDATE 3 Postpones Press Conference: been told the Robert Yates Racing Press Conference at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been canceled for this weekend, it was scheduled for this afternoon around 1:00pm/et, supposedly to announced David Gilliland as a new driver for one on RYR Cup teams, no word why it was canceled. Confimed from sources at the track that the press conference has been canceled and will end up being held later in August.
    UPDATE 3a: Despite postponing a Friday afternoon press conference in which Robert Yates Racing was expected to introduced David Gilliland as the driver of its #38 Ford for next season, nothing has changed with the team's plans to hire the driver. The announcement will come later this summer, once all the details of the contract can be finalized. "We're just trying to get all of our 'i's' dotted and 't's' crossed before we announce our new driver," co-owner Doug Yates said Friday. "I think everybody knows who it is. We just want to make sure everything's right. We're looking forward to our future. It's just the timing. We're trying to do a lot of things really fast, as everybody knows, and sometimes when you do that you just have to take your time and make sure you get it all right. There's no change in the direction for us. The timing just didn't work out for today."(SceneDaily.com)(8-4-2006)

  • Baldwin back to Davis Racing? yes...:Baldwin supposedly is headed back to Bill Davis Racing (nothing about Ward Burton) and Labbe is looking at options.
    UPDATE: Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today that Tommy Baldwin Jr. will join the organization serving as Competition Director for its Nextel Cup Series multi-car efforts, effective August 1, 2006. Baldwin returns to the team after having spent four seasons with the organization from 1999-2002. Included in Baldwin’s responsibilities as competition director will be overseeing Bill Davis Racing’s conversion to Toyota for the 2007 Nextel Cup season. Baldwin will work closely with leaders from Toyota Racing Development, Inc. (TRD) and Triad Racing Development, Inc. (a technical partner to TRD) to ensure a smooth transition and will also work with existing Bill Davis Racing crew chiefs to guarantee an efficient and effective transformation to Toyota.(BDR/NASCAR PR)(7-31-2006)
  • Crew Chiefs out at Yates?: UPDATE 4: Hearing that Robert Yates Racing has released crew chiefs Tommy Baldwin and Slugger Labbe.(7-30-2006)
    UPDATE:Baldwin supposedly is headed back to Bill Davis Racing (nothing about Ward Burton) and Labbe is looking at options.(7-31-2006)
    UPDATE 2: Robert Yates Racing told its organization on Monday that its two Nextel Cup crew chiefs, Tommy Baldwin and Slugger Labbe, would no longer be with the team, a source has told NASCAR.COM. Baldwin and Labbe were brought to RYR amid great fanfare by team manager Eddie D'Hondt, but D'Hondt was fired on May 23. With Baldwin and Labbe gone, RYR has experienced a complete turnover of its top personnel. Veteran crew chief Butch Hylton is rumored to be Jarrett's crew chief for this week's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.(NASCAR.com)(7-31-2006)
    UPDATE 3: Robert Yates Racing announced today that veteran crew chief Butch Hylton will assume crew chief duties for the #88 UPS Racing Team in an interim capacity beginning with this weekend’s All State 400 at the Brickyard. Hylton has been with Robert Yates Racing since the end of June and served as crew chief for development driver Stephen Leicht at Pocono Raceway two weeks ago.(RYR PR)(7-31-2006)
    UPDATE 4: Baldwin will be replaced by Charles "Cully" Barraclough as crew chief of the #38 team and Elliott Sadler. Baldwin's departure was by mutual decision as he left for an opportunity to become a team manager at another team, an RYR spokesman said. That team likely will be Bill Davis Racing, where Baldwin was crew chief from 1998 to 2002.(SceneDaily.com)(7-31-2006)

  • Gilliland to Yates? UPDATEs: David Gilliland, who has won one Busch Series race, said yesterday he has been contacted by several teams for next year. The Charlotte Observer reported that one of those teams was Robert Yates Racing, reporting that Yates had extended Gilliland an offer to replace Emporia native Elliott Sadler in the #38. Gilliland wrecked out of the Goody's 250 on Lap 163. Shortly after Gilliland emerged from the team's hauler, Jack Roush pulled him aside for a short conversation. Gilliland didn't mention specifics yesterday but said his goal hasn't changed. "We've got a lot of options. I got a lot of phone calls," Gilliland said. "I want to race full time next year."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-23-2006)
    UPDATE: Forgive David Gilliland if he's a bit overwhelmed by the sudden rush of calls to his cel lphone from top NASCAR team owners like Richard Childress, Robert Yates and Jack Roush. "We've got some pretty good opportunities and we're going to take our time in trying to make the right decision," Gilliland said yesterday of his unexpected headline status in the stock- car rumor mill. "I've talked to probably 10 teams, and we're just weighing our options. It's hard to pass up an opportunity because you might not get another one. I've talked with Richard Childress a lot, and his operation is on top of the game right now, and it's hard to pass up a deal like that. But I haven't signed anything with anyone." Mike Dillon, Childress' director of team operations, said his team wants to sign Gilliland to a Busch-Nextel Cup package that would include all the Busch events in 2007, plus a couple of Nextel Cup events. "He has to make a decision on his future, and we've got to make decisions, too," Dillion said. Yates is apparently offering an even bigger deal - a full Nextel Cup ride. Gilliland said he's bounced his options off his father, Butch Gilliland, a veteran Winston West racer, for advice. "And I just talked with Kenny Wallace, and he gave me some really good advice. He's been around the sport a long time and seen people move up too fast or not fast enough. I'm not 20, so we might not get another opportunity. But at the same time you don't want to move too fast. How do you know if you're ready until you try it?"(Winston Salem Journal)
    UPDATE 2: David Gilliland, who shocked the NASCAR world when he won a Busch Series race at Kentucky Speedway last month in an unsponsored, part-time car, has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Elliott Sadler in the #38 Robert Yates Racing Ford next year. Gilliland was at Pocono Raceway Sunday where he reportedly met with representatives from sponsor M&M Mars. While he did not confirm he would drive for the team next year, Gilliland showed up for an interview on SPEED while eating a bag of M&Ms and proclaiming that they were his favorite candy.(Speed Channel)(7-24-2006)

  • Third team for RYR? [Robert] Yates said there's a "realistic" chance that RYR could go to three Cup teams next season if 44-year-old Ward Burton, who has been out of Cup the past two seasons, comes up with a sponsor. Citifinancial and M&M's, according to team officials, are looking for younger drivers such as Leicht, 19, and Gilliland, 30. "If Ward walked in with a sponsor today we'd say, 'Ward, you've got the ride,'" Yates said.(NASCAR.com)
    AND: The Yates crew is interested in Gilliland, sources tell Team Ford Racing, with veterans Ricky Rudd and Ward Burton as the team’s fallback position if they are unable to sign a young up-and-comer, Gilliland or someone else.(Speed Channel)(7-24-2006)

  • Sadler says he has multiple prospects: #38-Elliott Sadler said Friday his decision to leave Robert Yates Racing at the conclusion of the 2006 season came down to a difference of philosophy with team owner Robert Yates. "They're great, great people, and I've definitely enjoyed driving for those guys, but pretty much we have just come to differences of opinions on which way the sport is going," said Sadler, 20th in Cup points. "I couldn't really make myself buy into the system and which way I think the company is going. So we just decided to split ways and do something different." Sadler said he's entertaining multiple offers at this point. "There are a lot more seats open than there are drivers available, I think. That's what caught me off this week with some of the phone calls I got. I'm not in a hurry to try to make a decision. I have no timelines."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(7-22-2006)

  • Sadler to the #19? Mayfield to Toyota? UPDATE 6 Official - Sadler to leave: Elliott Sadler has until Saturday to tell Robert Yates whether he plans to drive the #38 M&M's Ford next year. With Dale Jarrett leaving at the end of the year, Yates might have to fill two seats. Two drivers reportedly on Yates' short list are Ward Burton and Stephen Leicht.(Orlando Sentinel)
    UPDATE 1: hearing Elliott Sadler, current driver of the #38 M&M's Ford for RYR, will go to he #19 Evernham Motorsports Dodge with current driver there, Jeremy Mayfield going to one of the three Toyota Teams, most likely Michael Waltrip Racing and the #00 car.
    AND Speed Channel's Bob Dillner on NASCAR Live, that rumor has Sadler going to the #19 and COULD be taking the M&M's sponsorship with him.
    UPDATE2 : #55-Michael Waltrip, who will graduate to team ownership with Toyota next year, says he has offered a job to driver #19-Jeremy Mayfield, who recently has expressed dissatisfaction with his current situation at Evernham Racing. "The ball's in his court," Waltrip told Speed Channel after his qualifying run Friday at New Hampshire, referring to Mayfield. "Hopefully it will all come together, and as soon as it does we'll let the world know." That, meanwhile, would open the seat in Evernham's #19 Dodge for Elliott Sadler, who apparently is looking for a way out of his deal with Robert Yates. Other reports say Sadler could take sponsor M&Ms with him to the #19, although that could not be confirmed. Robert Yates and Doug Yates were not at the track Friday, although Slugger Labbe, crew chief for Sadler teammate Dale Jarrett and the #88, hinted, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." Mayfield would complete the lineup for Waltrip's three-car Toyota stable. Waltrip will drive one of the cars, with NAPA sponsorship [#55]. He has hired Jarrett and landed sponsor UPS for the second car [#?], and Mayfield would drive the so-far-vacant third car [#00], to be backed by Domino's and Burger King. Mayfield had no comment on the reports. Sadler denied he had had any negotiations with Evernham, and he has a year left on his contract with Yates. He admitted he had had a long talk with Yates this week at the Indianapolis tests.(Speed Channel)(7-14-2006)
    UPDATE 3:Sadler denied that he's had discussions with Evernham or anybody from Evernham Motorsports about leaving Robert Yates Racing, but admitted there have been discussions with other teams.(NASCAR.com)
    AND Sadler insists his overriding commitment is winning for his team and sponsors. The latest speculation has Sadler taking the #19 Dodge of Evernham Motorsports when Jeremy Mayfield leaves to drive a Toyota for Michael Waltrip. At least one Internet site says Sadler must give Yates a “staying or going” statement this weekend. ”I don’t know about any deadline or date or anything like that,” Sadler said after qualifying 18th for Sunday afternoon’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300. “Robert and I talked at Indy [during a recent test]. Our conversation was that we’re not running as well as we’d like; he’s frustrated and I’m frustrated; what do we need to make it better; what direction do we take? We ran a Roush chassis at Chicago [qualified 29th, finished 32nd], but that didn’t seem to be the answer. That was pretty much our 45-minute conversation. So far as a deadline for deciding about next year: I don’t have one; I don’t think Robert has one; M&Ms doesn’t have one. I haven’t made up my mind what I’m going to do. This is the only uniform I’ve had on in four years, so I can see myself driving this 38 Ford again next year."(Ford Racing)(7-15-2006)
    UPDATE 4: Though he denies any contact with Ray Evernham, Elliott Sadler will drive the #19 Evernham Motorsports Dodge in 2007, multiple sources close to Robert Yates Racing have confirmed. Contrary to recent speculation, M&Ms, Sadler's current primary sponsor at Yates, will not accompany him to Evernham, those same sources say.(NASCAR.com)(7-18-2006)
    UPDATE 5: hearing Sadler let RYR know on Tuesday he would be leaving after the 2006 season, supposedly their is some talk of putting another driver [??] in the #38 M&M's Ford..as soon as this weekend at Pocono although that seems unlikely.(7-19-2006)
    OFFICIAL - UPDATE 6: Robert Yates Racing (RYR) announced today that driver Elliott Sadler has requested and been granted a release from his contract to take effect at the conclusion of the 2006 season. Yates has started searching for a driver to take over the No. 38 Ford Fusion for 2007. "We would like to thank Elliott for his commitment to our organization over the past four seasons and for all the success we've enjoyed together", said Robert Yates. "We are excited about the opportunity to find a new driver who will continue the successful run of the #38 Ford as we maintain our focus on the future of our organization."
    "Our objective this year is to finish the season on a strong note," said Doug Yates. "It is our goal to continue to build this team so we will be better positioned next season to contend for the championship."(RYR PR)(7-20-2006)

  • Roush helping RYR: Car owner Jack Roush is offering what help he can to revive Robert Yates Racing. #38-Elliott Sadler drove a chassis last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway that Yates purchased from Roush. Robert Yates Racing, a Ford team like Roush, has struggled this season with most of its woes on tracks 1.5 miles and longer. Sadler ran well in practice but struggled in the race and finished 29th. "I do have great empathy and sympathy for Robert [Yates] and Doug [Yates] and I wish them well,'' Roush said Friday at New Hampshire International Speedway. "I don't want to see them lose those sponsors and to lose their viability. That's not what I want.''(Roanoke Times)(7-15-2006)

  • Leicht to make Cup debut at Indy? UPDATE 2 at Pocono: hearing the RYR Busch Series driver Stephen Leicht, will attempt to make the Brickyard 400 at Indy in a third RYR Ford.(7-10-2006)
    UPDATE: Robert Yates Racing hopes to get development driver Stephen Leicht approved for the Allstate 400 next month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 19-year-old driver tested at the track Monday and will test again Wednesday in preparation for his possible Nextel Cup debut in the #90 RYR Ford.(SceneDaily.com)(7-11-2006)
    UPDATE 2 - Pocono: Robert Yates Racing development driver Stephen Leicht will attempt to make his Nextel Cup debut July 23 at Pocono Raceway. Leicht, who was sixth-fastest among drivers Wednesday during the Cup test session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said Friday that the plan is for him to run Pocono and then at the Brickyard in RYR's #90 Ford. Leicht has nine Busch Series starts with the best finish of 10th at Kentucky. He has driven in two restrictor-plate Busch Series races. The 19-year-old driver who won the 2005 ASA Late Model Series title is considered a candidate to compete in Nextel Cup next season for the Yates team. Either Raymond Fox III or Butch Hylton will serve as crew chief for the car, said Leicht, who has never raced at Pocono.(SceneDaily.com)(7-14-2006)

  • Robby to add a 2nd team? RYR alliance? Robby Gordon Motorsports will expand in 2007, possibly to a two-car operation in-house or by way of an alliance with an existing team. Among those on the radar: Robert Yates Racing. RGM and RYR executives said Saturday they're discussing the future with "a lot of people," and RGM CEO John Story confirmed that Yates is among the teams with which RGM has discussed a future partnership. Whether or not the union comes to fruition, though, is up in the air. "We've spoken to [Yates]," Story said. "We've talked to them, had some general discussions. But we're not yet ready. We've got to get everything on the table, lay it out and see what's best for us. RGM has a contract offer from General Motors for 2007, and regardless the chosen direction Gordon would maintain an ownership role. Story said RGM would prefer to add a second Nextel Cup Series team, and has ongoing discussions regarding the second program with several potential sponsors. "We have a lot going on as far as having a second car in our program," Story said. "That's the most exciting thing. That was the plan all along." Story said Gordon was not in consideration to drive the No. 88 vacated by 1999 Cup Series champ Dale Jarrett. "Robby will not drive the 88 car," Story said. "Robby will drive that 7 car until the end of his career. That much I know -- unless something changes that none of us are aware of." (in part from NASCAR.com/Marty Smith)(7-9-2006)

  • Yates and Rensi Form Alliance: Robert and Doug Yates announced today the formation of a Busch Series strategic alliance with Team Rensi Motorsports, a leading Busch Series racing team [#25, #35]. The strategic alliance will allow these two Ford supported NASCAR organizations to work together to enhance their Busch Series operations as well as partner on sponsorship and marketing for both organizations.(Team Rensi PR)(7-6-2006)

  • EA Taps EllIott Sadler as cover athlete for NASCAR 07: Electronic Arts announced that its EA SPORTS branded NASCAR videogame, NASCAR 07, will feature Nextel Cup Series driver Elliott Sadler on the cover. The longtime gamer has been heavily involved in all aspects of EA's NASCAR franchise since he joined the Cup ranks in 1999, including taking home the championship trophy from last years' EA SPORTS Drivers Gaming Competition in Bristol, TN, making him the perfect driver to showcase on the cover. "I'm thrilled that EA has chosen me as their cover athlete for the game this year," said Sadler, driver of the #38 M&M's Ford Fusion for Robert Yates Racing. "I've been a big fan of this game for a while now and play it as often as I can whether I'm on the road or at home."(PR)(7-1-2006)

  • Congrats: #38 crew chief Tommy Baldwin and wife Beth welcomed Lucas Graham Baldwin this morning at 8:30am/et, 8 lbs, 2.8 ounces. Both Mom and Baby are healthy and doing fine.(Robert Yates Racing)(6-23-2006)

  • Sadler to run special Pedigree scheme at Sonoma: Instead of the trusty M&M’S Characters riding along on Elliott Sadler’s #38 Ford, this weekend he has some new friends, man’s best friend that is on his Ford Fusion to spotlight The Pedigree Adoption Drive. This is the second annual drive that Pedigree has spearheaded, a multi-million dollar, cause-related campaign that rallies dog lovers to help the millions of homeless dogs in shelters and breeds rescue organizations throughout the United States. In fact, Pedigree has a goal to raise $1 million to donate to shelters and breed rescue organizations around the country. For every Pedigree Brand product purchased, Pedigree will donate a portion of sales to the cause.(Elevation Group PR)(6-22-2006)

  • Sadler looking to leave RYR? UPDATE Denied: Elliott Sadler has let it be known he isn't happy in the team's [Robert Yates Racing] #38 car and appears to be looking for a way out, especially after teammate #88-Dale Jarrett accepted a Toyota pension for 2007, with Michael Waltrip. Where exactly Sadler would go is a question, although everyone who is anyone is churning in Toyota's rumor mill right now.(Speed Channel)(6-17-2006)
    UPDATE: Car owner Robert Yates denied Internet reports that Elliott Sadler is unhappy and wants out of his contract to drive the #38 Ford that runs through 2008. "That's not what he's telling me," Yates said. "That's all I can really say. I guess the grandstand can start speculating anything. So far, he hasn't communicated that with me yet."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(6-19-2006)

  • Mega M&M's on the #38 at Pocono: Elliott Sadler is running a special scheme this weekend on his #38 Ford Fusion sporting a special Mega M&M'S paint scheme. Mega M&M'S, a new version of the iconic color-coated candies, are on average 55 percent bigger in size than original M&M'S® and come in six new hues that appeal to adults: maroon, teal, blue-gray, beige, gold and brown. With new Mega M&M'S, chocolate lovers now get more of what they love — more chocolate and more peanut in every bite.(M&M's Racing Site), see my #38 Team Schemes page for an image.(6-10-2006)

  • Martin and Yates? UPDATE denied: hearing Mark Martin, driver of the #6 AAA Ford for Roush Racing may buy or buy into Robert Yates Racing in some form, would it be a Roush satellite operation? Would it get around NASCAR's new ownership rules? Martin is already listed as the owner of the #17 Roush Racing Ford that Matt Kenseth drives and has been quoted that he has no interest in owing a Cup team.(6-5-2006)
    UPDATE: Mark Martin says he knows nothing about a recent Internet report that has him possibly buying Robert Yates Racing or buying into the organization. "I don't know where that came from," Martin said Friday at Pocono Raceway. "There hasn't been any discussions about it." Martin, who is running his last full-time season in Nextel Cup, says he currently has no interest in owning a Cup team outright. Martin owns an interest in the #17 Roush Racing team of Matt Kenseth. "I learned last year to never say 'never,' and I have said never would I own one of these teams," he said. "At the same time, would I think about it? I don't know. I can tell you this much, there has been no discussion and no thought from me at all. That is not on my radar screen. I'm really focused on the AAA car and trying to make this Chase and make a run for the championship and do a good job and meet all my obligations and have some fun with the fans. I'm not really worried about all that other stuff."(SceneDaily.com)(6-9-2006)

  • Sadler injured? is OK more: at the end of Speed Channel's Trackside show Friday, Jeff Hammond dove off the stage into the crowd, which caught Hammond [unlike the Penske crewman at the Nextel Challenge], Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 M&M's Ford for RYR, was also on the show, and before Hammond did his dive, he dared Sadler to join him, after Hammond's successful dive, Sadler attempted his dive and slipped, supposedly sustaining some sort of head injury. The camera's moved away for the scene, Steve Byrne's the host of the show, mention Sadler may had injured his head, closed up the show and they signed off. As of 8:55pm/et, have not heard any updates on if Sadler is injured and if he is, how serious. Anything I find out off official nature will be posted.
    UPDATE: John Roberts mentioned as Speed Channel's Tradin' Paint show that Sadler is fine after his mishap and will race on Sunday.
    MORE-PR: Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 Ford in the Nextel Cup Series, sustained only minor injuries on Friday evening after a fall from a stage in Uptown Charlotte during the taping of the television program “Trackside Live” broadcast on The Speed Channel. After rain showers earlier in the evening, Sadler slipped from the outdoor stage due to the wet surface bruising his left thigh. He sustained no other injuries as previously reported. Sadler was seen by an onsite medical team and left under his own power. He will compete in the scheduled NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events this weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Elevation Group PR)(5-26/27-2006)

  • Yates gets a Roush Chassis, to run Roush cars; 'big-name' driver ready to sign? The team [Robert Yates Racing] has been heavily involved with youngsters Matt McCall and Stephen Leicht, who have been running a combination of Busch and ARCA races in trying to get them ready for the Cup level. But with neither driver ready to step in to replace Jarrett, who will depart next year for Toyota, they both could end up elsewhere sooner rather than later. “Some of it was really the decision of mine is to try and get the two Cup teams right and have maybe one Busch team and get rid of the other stuff,” Robert Yates said. “Our great plans were to do all this stuff, but it wasn’t working, so we took all the energy and took it and relocated it. It’s all an effort to perform better. We are not going to run ARCA. We are going to focus on our two Cup deals and the #90 car (Busch). That will be shared between Elliott and both of our drivers. I’m working very hard to get full-time Busch work for both of the development drivers (Leicht and McCall) because they need to be running every week.” One immediate mechanical change is that the team has purchased its first Roush Racing chassis and will begin using Roush cars. They are also searching for a driver to replace Jarrett and, perhaps, a new sponsor if UPS moves on. Robert Yates hinted that he had a big-name driver ready to sign on the bottom line — if the team can improve its results.(Speed Channel)(5-27-2006)

  • Sadler good at Yates thru 2008 UPDATE: Though #38-Elliott Sadler’s name continues to be bandied about in the pool of Silly Season rumors, a Robert Yates Racing representative confirmed that Sadler is under contract with the team, through the end of the 2008 season.(Speed Channel)(5-22-2006)
    UPDATE: While saying there is an out in his contract if he wished to exercise it, Elliott Sadler said Thursday he has no intention of leaving Robert Yates Racing. With Dale Jarrett already leaving at season's end to go to Michael Waltrip's Toyota team, speculation has now transferred to teammate Sadler. "I'm not unhappy; I'm just frustrated with the way we've been running," Sadler said at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "That is two different scenarios. There's a difference in being unhappy and being frustrated. I'm frustrated just because I want to run good." As far as his contract goes, Sadler says he's staying put. "I've been reading stuff about, 'Contract this and contract that,' and I haven't even looked at my contract," the driver of the #38 Ford said. "I don't think that's important. Yes, I do have an out if I want an out, but who cares? I want to get this team running. My responsibility is to put that 38 car up front each and every week." Sadler said he hasn't received any offers from other teams. He also said he's not in a rush to look into the "out" clause. And he said his plan is to return to the team owned by Robert and Doug Yates next year. "I plan to come back. I think it's my duty," Sadler said. "I love my sponsor. They take care of me very well. I've loved working with Robert and Doug, and they have pretty much taken the company back in their arms and in their control, and they want to make things happen."(SceneDaily.com)(5-25-2006)

  • RYR GM relesased? UPDATE: hearing that Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88 teams] and team general manager Eddie D'Hondt have parted ways.
    UPDATE: Robert Yates, NASCAR car owner, announced today that he is re-evaluating the structure of the organization and has made a change in personnel at the management level of Robert Yates Racing (RYR). As part of the process, Eddie D’Hondt has been released from his position as general manager for RYR, effective immediately. “We are re-evaluating the way we are doing business from the top down,” Yates said. “This is a performance-based business and we have to evaluate the performance of where our cars are now. That begins with understanding our cars.” Doug Yates, head engine builder for RYR and son of Robert Yates, said the decision to make a change at the management level is a result of the Yates family reasserting themselves as the managers of their family-owned business. One of the first actions the team is taking is moving Raymond Fox, III back to the Nextel Cup shop where he will work with the #38 M&M’S Team and serve as a liaison between the Busch and Nextel Cup Series teams. “Raymond is very key to our organization,” Yates said. “The Busch program is important to us but we need his help elsewhere in the company and right now that is at the Cup shop where he’s worked since we started this organization.”
    “Eddie (D’Hondt) did a good job for us,” he said. “But this is our company and Robert and I have decided we need to get our arms around our company. We’re not happy with where we’re at as a race team. We need to reassert key people including ourselves.”(RYR PR)(5-23-2006)

  • Baldwin Rumor [not here] false: Both Robert Yates Racing teams - Fords driven by #88-Dale Jarrett and #38-Elliott Sadler - struggled at Lowe's Motor Speedway in preparation for the Nextel All-Star Challenge, and it only got worse when it was reported that Sadler's crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, was fired Friday night. However, Baldwin wasn't fired. In fact, he was working Sadler's pit stall during the Nextel Open qualifying race.(Augusta Chronicle)(5-21-2006)

  • Red Bull Shop...and rumors: Mears? Sadler? Knaus?: Toyota's Marty Gaunt has turned the lights on over at Roger Penske's old shop [in Mooresville, Lakeside Park], hired about 40 people for NASCAR's newest team, and is now looking for a couple of good men to run Dietrich Mateschitz's Red Bull [Toyota] Camrys on the Cup tour next season. #42-Casey Mears may be signing with Red Bull for 2007, leaving Chip Ganassi. Mears, in the final year of his Ganassi contract, was courted by car owner Richard Childress, either to fill Kevin Harvick's ride if Harvick had decided to leave, or to run a fourth Childress car. #38-Elliott Sadler [but is signed with RYR thru 2008] may also be signing with Red Bull, leaving Robert Yates, who is already dealing with the defection of Dale Jarrett to Toyota's Michael Waltrip for 2007. #48-Crew chief Chad Knaus, who has put Jimmie Johnson in the thick of the Nextel Cup championship race for four years now, may also be getting a major offer from the Red Bull team, though his current contract with car owner Rick Hendrick runs through 2007. Hendrick just extended Johnson's contract through 2010, but Knaus said that no one has talked with him about a contract extension.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-21-2006)

  • Sadler hopes Jarrett stays at RYR: Elliott Sadler hopes Dale Jarrett will stay at Robert Yates Racing however he told Jarrett not to reveal to him too many of his future plans. Sadler joked, “I just told him to keep me out of it. I don’t want to know about it. I want to find out when everybody else does that way I won’t get into trouble." Sadler added, "If he stays that great, I would love to keep him as a teammate and love to keep him at Robert Yates Racing. If he goes I’d hate to lose him as a teammate but still I’m going to keep him as one of my best friends. I want to be there as a friend first, but if he decides to stay I definitely want to be his teammate again."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-4-2006)

  • No COT for RYR yet: The next Car of Tomorrow [COT] test is scheduled for May 30 and 31 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. NASCAR said it hopes to have at least eight cars on the track and as many as 12. One team that won't be there is Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88 Fords]. Yates has yet to start working on the Car of Tomorrow and doesn't plan to until NASCAR sets its rules. Car owner Jack Roush said he's built and rebuilt the Car of Tomorrow a couple of times. Every time he gets one done, NASCAR makes changes. He said he spent more than $300,000 on the car before it ever hit the track.(Augusta Chronicle)(5-4-2006)

  • Sadler to run Pirate scheme: This weekend the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series comes ashore at the Richmond International Raceway with Virginia native Elliott Sadler at the helm of the #38 White Chocolate M&M'S® Ford. Looking for his first win at his home track, Sadler and his trusty hands hope that "M" marks the spot and the treasure awaiting will be a trip to victory lane. The special paint scheme on the #38 Ford Fusion is part of a promotion in conjunction with the July 7th release of the new Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Film's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," as well as the introduction of the M&M'S® White Chocolate Pirates Pearls. This marks the first time M&M'S has released a white chocolate candy in the United States, which will be available nationwide for a limited time. Joining Sadler on his #38 Ford Fusion are three of his biggest supporters in the M&M'S Characters - Red, Yellow and Green. Each character will be featured in their favorite pirate costume against a tropical background with the new White Chocolate M&M'S Pirate Pearls featured on the hood. In addition, Pirate Red will be at the track for the racing action on Saturday.(M&M Motorsports)(5-4-2006)

  • #38 Team Takes PIt Crew Honors at Talladega: Elliott Sadler's #38 team took top honors in the Checkers / Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition at Talladega Superspeedway. The M&M's pit crew, which spent 276.495 seconds on pit road in Monday's rain-delayed Aaron's 499, also won the competition at Martinsville Speedway on April 2. The victory moved Sadler's pit crew into a three-way tie for first place in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings. The pit crews for Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart have also scored two wins with a quarter of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season completed (nine races). Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Rodney Fetters (jackman), Ryan McCray (front-tire carrier), Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer), Brian Dunaway (gasman), Frankie Good (catch can) and Toby Mellott (windshield). The team's crew chief is Tommy Baldwin, Jr. The #38 crew, part of the Robert Yates Racing stable, will be awarded the weekly $10,500 prize. The Nextel Cup pit crew with the most wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(5-4-2006)

  • Elliott Sadler looking for new gig? UPDATE 2 thru 2008: ....When Sadler arrived at Yates, he said it was a dream job, perhaps a lifetime job. And now? He's not so sure. Sources say Sadler is talking to other team owners looking for a deal. He'll be 31 on Sunday, and in a tight market for experienced, winning Cup drivers with plenty of years left, somebody likely will be interested. Sadler has a year remaining on his contract, and he may just be testing the waters in case things don't improve. Or he may be trying to create a situation like Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray did last year by signing a year in advance and then letting the car owners work out a deal for an early release.(in part from CNNSI column)(4-28-2006)
    UPDATE: been told that Sadler is signed thru 2008 with Robert Yates Racing, not just one more year.(4-28-2006)
    UPDATE 2: A report states that Jarrett’s teammate, Elliott Sadler, is frustrated and looking to join another team. One destination could be the Red Bull Racing Toyota team. Sadler admits he’s frustrated with how this season has gone _ he’s 14th in points _ but remains committed to Robert Yates Racing. Last June, Sadler signed a contract extension, along with sponsor M&M’s, to remain with the team through the 2008 season. “You just can’t change a team overnight,’’ Sadler said. “It’s going to be a long process. I’m here to stay at Robert Yates. I can’t see myself going anywhere.’’(Roanoke Times)(4-29-2006)

  • Sadler's old crew chief leaves RYR: Kevin Buskirk, formerly head engineer at Robert Yates Racing and Elliott Sadler's interim crew chief at the end of 2005, has gone to work at Richard Childress Racing as the engineer for driver Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench/Reeses Chevy. "Kevin joined the organization a couple of weeks ago, and he's a great talent and a great find," Richard Childress said Saturday. "Him and [crew chief] Todd Berrier think and work a lot alike, and I think he'll do a lot of things. I'm excited to see how that will work out."(NASCAR.com)(4-9-2006)

  • Sadler's Team Earns Pit Crew Challenge Win: Elliott Sadler's #38 M&M's pit crew claimed its first win of the season in the weekly Checkers / Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition, helping boost the Robert Yates Racing driver to a sixth-place finish in Sunday's (April 2) Nextel Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. Sadler's over-the-wall team edged out other participating crews by spending the least amount of time in the pits during the DIRECTV 500. Sadler's #38 Ford spent 279.774 seconds on pit lane. "You've got to have good pit stops and my guys were definitely on it on Sunday," continued Sadler, whose crew earned $10,500 for the win. "This M&M's team needed a good run. I think we are definitely back on track." Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Rodney Fetters (jackman), Ryan McCray (front-tire carrier), Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer), Brian Dunaway (gasman), Frankie Good (catch can) and Toby Mellott (windshield). The team's crew chief is Tommy Baldwin Jr. and the pit crew coach is Andy Ward. After the sixth race of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season, Jimmie Johnson's and Tony Stewart's pit crew are tied in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings with two victories each. The season champion will receive a $105,000 bonus. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(4-5-2006)

  • Riley Technologies leaves Indy for NC: Indianapolis lost one of its major motor sports entities Wednesday when Riley Technologies and its subsidiaries announced plans to move to stock car country in September. Since 1990, the company has built Indy cars, championship-winning sports cars and U.S. Auto Club cars in a facility located a block south of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has 35 employees, most of whom are expected to move to a new 40,000 square foot facility in Mooresville, NC. Bill Riley, president of Riley Motorsports, said the move is based on a surge in the company's NASCAR business. Mooresville is home to a large percentage of the Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series teams and suppliers. "We want to strengthen our ties to NASCAR," said Riley, who leads the company with his father, Bob. "We're excited for what lies ahead." Riley Technologies, over which Bob Riley presides, has a road-course testing project with Robert Yates Racing, a NASCAR team. Being in the Charlotte area should afford the company more opportunities in stock car racing, Bill Riley said. Riley Motorsports won the Grand American Daytona Prototype championship last year with drivers Wayne Taylor and Max Angelelli. It will continue to work with two Grand Am teams based in Indianapolis (Ganassi and Fernandez). Meanwhile, Bill Riley said a change in the landscape of open-wheel racing has meant less business for the company. "With the IRL and Champ Car becoming more spec series, none of the teams really need our services," he said. "I grew up in Detroit going to the Indianapolis 500 with my dad, so it does kind of hurt (to leave)."(Indianapolis Star)(3-16-2006)

  • ARG! - Pirates scheme for Sadler at RIR: Elliott Sadler's #38 M&M's Ford is scheduled to feature the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" at Richmond in May with the M&M;s dressed up like pirates.(RacingOne), see image on my #38 Team Schemes page.(2-22-2006)

  • Pedigree for Sadler at Calif: Elliott Sadler’s #38 Ford Fusion will carry the primary colors of Pedigree, the Official Pet Care of NASCAR, for the first of four races during the 2006 season at California Speedway in the Auto Club 500.(Elevation Group PR), no word on the three other races, but see a scheme of the car on my #38 Team Schemes page.(2-22-2006)

  • Yates: Ban Cheaters: Veteran NASCAR [#38, #88] car owner Robert Yates said Friday that if #48-Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief Chad Knaus was found guilty of deliberate and flagrant cheating by NASCAR that he should be banished from the sport for life. If Knaus merely skirted the rules, Yates added, than probation would be the appropriate punishment. “If what he did, there was language in the rules about not doing that particular thing, then he ought to go race the Talladega Short Track the rest of his life,” Yates said of Knaus. “If the (NASCAR rule book) language covered that area … gone. Just gone forever, because that’s just stealing. If (what Knaus was caught with) was a hydraulic system, or a little winch that pulls a cable so the rear-end housing … pulls his body down, outta here, outta from now on. That’s a device. That’s clear,” Yates said. “If it was a creation that was not covered by the language or intent, then I think he needs to be on probation for a while.” Knaus was ejected from Daytona 500 Sunday after NASCAR inspectors discovered he had altered a rear jack bolt to move the rear window on the #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in an attempt to improve aerodynamics. After ejecting Knaus, NASCAR sent him back to North Carolina for the remainder of Speedweeks and said that next week it may levy additional penalties, including a longer suspension and point fines.(Speed Channel)(2-18-2006)

  • Sadler added to Speed's Trackside: #38-Elliott Sadler will fill the fourth seat on Speed Channel’s popular Friday night show Trackside with Steve Byrnes, Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds. Waltrip will continue to handle the first-half duties, with Sadler taking over for DW on July 7 at Chicagoland Speedway. Trackside, now in its fifth season, is a live, Friday night pre-event show from the site of each NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race.(Speed Channel)(1-31-2006)

    Past 2005 News

  • RYR signs new driver: Two-time defending NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Midwest point series champion, Justin Diercks, will sign a contract with Robert Yates Racing in the coming days, Yates team general manager Eddie D’Hondt said Thursday. The Yates team has three Nextel Cup cars [? three? #38, #88 and ?], but D’Hondt said Diercks likely would spend the coming year driving on the ARCA circuit. D’Hondt said Diercks also could earn some starts in the Busch Series, which is raced at NASCAR tracks in conjunction with Nextel Cup events. Diercks could not be reached for comment, but D’Hondt confirmed that the 26-year-old Quad-Citian tested twice at different tracks for RYR, driving Dale Jarrett’s #88 UPS Ford Taurus once and Elliott Sadler’s M&Ms Ford on another occasion. “He did a really good job both times and on different-sized racetracks,’’ said D’Hondt, who is entering his third year with RYR and previously worked for Bill Elliott Racing and Evernham Motorsports. “We plan on making him part of our family in the near future.’’ Diercks has been racing on asphalt tracks for almost a decade and won his first feature at the age of 17. D’Hondt said a Diercks representative made the Yates team aware of Diercks a year ago, and he said RYR closely followed Diercks’ second straight Midwest Series points win last summer and fall. Diercks interviewed with D’Hondt and RYR engine builder Doug Yates twice and impressed them, D’Hondt said. “He is just a good kid,’’ the general manager said. “He’s a racer, and he’s a worker. He has a very good background, and what he has accomplished to date is strong. Marketability-wise, he will do a good job for any sponsor. We just have to get behind him.’’ D’Hondt said Diercks would be one of three young racers RYR planned to groom for a possible Nextel Cup future, joining racers Steve Leicht and Matt McCall. Diercks will continue to test in RYR’s Nextel Cup cars throughout the year, D’Hondt said. As for getting to drive in a Nextel Cup race, “Not until he earns it,’’ the GM said. “But he’ll get to that eventually.’’(Quad-City Times)(12-24-2005)

  • Baldwin leaving Evernham? to Yates? UPDATE OFFICIAL RYR 2006 lineup announced: hearing that #9 crew chief, Tommy Baldwin could be leaving Evernham Motorsports and driver Kasey Kahne.(9-18-2005)
    UPDATE: hearing Baldwin could end up at the #38 M&M's/Robert Yates Racing team as Elliott Sadler's crew chief.(9-19-2005)
    UPDATE: Look for some organizational changes at Robert Yates Racing. Slugger Labbe will take over as crew chief of the #88, which is driven by Dale Jarrett, and Tommy Baldwin will lead the #38 crew and Elliott Sadler. Yates ended rumors that he will start a third team; he says he first wants to make the 88 and 38 teams stronger. But there still are plans for additional buildings on Yates' property in Mooresville, N.C.(Sporting News)(11-21-2005)
    UPDATE RYR Announces 2006 Lineup: Robert Yates Racing (RYR) announced its lineup for the 2006 NASCAR season. The lineup includes the addition and reassignment of key team members for both the #88 UPS and #38 M&M’S Chocolate Candies NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams, as well as the #90 CitiFinancial Busch Series team.
    Effective immediately, Richard “Slugger” Labbe is the crew chief for the #88 UPS Racing Team and driver Dale Jarrett while Tommy Baldwin, Jr., becomes the crew chief for the #38 M&M’S Chocolate Candies Team and driver Elliott Sadler. Both Labbe and Baldwin bring with them experience and success that includes wins in the Daytona 500 (Labbe with driver Michael Waltrip in 2003 and Baldwin with driver Ward Burton in 2002).
    “Both Slugger and Tommy have had success in their past endeavors with other teams in the NEXTEL Cup Series,” said Eddie D’Hondt, general manager for RYR. “We’ve been aggressive in the off season. It is our goal to get both of our teams in the Chase for the Championship in 2006. We are really pleased with the staff we’ve put together and delighted to have Slugger and Tommy on board.”
    Labbe, a former RYR employee, returns after spending time serving in the crew chief role during the last few seasons for Michael Waltrip at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and most recently for Jeremy Mayfield at Evernham Motorsports. Baldwin also joins RYR from Evernham Motorsports where he led the team efforts for young driver Kasey Kahne since 2004.
    “This is a great opportunity for me to be able to come back here in this capacity,” Labbe said. “Robert (Yates) has been an incredible person to know and work with. I’ve known him and Dale (Jarrett) for a long time, and to have this opportunity is an important one for me personally. I am really looking forward to 2006.”
    “There is potential for great success next season at RYR,” said Baldwin. “Robert has built a strong foundation here and it’s exciting to be able to step in and work with Elliott and the #38 Team. I think we’ve only seen the beginning of what Elliott can accomplish behind the wheel and I look forward to the task of leading this team to the next level.”
    Kevin Buskirk, who has been serving in an interim crew chief role for the #38 M&M’S team, will become the Technical and Performance Director for all of RYR. Additionally, the team has added Ed Guzzo to the organization and he will serve as the Production and Operational Director.
    Busch Series: In addition to the personnel changes with the NEXTEL Cup Series programs, RYR announced its driver lineup for the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series season and plans to compete in all 35 events. Sadler will drive the #90 CitiFinancial Ford for 16 events in 2006 while drivers Stephen Leicht and Matt McCall will share the driving duties during 17 events as part of the RYR Driver Development program. In addition to Leicht and McCall, Belgium driver Marc Goosens will compete in both the Busch Series road course races in 2006 as part of a joint effort between RYR and Rile Technologies, the championship team in the Rolex Series.
    RYR will continue to prepare for 2006 and beyond, looking for the right opportunity to grow the organization into a four-team organization that competes in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.(Elevation Group/RYR PR)(11-28-2005)
    Todd Parrott? have learned that Todd Parrott has left RYR, no word on his 2006 plans. Parrott finished up the 2005 season as Jarrett's crew chief on the #88 team after starting the season as the crew chief of the #38 team.(sources and PRN's Garage Pass Radio show)(11-29-2005)
    AND Robert Yates Racing GM Eddie D'Hondt told Sirius Satellite Radio's "Sirius Speedway" that Todd Parrott is no longer with RYR. D'Hondt said, "It was a very diffcult decision to make, and it was made with a heavy heart, but we can't be sitting on our hands. We need to get both cars in the Chase next season, and to do tht, some changes had to be made." D'Hondt said new crewchiefs "Slugger" Labbe and Tommy Baldwin are already on the job, and that the team has a full testing schedule between now and the end of the year.
    AND II: heard that many of the engineering staff was released in this reorganization.(12-1-2005)

  • Arnold to team up with Yates? UPDATE: hearing that Arnold Motorsports will team up with Robert Yates Racing to form a third team of sorts for Yates.(11-1-2005)
    UPDATE: There was talk early in November that Yates might form a third satellite team, perhaps merging assets from Arnold Motorsports or Cal Wells III’s PPI Racing. Instead, Yates says he’s committed to making his existing teams better before adding to his stable.(Ford Racing)(11-26-2005)

  • Slugger to #88; Baldwin to #38: Look for some organizational changes at Robert Yates Racing. Slugger Labbe will take over as crew chief of the #88, which is driven by Dale Jarrett, and Tommy Baldwin will lead the #38 crew and Elliott Sadler. Yates ended rumors that he will start a third team; he says he first wants to make the 88 and 38 teams stronger. But there still are plans for additional buildings on Yates' property in Mooresville, N.C.(Sporting News)(11-21-2005)

  • Baldwin leaving Evernham? to Yates? UPDATEs MANY: hearing that #9 crew chief, Tommy Baldwin could be leaving Evernham Motorsports and driver Kasey Kahne.(9-18-2005)
    UPDATE: hearing Baldwin could end up at the #38 M&M's/Robert Yates Racing team as Elliott Sadler's crew chief.(9-19-2005)
    more updates: see the #9 Team News and Links page for all the past rumors since Sept...getting kinda long.
    UPDATE 2 - Baldwin teaming up with Yates? hearing that Tommy Baldwin, former #9 Crew Chief for Kasey Kahne, will go to Robert Yates Racing in some fashion, crew chief/part owner. Also has been rumored that a current one car operation, such as #50 Arnold Motorsports or #66 Peak Performance could partner up with RYR, which could include ownership by Baldwin, something that was mentioned in the Evernham Motorsports release on Tuesday [see below or the #9 Team News and Links page for more on that]. Cabela's is the sponsor on the #66 car this week and have heard it could become a full-time sponsor in 2006. Expect some sort of announcement this weekend at Homestead.(11-17-2005)
    MORE the Yates-Baldwin press conference planned for Saturday morning has been canceled, what does it mean? no idea.(11-18-2005)
    MORE II: Tommy Baldwin's future plans apparently include a cooperative effort with Robert Yates Racing. It was announced earlier this week that Baldwin, who has been Kasey Kahne's crew chief at Evernham Motorsports, was leaving that team. And his desire to own a team is well-known.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(11-19-2005)
    UPDATE 100: on Speed Channel's NASCAR This Morning, Bob Dilner said Baldwins plans to start his own Cup team, but not until the 2007 season...not sure what his 2006 plans may be, but still hearing it'll be with Yates.(11-20-2005)

  • Slugger to leave the #19? UPDATE 3 to RYR?: hearing #19 crew chief, Slugger Labbe could leave Evernham Motorsports at the end of the season, possibly going back to Robert Yates Racing, as the crew chief for #38-Elliott Sadler?(10-26-2005)
    UPDATE: Statement from Ray Evernham on the Leadership for the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger: "We have decided to make a change on the leadership team for the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger driven by Jeremy Mayfield. The team, led by Team Director Kenny Francis for the past three years, has shown great promise and potential. We've qualified for the Chase for the Championship for the second year in a row. But, we have high expectations for this team, both for the remainder of the 2005 season and for next year. We still have four races to run this season, all of which are on tracks where we've been successful. We're confident that we can re-energize this team to bring home solid finishes in these last four races and move up in the Chase for the Championship. We are already planning for next year, and we recognize that we need to make several changes to regain the momentum this team had earlier in the year and to ensure we have the right people in the right places to win races and a championship.
    As part of this change, Richard "Slugger" Labbe will no longer serve as crew chief for the team. Kenny Francis will continue to lead the team as he has the last three years, and Mike Shiplett, currently the car chief for the team, will share Labbe's duties with Francis. Slugger Labbe made good contributions to this team this year, and we wish him well as he pursues other opportunities."(ClearBlue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(10-27-2005)
    UPDATE 2: Richard "Slugger" Labbe said a lack of chemistry with Jeremy Mayfield was behind his departure from Evernham Motorsports this week. Mayfield has one top-20 finish since making the Chase for the Nextel Cup for the second consecutive year. "I just didn't fit in," said Labbe, who declined another position at Evernham. "We got in the Chase, and we've just been mediocre. I want to win and be in the top five every week." Labbe expects to join another team by next week's race at Texas.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-29-2005)
    UPDATE 3: Beginning this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Richard “Slugger” Labbe will serve as a consultant for all three Robert Yates Racing Teams (#88 UPS, #38 M&M’S®, #90 CitiFinancial-Busch). Labbe, who previously worked with the #19 Team, returns to RYR where he served as crew chief for the #28 Ford in 1998.(Elevation Group/RYR PR)(11-3-2005)

  • Baldwin bolting Evernham? UPDATE 2: hearing that #9 crew chief, Tommy Baldwin could be leaving Evernham Motorsports and driver Kasey Kahne. There had been rumors he could be headed to Hendrick Motorsports and #24-Jeff Gordon, but Hendrick Motorsports says they are committed to new crew chief, Steve Letarte, for the rest of 2005 and for the 2006 season.
    UPDATE: hearing Baldwin could end up at the #38 M&M's/Robert Yates Racing team as Elliott Sadler's crew chief, replacing Todd Parrott.(9-19-2005)
    UPDATE 2: Baldwin recently signed a contract with Evernham Motorsports that runs thru 2010. "The only way I would leave, I guess is if Ray [Evernham] threw me out," say Baldwin. "We're not talking with him," Yates Team Manager Eddie D'Hondt said. "He's got a pretty strong contract where he is and he's happy where he is." [Evernham and #9 Kahne](NASCAR Scene Magazine)(10-1-2005)

  • Partypoker as a sponsor? hearing partypoker.net could sponsor a third Yates car for 2006 team or take over as the sponsor on the #6 Roush Racing Ford.(9-27-2005)

  • Yates looking for top crew chief for #38: Robert Yates Racing will likely go after a top-name crew chief [Tommy Baldwin?] to serve as the leader of Elliott Sadler's #38 team next season, the team said Friday at Dover International Raceway. The two-car operation moved Todd Parrott back to head Dale Jarrett's #88 team this week. The two won the championship in 1999, but the pair split after the 2001 season. #38-Elliott Sadler will run the final nine races with engineer Kevin Buskirk atop the pit box. "I am just here on a temporary basis," Buskirk said. "We will gain back some of the momentum that we lost."(NASCAR.com)(9-24-2005)

  • Parrott splitting with RYR? or reassigned? UPDATE reassigned: hearing Todd Parrott crew chief for the Robert Yates Racing #38 M&M's team/Elliott Sadler are parting ways or Parrott may be reassigned with the organization, expect an announcement sometime this week.(9-18-2005)
    UPDATE:Robert Yates Racing announced personnel changes for both NEXTEL Cup Series teams, as well as their Busch Series program. Effective immediately, veteran crew chief Todd Parrott will assume the role of crew chief for Dale Jarrett and the #88 UPS Racing Team, while Kevin Buskirk, engineer for the #38 M&M’S® Racing Team, will assume the role of interim crew chief for Elliott Sadler. Additionally, Raymond Fox, III, will serve as crew chief for the #90 CitiFinancial Team.
    With both teams sitting outside the top 10 and having just missed the Chase for the Championship, RYR management decided to make immediate personnel changes for the remainder of this season in preparation for the 2006 NASCAR season. “In the business of NASCAR racing the responsibility to perform both to ourselves and our sponsors is and has, become increasingly more important,” said Eddie D’Hondt, general manager of RYR. “We are making this change in an effort to spark both of our teams to the performance level expected of us.” For more than two years, Parrott has served as crew chief with Jarrett teammate Elliott Sadler and the #38 M&M’S Racing Team. During that period, Parrott led Sadler to two wins (Texas in 2004 and the fall race at California in 2004), as well as a non-points victory with their win in one of the Daytona 500 qualifying races in 2004. Additionally, Parrott guided Sadler to the inaugural Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship last season with Sadler finishing the year in ninth place. It marked Sadler’s first time finishing in the top 10 in the point standings.
    “We felt to improve the performance of the 88 team it was important to establish a leadership that has been lacking for the last few months,” said car owner Robert Yates. “Billy (Wilburn) did a great job of coming in here and working with the 88 and 38 teams to get them on the same page. Todd (Parrott) has a record that speaks for itself both with preparing race cars and making decisions in the pits. Todd has the skills, ability and talent to lead a race team, and he is committed to winning races.” Buskirk has served as the engineer for the #38 M&M’S Team since November 2003 and has been instrumental in preparing the cars Sadler has raced during the last two seasons. Buskirk will work in the interim crew chief capacity while the team actively searches for a permanent replacement for that position. “Kevin is an important part of not only the M&M’S Team but for all of RYR,” Yates said. “He has a lot of knowledge about race cars and what needs to happen to make them perform. He’s been on top of the pit box for the last two years helping call adjustments so he is the ideal person to fill this interim role for us.”
    Fox, who has been with RYR since the organization opened for business in 1987, will take over the race day crew chief duties for the #90 CitiFinancial car throughout the remainder of the season. Fox will also continue in his current position with the #38 M&M’S Team.
    All of the principal players involved in this announcement will be available for questions from the media at 9:00am/et this Friday in the infield media center at Dover International Speedway. This is the only time that members of Robert Yates Racing will be made available to discuss this subject.(RYR/Elevation Group PR), no word on Billy Wilburn fate or plans.(9-20-2005)

  • Sadler gets a surfboard: When Elliott Sadler was inducted into [California Speedway] this track’s “Walk of Fame,” an honor bestowed largely because of his victory in the Nextel Cup race run here a year ago, he also received “a Dennis Kemp original commemorative surfboard” as a gift from California Speedway. “We race our butts off 36 times a year,” said Sadler, but it’s times like this that make it all worthwhile.”(Gaston Gazette)(9-4-2005)

  • Sadler to Walk of Fame: Elliott Sadler, the driver of the #38 M & M's Ford will join past NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racers who have won at California Speedway when he's inducted into the "Walk of Fame." The ceremony, which will feature Sadler placing his footprints, signature and a bronze placard with his likeness into cement, will take place at Gate 12 on Saturday, September 3rd at 11:00am. California Speedway will present a gift to Sadler to help commemorate his historic win during the induction.(California Speedway)(8-30-2005)

  • #38 scheme at MIS: Elliott Sadler will run the Pedigree Dog Food scheme this week at Michigan.(Elevation Group/M&M Motorsportss PR)(8-17-2005)

  • Latest on possible 3rd RYR team: Robert Yates Racing General Manager Eddie D'Hondt said RYR will have to decide by the end of the month whether it will field a third full-time team next season. If that doesn't happen, look for the team's Busch Series car to run a few additional races next season, including stand-alone Busch events with a younger, development driver.(NASCAR Scene via BGNRacing.com)(8-11-2005)

  • Double Duty for RYR at Watkins Glen: Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler will both compete in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Watkins Glen, in an effort to get more seat time in preparation for Sunday’s event. Jarrett will drive the #90 CitiFinancial Ford, while Sadler will race a specially-designed #08 Robert Yates Racing Ford. The car will be a tribute to all of the RYR sponsors, featuring a split design with UPS on the passenger side of the car and M&M’S on the driver side of the car.(Elevation Group PR)(8-9-2005)

  • Yates still considering a third team: It was not that long ago when Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] was a state-of-the-art team. It would be tough to argue that it still is. In fact, in one key area — cars on the track — the Yates operation is lagging behind such Nextel Cup teams as Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports [Jayski Note: but Yates has two cars in the Chase at current, Hendrick has...one]. Yates still just has two — one for Dale Jarrett and one for Elliott Sadler. While the Yates drivers are doing fairly well — they are both in the top 20 [actually top 10] in points this week — some think they could do better if they would add another car or two to the stable. Apparently, the folks at Yates have been thinking the same thing. “We’ve had a lot of discussions” about adding a third car, Jarrett said this week. Adding more cars is beneficial on several fronts. The most important of those is the data front. More cars means more tests, more laps and more information for engineers and crew chiefs to chew upon. Again, Yates is certainly aware of all that. “We do everything that we can with the people that we have now,” Jarrett said, “but there’s a sign that there is strength in numbers.”(Kansas City Star)(7-22-2005)
    UPDATE: Yates' proposed third team may be postponed until 2007, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-25-2005)

  • Combo's on the #38 at Chicago: Elliott Sadler will pilot the #38 Combo's Ford on Sunday in the USG Sheetrock 400. This marks the second race of the 2005 season where Combo's has held the primary spot on the RYR Ford Taurus. The first race was in Atlanta where Sadler finished tenth.(M&M's Motorsports)(7-7-2005)

  • Get Well: to #38 M&M's and #88-UPS Ford team owner Robert Yates who missed his first race at Daytona in decades. Yates was suffering from kidney stones and stayed behind in the Mooresville, NC area.(7-3-2005)
    UPDATE: Robert Yates, Ford's legendary patriarch of horsepower, missed last weekend's Pepsi 400 at Daytona but intends to be back at the track for this weekend's USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, near Joliet, Ill. Yates, 61, had surgery for kidney stones last week and was advised by doctors and family members to stay home and rest. The news here, of course, is that Yates missed a Daytona race for the first time since the 1960s, when he was beginning his apprenticeship with Ford's Holman-Moody stock-car powerhouse in Charlotte.(Ford Racing)(7-7-2005)

  • Marlin in Childress car? or maybe Yates? Jack Daniels Distillery says it is not lobbying for Columbia's Sterling Marlin to be the driver of the Nextel Cup car it sponsors, but it expects to be "consulted" about the decision. "We will support whatever decision (team owner) Richard Childress makes, but we will be consulted," said John Hayes, brand director for the Lynchburg-based distillery. Marlin said he was offered the job near the end of last season but turned it down to honor the final year of his contact with Chip Ganassi Racing. Childress hired Dave Blaney on a one-year contract. With Marlin now officially out at Ganassi after this season, there is speculation that he might join Childress and drive the Jack Daniels Chevrolet next year. Through 17 races, Blaney has one top-ten finish and is 27th in the standings. "Dave is a great guy and has been an excellent representative for us," Hayes said. "He is a talented driver but has had some bad luck this season. We got into this a little late (waiting for NASCAR to approve sponsorship by companies that produce hard liquor) and everything considered, Dave has done a good job." Jack Daniels has a multiyear contact to sponsor a Childress Nextel Cup car and Hayes said it is important that the car be "competitive." "We're the world's #1-selling whiskey, and being competitive is important to us in whatever we do," he said. "We're in the big leagues now." Although Blaney has not been in contention to win, Hayes said the company is "very satisfied" with the exposure it has received during the first half of the season. "Our consumer research has been very positive," he said. "We rank seventh or eighth in merchandise sales and considering that we're competing against drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, that's very good. Right now we're very happy with where we are and we will definitely be back next season." Marlin said recently he hopes to learn his plans for next season "in the next few weeks."(Tennessean)
    or Yates: hearing that Marlin could be in a third Robert Yates Racing Ford in 2006, if they decide to field a third team. Yates recently said he had no plans for a third Cup team and would run the Busch team another year, while it was mentioned a few weeks before that RYR was looking into a third team with CitiFinacial sponsoring the team.(7-5-2005)

  • Yates special 'light' car at NHIS: #38-Elliott Sadler is definitely in learning mode during this test [at New Hampshire on Tuesday]. Sadler has a rather average average finish of 18.75 at NHIS. "We're just trying to get a handle on this racetrack," he said. "Race cars would be easy to tune if you only had one big bolt and nut to turn to adjust on it, but you have 500 or 600 different options every time you come to a racetrack." Sadler and Robert Yates Racing are "trying something new," a lightweight car with a low center of gravity designed specifically for the relatively flat one-mile oval here. The team will also likely run the new car on the mile oval at Phoenix.(Union Leader)(7-5-2005)

  • RYR gonna test...a lot before the Chase: Robert Yates Racing plans to test at every track that has a Cup race between now and Richmond in September with Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett.(Roanoke Times)(6-26-2005)

  • #38 Pit Crew WIns: For the third time this season the M&M’S Chocolate Thunder Pit Crew won the Checker’s/Rally’s Double Drive Thru Pit Crew Challenge Award. The M&M’S Team spent a total of 191.077 seconds on pit road to beat out their other competitors. This victory positions the Chocolate Thunder Crew in a three-way tie with the #2 and #12 Penske Teams for the season lead.(M&M's Motorsports)(6-22-2005)

  • Third Yates Cup team in the works? UPDATE Denied: Robert Yates Racing [#38-Elliott Sadler, #88-Dale Jarrett] officials say the believe they need to move toward a third team, and efforts are in the works. Team manager Eddie d'Hondt said Saturday that he is to meet Tuesday in Baltimore with official of Citi Financial, current sponsor of RYR's Busch team, to see about a Cup program. Doug Yates, RYR president and leader of Roush/Yates Engines, said he understands that RYR has fallen behind the two majors, Roush and Hendrick, and that expansion is a competitive necessity. "That's the thing Robert and I always thought, that getting more teams was getting kind of greedy," Doug said. "We look back now [and realize] we missed the boat on it a little with all the opportunities we had." The RYR philosophy, as seen by Robert, has been the old Junior Johnson method: Let lesser teams develop the drivers, then snatch them up for the top seats when they are ready. It's a new world, Doug says, hinting that he has seen it coming. Yates and d'Hondt agreed that driver development will be a significant part of the team's future efforts, although Cup drivers Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler have driven RYR's newly-founded Busch car all year. d'Hondt said RYR needed to get the team up and running, with a veteran baseline, before throwing a newcomer into the seat.(Speed Channel Notebook)(6-12-2005)

    UPDATE: Robert Yates Racing owner, Robert Yates [#38 and #88 Fords] said June 17th that hs is almost certain he will not have a third Nextel Cup team next season. Yates plans to continue fielding two Cup teams and a Busch Series team in 2006. "We're treating our Busch team more like it's a Cup team", Yates said. "I gives us a Saturday practice."(NASCAR Scene Magazine)(6-26-2005)

  • Sadler to extend contract with RYR/M&M's UPDATE: there is a scheduled press conference at Pocono Raceway on Friday, June 10th to announce the driver Elliott Sadler will extend his contract with Robert Yates Racing and that M&M's will also extend it sponsorship contract of the #38 Ford.(PR)
    UPDATE: M&M’S Chocolate Candies announced today that it has extended its current contract with Robert Yates Racing (RYR) and driver Elliott Sadler as the primary sponsor on the #38 Ford through the 2008 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. “We are very proud of our involvement with Elliott Sadler and Robert Yates Racing since joining them in 2003,” said William Clements, Director of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing for Masterfoods USA. “It was an easy decision to extend this partnership as a result of our on-track performance and more importantly the relationships we have developed off the track. M&M’S stands for fun and Elliott helps make race day a lot more colorful.”
    “We couldn’t be happier with M&M’S decision to stay with our organization through 2008,” said Robert Yates, car owner of the #38 M&M’S Ford Taurus. “The #38 team has been very successful with M&M’S on board and Elliott Sadler behind the wheel. M&M’S has been an excellent partner to Robert Yates Racing. Our companies have many of the same values, both are based on family principles, and it’s exciting that we’re able to continue carrying their colors in the NEXTEL Cup Series.”
    The famous candy maker joined the NEXTEL Cup rank in 1997, running its first two seasons under the Skittles colors. The sponsorship transitioned to M&M’S Brand Candies in 1999. The 2005 season marks the ninth season for Masterfoods USA in NASCAR’s premier division and the third with Robert Yates Racing and Sadler.
    "I'm very lucky to have one of the best sponsorships in the business. Not because the support they give us on track, but the support they give me and my family and Robert and his family,” said Sadler, who currently sits third in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship standings. “It's unbelievable to have a sponsor that's not always wondering about things you can do for them but what they can do for you. I can't tell you how proud I am to be the driver for a company with those practices.”
    “As Elliott matures into one of the premiere drivers in NASCAR, the timing of this renewal with M&M’S and the Mars family is perfect,” said Eddie D’Hondt, General Manager for Robert Yates Racing. “I foresee this team continuing to make its mark for many years with the support of one of the best sponsors in the NASCAR garage.”(Elevation Group PR)(6-10-2005)

  • Yates, Evernham and DEI up to 3 teams? #38 and #88 team owner, Robert Yates, is expected to add a third Cup team in 2006, if current Busch sponsor CitiFinancial is willing to make the move. "We'd like to develop a young driver and advance him to Cup," Yates Racing G.M. Eddie D'Hondt says. Three seems to be the magic number for most Cup organizations. Evernham Motorsports (#91-Gaughan?)) and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (#1-Truex Jr.) also are expected to expand to three full-time cars next season.(Sporting News)(5-16-2005)

  • Sadler's donation makes the day for school kids: When 205 kindergarten students at Greensville Elementary took a field trip to Swift Creek Mill Playhouse in Colonial Heights last month, Elliott Sadler said he felt as if he were there. He wasn't, but if not for his financial help, the kids might not have been there, either. "It's probably special to them," Sadler said. "It's definitely special to me. A lot of kids might not have the opportunity to do that. I feel like I'm a big part of the reason they have the means to do that." Each grade at Greensville is covered by a sponsor in a program called C.A.R.E.S ("children are really extra special"). Sadler adopted kindergarten when his niece Halie enrolled at the Emporia school last fall. The sponsorship follows the class through graduation. "The commitment he's made is not a one-shot deal, it's for 13 years," said Dr. Bill Mueller, the school's principal. "For Elliott to come on, we're just tickled to death." Besides helping pay for travel to plays, museums and other events, sponsors also supply T-shirts. Sadler's class was dressed in the multicolor array of his primary sponsor in the Nextel Cup Series. "The kids look like a bunch of M&M's," Mueller said. "A lot of them were NASCAR fans anyway, and they love getting involved in it." Sadler said he "sends a bunch of M&Ms stuff all the time" and has read to the children along with his sister and sister-in-law. The school is arranging to bring Sadler and his show car for a visit before the end of the school year. "We're from a very small town, and that very small town has been supportive of me and my family a long time," Sadler said. "We're trying to give back to them."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-12-2005)

  • VA Governor, Sadler to promote GED's: Virginia Governor Mark Warner will visit the track on Thursday, May 12 at 1:00pm/et to announce a partnership with Virginia Native Elliott Sadler, Richmond International Raceway and the "Race to GED" program. The program is designed to help Virginia residents obtain a high school diploma. The track has offered its facility as an official GED testing site and race tickets for students as an incentive to complete the program.(RIR Fact Sheet)(5-10-2005)

  • Yates Looking to start 3rd Team? Robert Yates is cranking up plans for a third Ford team next season, and every top NASCAR crew chief worth his salt is looking at that opportunity - particularly if Yates can snare a hotshot driver. The top two drivers mentioned so far are Martin Truex Jr. [denied he is looking, working on contract with DEI, denied by Yates] and Reed Sorenson [under contract with Ganassi]. Yates is expected to go after at least one of Chevrolet's top crew chiefs to run the team. Two men he has his eye on are Tony Eury Jr., at Dale Earnhardt Inc., and Todd Berrier at Richard Childress Racing. Yates, however, may be battling rival car owner Ray Evernham of Dodge for both driver and crew chief. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Truex's teammate and friend at DEI, said he has talked with Truex, who still doesn't have a contract. "I asked him how he felt, and I feel real confident he means what he says, and that he wants to be with us," Earnhardt said. "My contract took about six months to work itself out. You want everything done today or tomorrow, but you have to understand it takes time. It's good to be patient in this situation. I'm sure it will get done."(Winston Salen Journal)(4-26-2005)

  • Truex looking elsewhere? Yates? Denied by Yates: Martin Truex Jr., 2004 Busch Series Champ, is reported to be working the marketplace, and one report has Dodge's Ray Evernham and Ford's Robert Yates both interested in Truex. But Yates denies he's looking at Truex. "We're set for next year (with Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett)," Yates said. "Now if we were going to do a third, we'd be looking around. That might be on our wish list, but it's not done yet, and I don't know that we're going to do that. And I have not talked with Martin. But I am impressed with him. Now that you mention it, that's a great idea."(Winston Salem Journal)(4-16-2005)

  • The Force will be with Sadler and Jarrett at Phoenix: Storm troopers, a wookiee, Darth Vader and the Yellow M&M’S Brand Character M-Vader are all potential sights at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) on April 23, 2005. Add NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers and teammates Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett and the Star Wars Chocolate M-Pire is complete. This fun collaboration of characters is part a promotion between Masterfoods USA and the Lucasfilm for the May 19 release of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Masterfoods USA is debuting limited edition Dark Chocolate M&M’S in celebration of the year’s most anticipated theatrical release.
    M&M’S and UPS are uniting under the banner of the Star Wars Chocolate M-Pire but are separated by dark Darth and light Jedi sides. Supporting characters include Sadler’s ‘Darth Side’ team members and a specially designed #38 Dark Chocolate M&M’S Ford Taurus. UPS driver Jarrett and crew will channel the positive power of the Force through the efforts of the #88 UPS/Milk Chocolate M&M’S Ford Taurus representing the Jedi. Some of the popular M&M’S Characters are for the first time joining Jarrett on the #88 UPS/Milk Chocolate M&M’S Ford Taurus including Sadler’s personal favorite, Green. Action Performance Companies, the leader in licensed motorsports retail, is the official supplier of Star Wars themed NASCAR merchandise.(Action Performance/M&M's Racing/Evelvation Group), see images of the schemes on my #38 Team Schemes page and #88 Team Schemes page.(4-5-2005)

  • #38 Crew First at Atlanta: The M&M’S “Chocolate Thunder” Pit Crew picked up their first win of the season in the Checker’s/Rally’s DoubleDrive-Thru Challenge at the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #38 Robert Yates Racing Team posted the best pit road service time out of the over 30 participating NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams. The #38 Team will be recognized for their efforts this weekend prior to the start of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway where they will be awarded a $10,000 prize.(M&M's Racing PR)(3-30-2005)

  • RYR Loses an engineer to Champ Cars: The Champ Car World Series named veteran race engineer Scot Elkins Director of Technology in the Champ Car Operations Department. Elkins assumes Director of Technology responsibilities after serving most recently as Chief Engineer at Robert Yates Racing where he was responsible for all engineering functions for the NASCAR team. His duties included race simulations, race day fuel mileage calculation and Damper build specifications. Elkins also headed up the team’s wind tunnel and seven post testing programs.(Ford Racing)(3-18-2005)

  • Combo's for Sadler this week: Elliott Sadler will sport a special paint scheme this weekend as the #38 Ford will be painted with Combos -- The Official Cheese Filled Snack of NASCAR. This is the first of three appearances the Combos Brand will make this season on the #38 RYR Ford.(Elevation Group of Companies PR/M&M's PR)(3-16-2005)
    IMAGE see an image of the scheme on my #38 Team Schemes page.(3-16-2005)

  • RWB M&M's at Daytona: #38-Elliott Sadler will run a red, white and blue M&M's paint scheme in July at Daytona in the Pepsi 400.(3-12-2005)
    IMAGE: see an image of the car on my #38 Team Schemes page.(3-15-2005)

  • Seven Drivers in Tylenol Spots: Johnson & Johnson has signed endorsement deals with seven Nextel Cup drivers to promote the launch of Tylenol's Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, Street & Smiths's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Elliott Sadler make up Team Tylenol. The campaign will include television ads during race broadcasts and sponsorship at 11 tracks. Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon are scheduled to be featured on packages of the product sold during the third quarter of the year. Exact financial terms of the deal were not reported, but the story by Terry Lefton says the entire campaign is "an eight-figure investment."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-8-2005)

  • Warning Light for Sadler: After being busted by NASCAR's new electronic timing system on pit road last week, Elliott Sadler's #38 Pedigree Ford will be equipped with a yellow light this week that will flash when he is maintaining the proper speed. "We just have to be more patient and more cautious on pit road," Sadler said. "It's a lot more fair than it used to be. There is no way NASCAR could check all the people that were getting on and off pit road - not with so many people in the booth and so many stopwatches. NASCAR was having to watch way too much stuff. We were putting way too much pressure on them. You can't catch 40 guys at one time on pit road."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-26-2005)

  • Robert Yates Racing to launch website: Robert Yates Racing officially arrives in 2005. Team Owner, Robert Yates and General Manager, Eddie D'Hondt along with the entire RYR organization is proud to announce the arrival of their "Official Website" www.RYR.com - set to launch Saturday, February 19, 2005. RYR acquired the talents of Planning Group International, based out of Miami, FL, who designed and executed this much anticipated website. www.RYR.com stands as a tribute to everyone, past, present and future, responsible for making their organization the success it is today. "Everyone here at RYR is a valuable part of this organization. With this, our only official website, we want to welcome our family, sponsors, friends, and most of all, our fans, to visit our race shop and add some insight as to what takes place not only at the track but behind the scenes as well" says Robert Yates, proudly. "Not only are we honored and proud of our sponsors, drivers and crew chiefs, we wouldn't be who we are without those who are here day in and day out. We are all apart of one team". RYR fans can now log on [on and after Feb 19th] and listen to Robert Yates and his NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers, Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler, as they welcome you for the virtual tour through their home at Robert Yates Racing and introduce you to their new NASCAR Busch Series #90 CitiFinancial Ford Team. Jarrett and Sadler are scheduled to share driving duties throughout the 2005 season. The #90 race team is set to debut at California Speedway on February 26, 2005. www.RYR.com is sure to satisfy your curiosity with sections that feature Robert Yates with career timeline, stats and highlights, and his prized possession, his family. Each month Yates will enter his personal thoughts on the progression of the 2005 season, in this diary prepared especially for his loyal fans. Walk through the RYR facility and each department as you learn something new everyday about their teams, members, and sponsors; along with announcements and paint schemes. Get up to the minute race results through Sportsticker, designed to provide RYR fans the opportunity to find qualifying results, the latest news, photos, schedules, and standings quickly and conveniently. www.RYR.com will also feature RYR merchandise and apparel.(RYR PR)(2-16-2005)

  • Sadler Plays DJ: #38-Elliott Sadler gladly accepted the task to be featured as a Celebrity DJ for CMT.com Radio, in support of the network debut of The Greatest: CMT 40 Greatest NASCAR Moments special. A self-admitted music fanatic, the Virginia native confesses to aspirations of becoming a country music singer if his racing career had not come to fruition. Thus it posed no problem for the 29-year-old driver to select over 75 of his favorite songs from all music genres for inclusion in his own radio station. This is not the first foray into the world of country music for Sadler, a participant in last season’s inaugural NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Chase for the Championship. He made his Country Music Television debut in the video for hit “Ol’ Red” released by singer Blake Shelton in 2002 followed by a second cameo in a Shelton video, this time for the singer’s #1 hit “Some Beach.” Sadler’s Celebrity DJ Station can be accessed by logging on to CMT.com and visiting Radio CMT. Sadler also is scheduled to be one of several NASCAR drivers featured in the CMT 40 Greatest NASCAR Moments airing on CMT.(Elevation Group PR)(1-29-2005)

  • RYR beefs up pit crews: Andy Ward, who helped build the crew that led Matt Kenseth to back-to-back pit-crew championships, has become the pit-stop coach for Dale Jarrett's team. Robert Yates Racing also has acquired Ryan McCray, an ace member of Jimmie Johnson's crew, for Elliott Sadler's team.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(1-27-2005)
    Hearing that Ward will be with the #38 and not the #88, former #20 team tire changer will be the front tire changer.(1-28-2005)

  • Sadler and Stewart test at Texas: #38-Elliott Sadler and #20-Tony Stewart completed two days of Goodyear tire testing preparing for the Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Sadler is the defending champion of the race. "This is one of my favorite tracks," said Sadler. "It is like an old jacket you put on, it just feels comfortable when you come here, drive up on pit road to go out on the track." The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will make its first of two 2005 appearances at Texas in the Samsung/RadioShack 500. Tickets are still available at the speedway ticket office, by calling (817) 215-8500, online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com and at Ticketmaster locations.(TMS PR)(1-20-2005)

    Past 2004 News

  • Sadlers win Spirit Award: Elliott and Hermie Sadler, named fourth-quarter winners of the NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award, working in conjunction with the Henrico County (Va.) Economic Development Authority, will host a fundraising benefit on Sunday to aid The Faison School for Autism and the Henrico County Christmas Mother Program. Both Richmond-area charities will receive all the proceeds from the day-long event that will allow fans to race go-karts, bowl and interact with the Sadlers. The Henrico County Christmas Mother Program is a volunteer group that provides help to those in need during the holiday season. Approximately 4,000 children, elderly and disabled residents are assisted each year in Henrico County through this program. All money donated to The Faison School for Autism will help reduce tuition costs for families in need who have children at the school. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to Motorsports. Each quarter during the year the National Motorsports Press Association names a winner of the Spirit Award. Each January, the NMPA and Pocono International Raceway honor one of the four quarter winners at its national convention. Earlier this year, Elliott hosted a charity event, the Race For Hope that raised more than $80,000. The Sadlers join Ken Patterson, Kyle and Pattie Petty and Tommy Baldwin Jr. as the quarterly winners of this year's award.(Ford Racing)(12-9-2004)

  • Star Wars Schemes at Phoenix: #38-Elliott Sadler, #88-Dale Jarrett and #24-Jeff Gordon will celebrate the opening (May 19, 2005) of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith with special paint schemes scheduled to race at Phoenix [April 23rd]. Sadler's M&M's car will feature "The Dark Side" with the M&M's characters dressed up as Darth Vader and other members of the dark side. Jarrett will also have M&M's on his car? and will feature "The Good Side" with characters like R2-D2 and Princess Leia. No word yet on what Gordon will have on his car.(RacingOne)(12-9-2004)
  • Scary Scheme for Sadler: In celebration of Halloween, the #38 M&M’S Ford of Elliott Sadler will sport a festive orange and black paint scheme with the ‘M’ Characters in costumes.(M&M's PR). See an image of the car on my #38 Team Schemes page or 2004 Cup Schemes page.(10-27-2004)

  • Sadler Auto Center to Launch Information Website at Martinsville: Hermie Sadler has always believed in the power of marketing in NASCAR, and his automobile dealerships are now putting their money where their mouth is. NASCAR fans know the Sadler name because of the success of Hermie and Elliott Sadler on the track, but many fans may not know that Hermie Sadler also owns and operates three automobile dealerships in Southside Virginia. Between his three dealerships, Sadler carries all domestic makes and models as well as Honda, and also handles pre-owned and program cars of all makes.
    This weekend at Martinsville, Sadler is launching a simple, free "help" center for people and businesses that are interested in buying, selling, or trading new or used cars. The website is www.sadlersearch.com. Instead of the normal automated car search websites, sadlersearch.com is simple and easy to use. All customers have to do is send their request for information, and they will get a personal response from a Sadler Auto Center representative within 24 hours. Sadler says the goal is obviously to sell cars, but also to help give good information and advice to people in other areas when they are in the market to buy a car.
    "We certainly want to sell and service more customers," Sadler said, "but this is also a way for people to get quick, honest information on automobiles, warranties, financing, and trade values. We want people to have helpful information, regardless of where they live or who they buy from. This site is not fancy, you simply fill out an information box and we personally respond to you and answer your questions." For more information, visit www.sadlersearch.com or call 1-800-899-8855.(PR)(10-22-2004)

  • Sadler's Pit Crew Wins Charlotte Event; Donates Prize Money: Elliott Sadler's pit crew scored its seventh win of the season in the weekly McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by taking top honors in Saturday night's UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte. Sadler's crew is donating its $20,000 first-place prize money from Charlotte to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and to the Autism Society of America. Each charity will receive $10,000. "This weekend I was told the guys are going to donate the winnings to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and to the Autism Society of America," said Sadler. "Both of these charities are very close to Dale Jarrett's and my hearts, so we are proud the team decided to donate their prize money to two great causes." The chase for the McDonald's/POWERade season championship is shaping up to be a battle between Sadler's crew and the #8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr., which finished second in Charlotte. With five Nextel Cup races remaining, Sadler's crew has a 10-point lead over Earnhardt's crew - 1115 to 1105. Lurking in third is Kurt Busch's crew with 1086 points. Sadler's Combos Ford spent the least amount of time on Lowe's Motor Speedway's pit road - 406.582 seconds. Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser Chevrolet followed with a time of 421.810. Jeff Burton's #30 AOL Chevy was third at 439.302. Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Commications PR), for the Top 10 at Charlotte, winner each week and season standings, see my Pit Crew News page. For past resultss, see my 2004 Past Pit Crew News page.(10-20-2004)

  • Kansas Win Puts Sadler's Pit Crew Back On Top: Elliott Sadler's pit crew won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade Sunday at Kansas Speedway. The victory lifted the #38 crew into first place in the point standings and the chase for the $200,000 champion's bonus. Sadler's crew leads the weekly competition in both victories (six) and prize money ($120,000). With six Nextel Cup races remaining, Sadler's crew goes into the homestretch with a nine-point lead over Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew - 1072 to 1063. Earnhardt's crew finished 12th in Kansas. Sadler's M&M's Ford spent the least amount of time on Kansas' pit road - 150.499 seconds. Greg Biffle's National Guard Ford was second at 182.875. Dale Jarrett's UPS Ford came in third with a time of 184.018. "It's awesome to have great pit strategy and a great pit crew," said Sadler. "Our M&M'S pit crew has been on top of their game all year. They practice hard all week and it shows up every Sunday. This is by far the best pit crew I've ever had in my career and our results echo their success on pit road. Every time the yellow comes out I know we are going to come in and pick up some spots. Those guys deserve this McDonald's/POWERade award and our team has won this more than any other team this season and now we're back in the lead." Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Commuincations PR), see top 10 at Kansas, the full standings, who is eligible and not on my Pit Crew Page, see past results on my 2004 Past Pit Crew News page.(10-13-2004)

  • Race Elliott Sadler: Gamers who think that they can race like a pro will finally have a chance to race one, when NASCAR Nextel Cup Series "Chase for the Cup" contender Elliott Sadler takes on all comers on Xbox Live. Sadler will fire up Electronic Arts' groundbreaking racing game, NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, in the latest Xbox Live "Game with Fame" event. For 90 minutes gamers will get to tear up the track with Sadler, currently eighth in the series point standings. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 13, 2004 from 3:00 - 4:30pm/et. Gamers will be allowed to race side by side with Sadler by logging onto Xbox Live and challenging Gamertag: Candyman38. For more details on how gamers can trade paint with one of NASCAR's elite, visit the official "Game with Fame" site, prior to Wednesday's event. Xbox Live's "Game with Fame" gives game fans the opportunity to play on Xbox Live against some of today's hottest stars. Past "Game with Fame" celebrity players include The Strokes, Hoobastank and Big Boi from OutKast. For further information on other Xbox Live events, be sure to visit the "Game with Fame" Web site at www.xbox.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(10-8-2004)

  • Sadler gets to feel the new Martinsville Suface: #38-Elliott Sadler drove his way into Martinsville Speedway's "unofficial" record book Wednesday afternoon. Slowly circling the track in the passenger side of track president Clay Campbell's street car, Sadler became the first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver to take a lap on Martinsville's recently repaved racing surface. "I got to ride on the race track earlier and it is smooth," Sadler said during a media gathering for the October 24th running of the SUBWAY 500. "In talking to Clay, I know there were a lot of headaches involved in getting the repaving done, but it is unbelievably smooth. It's a big difference from the way the track was. From the concrete to the asphalt, wow, the transition is unbelievable. I'm glad they added another 100 feet of concrete. That will be a lot easier on the motor guys and on the driver. That was always the biggest obstacle here at Martinsville, getting the car hooked up from the concrete to the asphalt." It wasn't the new asphalt and concrete that caught Sadler's eye first, though. "When Clay took me around the track, the first thing I noticed were the SAFER walls. As a driver, we love to see track owners do that," said Sadler. "And not only did he do the corners, he did the inside of the straightaway walls, which is going the extra step." Sadler helped Martinsville Speedway unveil a myriad of changes and additions to the historic facility since the NEXTEL Cup Series last visited in April. The on-track work - the resurfacing and SAFER barriers - were the most evident, but there were more. Stage one of the projects to relocate the railroad tracks which parallel the backstretch is just about finished. Excavation and grading work, which involved the moving of over 100,000 yards of earth, is complete and the new rail bed is ready. Reseeding has begun so campers will have grassy camping spots for the SUBWAY 500 weekend. After the October events, work will begin on laying new tracks on the new rail bed, about 100 yards from the location of the present tracks. The souvenir area outside of the fourth turn has also been enlarged. The old souvenir and display area will be used solely for corporate displays. Souvenir trailers will be located on four tiers built on the slope directly adjacent to the display area. Tickets for both the SUBWAY 500 on Sunday, October 24, and the Kroger 200 NASACAR Craftsman Truck Series race, on Saturday, October 23, are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. SUBWAY 500 tickets may also be purchased online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(9-23-2004)

  • Sadler's Pit Crew Takes Over Points Lead: Elliott Sadler's pit crew captured its fifth victory of the season by taking top honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday's Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway in Fontana. The #38 crew, which paced Sadler to victory at California and a spot in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, has earned $100,000 in McDonald's/POWERade prize money and leads all crews with five season victories. As a result of the California win, Sadler's crew moved into first place in the season standings with 889 points, eight more than the second-place crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. The two teams have been waging a season-long battle for the McDonald's/POWERade lead and the 200,000 champion's bonus that will be paid out at the awards banquet in New York City. Sadler's M&M's Robert Yates Racing Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road at California Speedway - 284.837 seconds. Coming in second was Joe Nemechek's #01 U.S. Army Chevrolet with a time of 290.866. Jamie McMurray's Texaco/Havoline Dodge was third at 292.925.
    "Our entire organization is extremely proud of our win in the Pop Secret 500," said Eddie D'Hondt, general manager of Robert Yates Racing. "You have to admire the outstanding effort our M&M's "Chocolate Thunder" pit crew put forth this week to put Elliott in position to drive his way to victory. The McDonald's/POWERade Drive-Thru Pit Championship has been an ongoing battle for these guys and they have responded to the challenge all year long. They are the best and they have played a big part in the success the Robert Yates Racing #38 team has enjoyed throughout this year." Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Communications PR) and see top-ten, season standings on my Pit Crew Page.(9-9-2004)

  • Sadler wins at California: #38-Elliott Sadler won the Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway, his 2nd win of 2004 and 3rd of his career. Sadler is 6th in Drivers Points and just needs to start the race at Richmond to clinch a spot on the Chase for the Nextel Cup, the top five have clinched. #9-Kasey Kahne finished 2nd, for the 5th time in 2004 [Rockingham, Las Vegas, Texas, Michigan in June and now California]. The rest of the top five were #6-Mark Martin, #42-Jamie McMurray and #12-Ryan Newman. Points leader coming into the race, #24-Jeff Gordon lost and engine and #48-Jimmie Johnson takes over the points lead with his 14th place finish.
    For the race rundown, top 10, lap leaders, cautions, narrative and notes on my California Race Info/Rundown Page
    Race Results at:
    ThatsRacin.com
    MotorsportsOne
    FoxSports.com
    NASCAR.com.(9-5-2004)

  • Special Scheme for Jarrett to be announced [see IMAGE] UPDATE: there will be an announcement on Thursday, August 11 that Dale Jarrett will run a special paint scheme on the #88 UPS Ford. The UPS Site says it will be 'scary'. And got an image of the Halloween themed scheme, see my #88 Team Paint Schemes page or 2004 Cup Paint Schemes page for the image.(8-10-2004)
    UPDATE: UPS delivers The Universal Monsters to Atlanta Motor Speedway this Halloween as Dale Jarrett and Robert Yates Racing will field and drive the #88 UPS/Universal Monsters Ford. The UPS Ford loses its customary brown, white and gold paint for the haunting look of Monsters. Riding aboard the orange and brown UPS Ford on Halloween 2004 are Frankenstein and his Bride, The Wolfman, The Mummy, Dracula, Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Invisible Man. In addition to the participation of Jarrett and Team UPS, Elliott Sadler and the #38 M&M's® team will race a Halloween-themed paint scheme.(UPS Site)(8-14-2004)

  • #38 Crew take the honors at Indy: Elliott Sadler's pit crew took first place honors in Sunday's Brickyard 400, scoring its fourth win of the season in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. The four victories for Sadler's crew, which have come in the last seven races, lifted the team's earnings to $80,000 -- $20,000 for each win. The other victories for the #38 crew were at Michigan, Sonoma and Chicago. Sadler's and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crews continue to wage a tight points battle that will pay the McDonald's/POWERade season champion $200,000. After 21 Nextel Cup races, Sadler's crew is five points ahead of Earnhardt's crew - 767 to 762. Lurking in third is Tony Stewart's crew with 731 points. Sadler's M&M's Ford spent the least amount of time on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's pit road, beating its Robert Yates Racing teammate -- Dale Jarrett's #88 UPS Ford. Sadler's car was clocked at 211.980 seconds while Jarrett's car was nearly six seconds off the pace at 217.693. Earnhardt's #8 Budweiser Chevy was third at 234.223. "Both our pit crews are performing well right now," said Eddie D'Hondt, general manager of Robert Yates Racing. "For the #38 M&M's team to win this award for the fourth time in seven weeks, is just incredible. They are hitting their stride at the right time of the season as they build upon their lead in the chase for the McDonald's / POWERade championship. I am very proud of our guys, Elliott and (crew chief) Todd Parrott and I don't see us letting up the rest of the year. It takes track position and the whole package to run in the top 10 in points all year long and the M&M's crew is bringing it, every week. They are awesome." Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Communications PR), for the top 10 at Indy and the season standings see my Pit Crew News page.(8-11-2004)

  • Robby to have his own Cup team again? UPDATE to Yates? Robby Gordon's future plans continue to be the subject of debate, and the veteran driver continues dodging the media. The latest report is that he's considering building his own Nextel Cup team for next season.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-9-2004)
    OR TO YATES? hearing Robby Gordon could be heading to Robert Yates Racing, a third team? with Citi Financial as the sponsor?(8-10-2004)

  • Elliott Sadler Honored: Elliott Sadler, driver of Robert Yates Racing's #38 M&M's Ford in the Nextel Cup Series, has been named the 2004 Second Quarter NASCAR USG Person of the Year. Sadler was cited for raising $86,000 for the Autism Society of America and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. As one of the four quarterly winners, Sadler will be a finalist for the NASCAR USG Person of the Year, which carries a $100,000 prize to be divided between the driver and the charity of his/her choice.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(8-3-2004)

  • Yates Promotion: hearing that longtime Robert Yates Racing employee, Tim Lancaster has been promoted from the manager of the Machine Shop to Production Manager of RYR.(7-27-2004)

  • Chicago Win Gives Sadler’s Pit Crew Third Victory in Last Four Races: The pit crew for Elliott Sadler claimed the McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday’s (July 11) Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. It was the third time in the last four races that Sadler’s #38 crew collected the first-place $20,000 prize. The other wins were in Michigan and Sonoma. At the halfway point of the 36-race schedule, Sadler’s pit crew remains a top contender for the McDonald’s/POWERade season championship and the $200,000 bonus. The #38 crew is in second place, only nine points behind series leader – the No 8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sadler’s M&M’s Ford spent 190.811 seconds on pit road during the Tropicana 400. Tony Stewart’s Home Depot Chevy was second with a time of 193.051. Third was Sterling Marlin’s Coors Light Dodge at 212.097. My M&M’s crew brings their “A” game every weekend to the track,” said Sadler. “I cannot tell you how pumped up these guys are and how fast their stops are week in and week out. Track position is so important these days, and these guys know that. They are prepared, in great shape and have made it their mission to win the McDonald’s/POWERade championship. We all win if they win the race off pit road every week. They are one of the reasons we have stayed in the top-10 in points for the entire season.” Sadler’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team’s crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Communications), for the top 10 at Chicago, season standings and more, see my Pit Crew page.(7-15-2004)

  • Elliott Sadler’s Race for Hope Successful for Second Straight Year Elliott Sadler announced today his Race for Hope charity event has raised a total of $86,400. The proceeds from the event are going to the Autism Society of America and the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “Race for Hope was a big hit with the fans, the media and the NASCAR drivers that participated,” explained Sadler. “I know the Autism Society of America and The Victory Junction Gang Camp are happy with the results.” More than 3,000 fans were in attendance on May 25th to watch Elliott Sadler, Hermie Sadler, Richard Petty, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Sterling Marlin, Michael Waltrip, Jamie McMurray, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex, Jr., and Casey Mears race against fans and sign autographs at the NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord, N.C. Fans were also given the opportunity to attend private dinners with select drivers for up close and personal fan experiences – the experience of a lifetime for some fans. The evening was filled with fun and excitement. One of the highlights was when both Elliott and Hermie Sadler were awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Autism Society of America for their hard work and dedication to the cause over the years.(Team Ford Racing)(7-15-2004)

  • RYR to try a Busch team again UPDATE..the young driver?: Robert Yates Racing will add a Busch team to its stable for 2005. Yates will run Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett and a younger driver in the car. "Our drivers are interested in the companion knowledge that could be gained by running in the Busch races," Robert Yates says. Although a sponsor has not been announced, Citibank, which recently signed on as an associate sponsor on the #38 (Sadler) and #88 (Jarrett) Nextel Cup cars, could be a possibility.(FoxSports/SportingNews)(6-28-2004)
    UPDATE: hearing the younger driver will be David Regan and that their will be an announcement in Daytona on Saturday.(7-1-2004)

  • Sadler's Pit Crew Shines Again: Elliott Sadler's pit crew pocketed its second victory in as many weeks by winning the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday's Dodge / Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Sadler's #38 pit crew also took top honors the week before at Michigan International Speedway. The back-to-back victories by Sadler's crew not only increased its prize money total to $40,000 ($20,000 for each win), but significantly closed the gap in the McDonald's/POWERade season point standings and the chase for the $200,000 champion's bonus. Sadler's pit crew gained 16 points on the leading #8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. After 16 of 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races, Sadler's crew has 590 points, only 12 behind Earnhardt's crew. Kurt Busch's crew is third with 553 points. During Sunday's road-race on the twisting 11-turn, 1.99-mile circuit, Sadler's M&M's Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 104.331 seconds. Jeff Burton's Roush Racing Ford was second with a time of 105.277 and Michael Waltrip's NAPA Chevy was third at 108.526. "Two-in-a-row is pretty stout," said #38 crew chief Todd Parrott. "These guys are working their hardest. I am real excited for this team and I am speaking on behalf of Elliott as well. We would not have the finishes we've had without the help of the pit crew. How cool is that!" Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier), Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Communications PR), see the top 10 from Sonoma, season standings and more on my Pit Crew Page.(7-1-2004)

  • New Assoc for Yates? UPDATE 3: hearing that Citibank (Citi Financial Group) has signed on as an associate sponsor for the #88 UPS / RYR Ford with driver Dale Jarrett, supposedly will be officially announced at Daytona next week.(6-23-2004)
    UPDATE: also hear the #38 will pick up associate sponsorship from Citibank.(6-27-2004)
    UPDATE 2 - RYR to try a Busch team again: Robert Yates Racing will add a Busch team to its stable for 2005. Yates will run Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett and a younger driver in the car. "Our drivers are interested in the companion knowledge that could be gained by running in the Busch races," Robert Yates says. Although a sponsor has not been announced, Citibank, which recently signed on as an associate sponsor on the #38 (Sadler) and #88 (Jarrett) Nextel Cup cars, could be a possibility.(FoxSports/SportingNews)(6-28-2004)
    UPDATE 3: Robert Yates, owner of Robert Yates Racing (RYR), announced a new partnership with CitiFinancial. Effective immediately, CitiFinancial is an associate sponsor of Robert Yates Racing, the #88 UPS race car driven by Dale Jarrett, and the #38 M&M’S race car driven by Elliott Sadler. CitiFinancial will be the exclusive financial service company for Robert Yates Racing. The partnership with Robert Yates Racing is CitiFinancial’s first foray into NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Racing. As part of the organization’s new association with Robert Yates Racing, CitiFinancial decals will be part of the #88 and #38 paint schemes for the rest of the 2004 NASCAR season, beginning with this weekend’s NEXTEL Cup event at Daytona International Speedway. CitiFinancial, a member of Citigroup, the world’s largest financial services company, is the leading community-based lender in North America, serving more than 8 million customers through more than 2100 offices in 48 states and Canada. Additional information may be found at www.citifinancial.com.(6-30-2004)

  • Sadler's Crew Grabs First Win of Season with Michigan Victory: Elliott Sadler's pit crew captured its first victory of the season in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade with an impressive performance in Sunday's DHL 400 at Michigan International Speedway. With Sadler's #38 crew winning the $20,000 weekly prize, there have been 10 different pit crew winning teams in the first 15 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races of the season. In the McDonald's/POWERade standings, Sadler's crew closed the gap with the first-place team of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 crew. Earnhardt's pit crew has a slim 28-point lead over Sadler's crew in the chase for the $200,000 that will be awarded to the season champion. The #38 pit crew scored a narrow victory in Michigan over its Robert Yates Racing teammate - the #88 crew for Dale Jarrett. Sadler's M&M's Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 192.295 seconds. Jarrett's UPS Ford was right behind with a time of 192.498. Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy was third at 202.837. "My pit crew deserves this," said Sadler. "Eddie D'Hondt recruited all of these guys over the off season and we have just meshed together. I never had a crew so good - and never had a team so pumped up and wanting to win. Every time I come to pit road I'm confident they are going to give me good track position. These guys deserve the recognition because they work their tails off - not only last weekend but all season long. Those guys are awesome and I'm real proud of them." Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Darryl Lockyer (front-tire changer), Kevin Hall (front-tire carrier), Dave Smith (rear-tire changer/car chief), Lance Hanna (rear-tire carrier) Rodney Fetters (jackman), Preston Cordell (gas man) and Jay Thompson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Todd Parrott.(DMF Communications PR), for the top 10 at MIS and seson standings, see my Pit Crew Page. For resultsd from the rest of the season, see my 2004 Past Pit Crew News page.(6-23-2004)

  • Crew Chief's penalized: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs Todd Parrott and Jeff Buckner were each fined $500 for driver restraint equipment infractions that occurred during this past weekend’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, NASCAR officials announced today. Parrott was in violation of Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) for having the #38 M&M's Ford of driver Elliott Sadler with shoulder harness belts that had an expired manufacturer date. Buckner also was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) for having the #02 Chevrolet of driver Hermie Sadler with an anti-submarine belt that had an expired manufacturer date. The infractions were discovered by NASCAR officials during Friday’s opening-day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(6-9-2004)

  • Sadler to run one of the new Ford engines at Pocono: Elliott Sadler will have one of Doug Yates' new Ford D-3 engines this weekend, which should make him one of the favorites Sunday, particularly as strong as he ran at Charlotte two weeks ago. "Doug has taken a lot of pride, and all the guys, in that motor, and I think everybody will be pleased," Sadler said. "For the guys that have never had Yates horsepower at Pocono, I think they're going to be very happy." Sadler said that it has not yet been decided which of the other seven Jack Roush and Robert Yates teams will run the new D-3 and which will stay with the established C-model engine. The D-3, Robert Yates says, should be well suited to Pocono because it likes a low gear. Yates said, if he couldn't run one of the new engines at Pocono he might just go fishing this weekend.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-11-2004)

  • National D-Day Memorial Foundation Logo: Elliott Sadler will run a special D-Day logo on the rear quarter panel of the #38 M&M's Ford. According to National D-Day Memorial Foundation President and Retired Army Colonial William A. McIntosh, M&M'S as a distinct place in wartime history. "Wherever American troops were - there were also M&M'S," said McIntosh. "M&M'S was the only candy that didn't melt in the conditions we faced as GI's. I remember eating them for a quick pick me up and just because they tasted so good. We are so thankful to the Mars family for their contributions to American soldiers over the years."
    "We are proud to be a part of American history," said Jeffery Moran Director of Communications for Masterfoods USA. "Placing the National D-Day Memorial Foundation decal on the #38 car for the MBNA 400 at Dover International Speedway is a great to pay tribute to the Americans who fought for our country on this historic day."(M&M's Racing PR)(6-4-2004)

  • "and your little dog too......" #24-Jeff Gordon, #77-Brendan Gaughan and #38-Elliott Sadler are three of four cars that are scheduled to run "The Wizard of Oz" 65th Anniversary paint schemes at Kansas in October. Dorothy's dog Toto will replace the Pedigree dog on the No. 38, while Jeff Gordon will sport a rainbow colored car featuring the Cowardly Lion.(RacingOne)(5-29-2004)

  • Roush to buy out Yates? DENIED: Garage sources have told Sporting News insider Lee Spencer that Roush Racing has offered to purchase Robert Yates Racing, expanding their engine partnership to team ownership in an effort to pool Ford's Nextel Cup resources. The Yates camp says the rumors are rubbish.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(5-11-2004)
    UPDATE: Robert Yates denied a report that Jack Roush is buying part or all of Robert Yates Racing. The two NASCAR Nextel Cup car owners are partnering with Ford on an engine-building company, but Yates said that's as far as it will go.(NASCAR.com), Yates also thinks Jayski supplements his "guy's" income, sure doesn't know what he is talking about.....(5-15-2004)

  • New engine builder at DEI...from Yates? hearing former Yates engine man, Dennis Schoenfeld has left Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] and took the head engine builder job at Dale Earnhardt Inc.[DEI](5-11-2004)

  • Nice Gesture by a sponsor: #38-Elliott Sadler's sponsor, M&M's, flew Sadler's parents to California this weekend to help celebrate Sadler's birthday. He turned 29 Friday. "It was the first time I got to spend my birthday with my parents in probably six or seven years," said Sadler, who starts 14th. "That was a great surprise."(Roanoke Times)(5-2-2004)

  • #38 Breaks Long Streak: when was the last time a car with the number 38 won a Cup race? How about on 11/26/1959, when Ned Jarrett won at Columbia, SC. The #38 has now won 6 times with Elliott Sadler's win at Texas. Twenty (20) car numbers that have NOT won yet [not count 0x or numbers with more then two digits] #'s: 35, 36, 39, 50, 57, 61, 63, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70, 74, 76, 79, 82, 84, 93, 94, 95. Of those numbers, only the #50 with Arnold Motorsports is a full-time team. See my Win by Numbers page for first and last time a car number won and the number of wins for each number. Which car number has won the most times? no brainer: #43, 198 times [yep, Richard Petty won a few races using a different car #].(4-7-2004)

  • Sadler not pleased with Sauter: Rookie #30-Johnny Sauter drew the ire of the winner for the late-race maneuvers of his No. 30 Chevrolet. Several other lapped cars pulled aside for the battle between Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne in the closing laps, but Sauter chose to maintain his position. He finished three laps down in 24th. "He should have done like every other smart person and pulled over," Sadler said. "There wasn't anybody within half a straightaway of him. He pulled back in the groove and ran right on the bottom of 3 and 4, which is where I tried to run all day long. His awareness is hideous. I wish he would have left it down to me and Kasey to race. I was so focused on what [Sauter] was going to do, I forgot about [Kahne], and it almost cost me the race."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-5-2004)

  • Elliott Sadler wins at Texas: #38-Elliott Sadler won the Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, his first win since Bristol in March 2001, 108 races ago. It is the first ever points win for sponsor M&M's and the first win for Sadler at Robert Yates Racing [not counting the Twin 125 win]. #9-Kasey Kahne had another close call and ended up 2nd, just inches from winning the race. The rest of the top five were #24-Gordon, #8-Earnhardt Jr., and #2-Wallace. #17-Kenseth was the points leader going into the race at Texas and had some troubles and ended up 16th, losing the points lead to #97-Kurt Busch.
    For race results, see:
    Jayski's Texas Race Results page
    ThatsRacin.com
    MotorsportsOne or
    NASCAR.com
    and/or see my Texas Race Information for my race rundown with laps led, cars out, caution narrative, notes, lucky dogs.(4-4-2004)

  • NFL QB vists Sadler: #38-Elliott Sadler ended up picking up a new pal along the way Thursday — Pittsburg Steelers quarterback, Tommy Maddox. Maddox recognized Sadler, who was in the local Dallas-Fort Worth area premier golfing facility, The Trophy Club. The Steelers QB wasn’t shy and introduced himself to Sadler by asking the question, “Hey aren’t you Elliott Sadler?” The two got together and apparently played a round together. Rumor had it that Sadler shot a 68 on the challenging course. The friendship made it through the night as Maddox was at the track with Sadler this morning, wearing one of Sadler’s sponsor’s caps as he hoofed around the garage getting the VIP treatment. Maddox made a special request to meet with Sadler’s driving partner, Dale Jarrett, which was fulfilled just prior to the Friday morning practice session.(Ford Racing)(4-3-2004)

  • Sadler to make announcement UPDATE: Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 M&M’S Ford, Artie Kempner, Director of NASCAR on FOX, and Jamie McMurray, driver of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge will be in attendence when Elliott Sadler will announce his charity initiative for 2004 on Friday, March 12th at 10:00am/et at Atlanta Motor Speedway Media Center.(PR)(3-10-1004)
    UPDATE Elliott Sadler Teams Up with Fellow Nascar Drivers for 2004 Charity Initiative “Race for Hope” Competition to Benefit Autism/Victory Junction Gang Camp. Elliott Sadler and twelve fellow NASCAR drivers are teaming up to fight autism with the second annual “Race for Hope” competition. Proceeds from the second annual “consumers versus drivers” event, to be held at the North Carolina NASCAR SpeedPark, will benefit the Autism Society of America as well as the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
    Race for Hope will take place Tuesday, May 25th from 5:00-9:00pm/et at the Concord Mills NASCAR SpeedPark located at 8461-G1 Concord Mills Blvd. Concord, NC [the center backside of the mall] near Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Race for Hope will allow race fans the opportunity to race on the exciting go-kart tracks bumper-to-bumper with NASCAR drivers; obtain autographs; and experience a race fan’s first -- to eat a private dinner with their favorite NASCAR driver. In his second annual charity event, Sadler hopes to surpass the $45,000 M&M’S Hoops for Hope raised last year and to add to the Victory Junction Gang Camp list of benefactors. The evening will also include a silent auction on site to with items such as driver uniforms, helmets and sheet metal from NASCAR’s top teams.
    There is a TON of information on my Racing Charities page about the event, packages available, dinner with the drivers, etc, see my Racing Charities page for more info.(3-12-2004)

  • Roush/Yates Engine Woes Update: Reigning series champion #17-Matt Kenseth said Roush Racing has determined what caused the engine failures in teammates #6-Mark Martin and #99-Jeff Burton last weekend in Daytona and is confident the problem is corrected. Kenseth said each engine had something different wrong with it.(Fayetteville Observer), however, was not specific on what that something was.(2-22-2004)

  • Black and White for Sadler: #38-Elliott Sadler will run a black and white M&M's scheme to promote M&M's 'Great Color Quest' at all the Cup races in Daytona, Rockingham and Las Vegas.(M&M's site)(1-2-2004)
    IMAGE added of the scheme to the #38 Car Paint Scemes page [all will load] and the 2004 Cup Paint Schemes page.(1-9-2004)

  • Roush and Yates? UPDATE 3 mergine engine programs: hearing Robert Yates Racing and Roush Racing are teaming up to build engines together at Yates engine shop?
    hearing it's a two way technology transfer as chassis info is headed back to Yates' group from Roush. It's along the lines of GM's "Key Partners" group. The idea is to have the gear as optimized as it can be, then race amongst themselves for the win ---- which is what GM's been doing with great success this year.(11-13-2003)
    UPDATE: hearing more and more unconfirmed rumors that Roush Racing is buying out Roberts Yates two car operation [#38 and #88], but that Yates would maintain the engine side of things and build engines for all seven teams [Yates #38, #88; Roush's #6, #16, #17, #97, #99] and run an engine lease operation.(1-4-2004)
    UPDATE 2: been told that Roush is not buying Yates out, but Yates is supposedly doing some engine work for Roush.(1-5-2004)
    AND see a column at FoxSports: A Roush-Yates alliance could be RAD for Ford.(1-6-2004)
    UPDATE 3: A few versions of how it's playing out: "Jack Roush is buying Robert Yates Racing"; Robert Yates Engines has become the "Official Ford Engine builder of NASCAR" or, as a longer story has it, a Ford Motor Company executive one day wondered why Ford's top teams didn't collaborate on their stock car programs. "Ford has encouraged them to work together, particularly with the new cylinder head having been approved by NASCAR during the offseason," Ford Motorsports spokesman Dan Zacharias said Tuesday. "Roush has not bought Robert Yates; Yates is not building all of the Ford engines used in NASCAR." Finally, the story continues, the Ford executive got the guys together and asked them: "Why don't you all just work together?" Everyone involved supposedly likes the idea that each would no longer waste money on producing something that the other can bring to the table and have, supposedly, already started doing just that. "They've established a cooperative arrangement to work together instead, to get everybody up to speed."(in part from a Daytona Beach News Journal column)
    UPDATE 3a: Two of the biggest names in NASCAR racing, car owners Robert Yates and Jack Roush, are merging their engine-building operations, in a stunning development for the two long-time rivals. The move comes, Roush said, to meet the challenge of a tremendous influx of European Formula One technology into stock-car racing over the past 18 months and the pending Toyota challenge. At the moment, the Roush-Yates merger involves only engine technology, but sources said that the opportunity is now there for much tighter work between the two Ford camps - Yates, with drivers Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler, and Roush, with drivers Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle. "Ford has encouraged Robert and me to have a 'technology transfer' to become competitive with what Toyota is bringing and what Chevrolet is doing and what Dodge has done," Roush said. The Ford thing has been disjointed. Robert and I didn't cooperate, and Ford was not in a position to carry any amount of meaningful technology to both of us, even though both of us were being funded for different projects. The agreement was to help our programs singularly, but that is just not going to work going forward, because you can't have half a program and get the whole result. So we're working to organize how to build better engines by taking both programs and putting them together. Beyond that there are discussions that could lead to deeper involvements, but those aren't finalized at this point." Some crewmen sense an even deeper merger of the two camps may be looming.(Winston Salem Journal)(1-7-2004)

  • Black and White for Sadler: #38-Elliott Sadler will run a black and white M&M's scheme to promote M&M's 'Great Color Quest' at all the Cup races in Daytona, Rockingham and Las Vegas.(M&M's site)(1-2-2004)

    Past 2003 News

  • Fundraiser Results: Richmond International Raceway and Henrico County [VA] joined forces with the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation on Saturday, November 22 for a fundraising event to benefit The Faison School for Autism and the Henrico County Christmas Mother program. More than $35,000 was raised from the all-day event that featured go-kart racing, bowling, a silent auction and a raffle. Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz and Fred Agostino, Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority of Henrico County presented Renea Johnston, the 2003 Henrico County Christmas Mother with a portion of the proceeds at the December 9 Henrico County Board of Supervisors meeting. The Henrico County Christmas Mother program was initiated in 1942 by a local schoolteacher who encouraged her students to bring in a canned good for needy families in the County. Currently, the program provides food, clothing, toys, books and household goods to deserving families, the elderly and disabled during the holiday season. Each year, hundreds of volunteers share their time, money and materials to bring the warmth and wonder of Christmas to more than 4,000 Henrico County residents.
    The Faison School for Autism is located in Richmond and is committed to the individual progress of the children it serves. Autism is a developmental, neurological disability that affects one out of every 250 children. The Faison School relies solely on donations and grants and its goal is to be able to accommodate up to 40 children from the age of 18 months to five years.
    The event was also sponsored by local Clear Channel stations WRVQ 94.5 FM, WBTJ 106.5 FM, WRXL 102.1 FM The X, WRNL Sports Radio 910, WRVA 1140 AM Newsradio and WTVR Lite 98. Each station provided live mentions, conducted on air interviews with Hermie and Angie Sadler to help promote the event and was on-site for the bowling portion of the fundraiser.(RIR PR)(12-16-2003)

  • Promotion at RYR: Robert Yates Racing announced today that Bill Seaborn has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the organization. Seaborn's responsibilities include the management of RYR's sponsorship sales and service, product licensing and corporate marketing. With more than 22 years of experience in the sport, Seaborn served in various capacities at NASCAR, Inc. including marketing, licensing and public relations. Additionally, Seaborn was Vice President of Action Performance Companies, Inc.(RYR PR)(12-4-2003)

  • RYR & 2nd Chance Race Parts Strike Deal: 2nd Chance Race Parts of Mooresville, NC and Robert Yates Racing have finalized a deal which will establish a second location for 2nd Chance Race Parts. The new location is 125 Byers Creek Rd in Mooresville, across the street from RYR’s race shop. All used parts, chassis, sheet metal, equipment and cars being disposed of by RYR will be available at this location for sell. It will take a week or so to relocate all the sales items, but effective 11-24-03 they will be open for business. Several race cars in different stages are available now for sale.(PR)(11-24-2003)
    UPDATE: The parts deal between Robert Yates Racing and 2nd Chance Race Parts took a turn over the weekend. Instead of being located next to RYR's race shop, 2nd Chance Race Parts will now move all the parts from RYR to their location at 329-A Rolling Hill Rd in Mooresville, NC. The phone # (704) 662-9570. Parties needing top quality chassis or parts from the Yates organization may now do so.(11-25-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler an Outstanding Young Virginian: Last Saturday (Nov 15th) Emporia, VA native Elliott Sadler was named by the Virginia Jaycees has one of the 2003 Outstanding Young Virginians(OYV) for his work on behalf of Autism at thier annual OYV dinner. Salder accepted this award via a pretaped video from Homestead Florida. He was nominated for this honor by the West End Jaycees. The Jaycees are a community service organization for young people 21-39. For more information on the Virginia Jaycees go to www.va-jaycees.org and the US Jaycees go to www.usjaycees.org.(11-18-2003)

  • Roush and Yates? hearing Robert Yates Racing and Roush Racing are teaming up to build engines together at Yates engine shop?
    hearing it's a two way technology transfer as chassis info is headed back to Yates' group from Roush. It's along the lines of GM's "Key Partners" group. The idea is to have the gear as optimized as it can be, then race amongst themselves for the win ---- which is what GM's been doing with great success this year.(11-13-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler to run the Busch race at Homestead: Elliott Sadler will drive the #35 Team Rensi Motorsports Ford in the Busch series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Sadler currently drives the #38 M&M's Ford Taurus in the Winston Cup Series for Robert Yates Racing. Sadler will team with Bobby Hamilton, Jr. who is sixth in points, 89 points behind series leader Brian Vickers. Pioneer Services will serve as primary sponsor for Sadler in the Ford 300. "We are real excited about Pioneer Services coming on board with Team Rensi Motorsports two car effort for Homestead. We have enjoyed our partnership with Pioneer Services this season and look forward to racing the No. 35 Pioneer Services Ford with Elliott Sadler," Rensi said. "Elliott is a talented race car driver and we are working hard to put together a part-time Busch Series effort for him in 2004."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2003)

  • Baldwin to Yates? J. J. Yeley may have signed a contract with car owner Joe Gibbs, according to sources. No word on the crew chief. Tommy Baldwin had been considered on Jimmy Makar's list for that job, but now it appears that car owner Robert Yates may be wooing Baldwin to take a job with his team.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-8-2003)

  • More Yates Changes....New GM: #38, #88 team owners, Robert Yates has replaced himself as G.M. of Robert Yates Racing with Eddie D'Hondt. Both RYR teams finished last season in the top 10 in points and they combined for three wins. This year, Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler have struggled to stay in the top 25 in points. "I left Eddie a big mess to clean up, but I feel we have found someone who can organize and motivate the team without being a ‘yes man.' It was time for a change," Yates says. D'Hondt, 44, previously worked for Bill Elliott and Ray Evernham in Winston Cup and most recently oversaw Damon Lusk's Busch team, whose crew chief is Tommy Baldwin Jr.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(11-3-2003)

  • Sadler Paint Scheme gets Passion at Atlanta: Masterfoods USA, makers of M&M’S Chocolate Candies, encouraged its 6,900 associates at 21 corporate sites across the country to etch their way into NASCAR history by signing their names to a decal signifying the “Passion” shared by everyone involved with the company. Masterfoods USA associates will present this proclamation to their driver of the No. 38 M&M’s Taurus, Elliott Sadler, at Sunday’s Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. The #38 Ford will sport a “passionate” new design with associate signatures adorning the entire car and heart logos on both rear quarter panels. Passion is one of six core principles upon which Masterfoods USA defines its operating structure. “Passion Week”, a celebration of this key principle, kicks off with the introduction of the newly designed Nascar vehicle. Twenty-two associate incentive winners from sites across the country were chosen to make the trek to Atlanta and share their ‘passion to win’ with Sadler. “Passion is something we all share at Masterfoods,” said Roula Kamhawi, President of Chocolate for Masterfoods USA and the unofficial Director of Passion. “It’s a very personal belief, but we all share the common vision of a passion to win. When looking to reward our associates for employing this principal, we naturally looked to our NASCAR involvement. Elliott and the entire M&M’s Racing Team share the same passion for motorsports that our associates share for making a high quality product. The two groups really do compliment one another because Elliott and all of our associates are great ambassadors for Masterfoods USA.” Kamhawi will be on hand as the winners and Elliott Sadler sign the car before it takes the green flag.(Elevation Group PR) see an image of the car on my 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes - Cars #'s 24-99 page.(10-25-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler to run #84 truck at Martinsville UPDATE Combos to sponsor: Long Brothers Racing is partnering with Virginia driver Elliott Sadler at Martinsville Speedway. The combination will be featured in the #84 Long Brothers Racing Ford during the Advance Auto Parts 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event Oct. 18 at 2:30pm/et. “We’re hoping that we can have some of the success we’ve had at Martinsville in the past,” said crew chief and co-owner Charlie Long. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get Elliott qualified up front and have another good finish there.” Long Brothers Racing, co-owned by Robert Long, enjoyed a win at the .526-mile flat track just two weeks ago as their #2 Late Model car won the Taco Bell 300 – an event that typically sees more than 100 Late Model entries. “That was a big weekend for Long Brothers Racing,” Charlie Long said. “We had a top-15 finish in the truck race with Nick Woodward at South Boston and won the Late Model race just down the road at Martinsville. I wouldn’t mind seeing that victory lane again.” Sadler and Long Brothers Racing have teamed together twice before at Richmond International Raceway in 2000 and 2001. Both of those events resulted in early exits thanks to engine and brake failure, respectively. Long Brothers Racing also competes regularly in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series with Woodward.(Keystone Marketing PR)(10-14-2003)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler will sport the COMBOS logo as he competes in the Advance Auto Parts 250 Craftsman Truck Series race at the Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Earlier this season COMBOS made its debut on Sadler’s #38 M&M’S Ford Taurus under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Cup race. Sadler’s night ended early on the high banked half-mile oval at Bristol but he has high hopes his #84 Long Brothers Racing ride will fare better on the paper clip shaped half mile nestled his home state of Virginia. In addition to the Combos logos, Sadler’s truck ride will pay tribute to the Dale Jarrett Foundation, the Tia and Trey Dodson Memorial Golf Classic and feature the puzzle ribbons of the Autism Society of America.(Elevation Group PR)(10-17-2003)

  • Salder speaks about rescue at Talladega: Elliott Sadler adler said he met with NASCAR officials Friday morning to thank them for a two-week-old rule preventing cars from racing back to the yellow flag, saying he felt that greatly reduced the time it took rescue workers to get to him once his car finished five snap rolls that followed a one-and-a-half somersault in the #38 M&M's Ford. But he also pressed those officials on the issue of having a traveling team of doctors to supervise medical care of drivers at each NASCAR track. "One thing I would really like to see, and we're all asking for it, is to have some doctors in the infield care center who we know and who travel with this sport," Sadler said. "To have somebody there who knows me and knows that I don't like needles - some people are just scared of certain things, and I'm scared of needles."(See more on the ThatsRacing.com)(10-4-2003)

  • #38 and the Roof Flaps: A safety flap on the roof of Elliott Sadler's #38 M&M's Ford failed to deploy at Talladega, which likely contributed to the frightening flight that destroyed the Robert Yates Racing entry. "If you look closely at the video, the roof flap on the right side didn't appear to do everything it was supposed to do to keep the car on the ground," Nelson said. "That's where our focus is right now." Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, has initiated an intense investigation into the accident. Nelson called his engineering team together Monday to review video tape of the accident and inspect every inch of Sadler's mangled machine, now parked in the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C."It raised a lot of questions that we're now trying to work out the answers," Nelson said. Nelson stressed the flaps of Sadler's car were examined during NASCAR's inspection procedures before Sunday's EA Sports 500. Two pop-up flaps and a pair of metal strips are installed on the roof of every Winston Cup car, designed to keep the 3,400-pound racers on the ground during a spin. NASCAR added an additional metal strip along the rear window for more down force in a spin after Ryan Newman's Dodge flipped through the air during the Daytona 500. Asked if NASCAR needs to go back to the drawing board to find a fix to keep stock cars from going airborne, Nelson said his current investigation will likely tell the story. "Our analysis will tell us that," he said. "But knowing the No. 48 car went through the same thing and did not get airborne tells us that the rules made to keep the cars on the ground worked on one and one got airborne."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-1-2003)

  • Testing at Kentucky: #38-Elliott Sadler will test at Kentucky Speedway today and plans to race at Kansas Speedway this weekend.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(9-30-2003)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler rebounded from his wild Sept. 28 ride at Talladega with a one-day test at Kentucky Speedway today. Sadler shook down two new M&M’s Fords in preparation for this weekend’s race at Kansas while Crew Chief Todd Parrott commented on his driver’s physical condition and the spectacular incident that sent the #38 airborne and flipping down the Talladega backstretch. “He’s (Sadler) doing fine,” Parrott said. “Sunday night he called me and said the CAT Scan and everything came back negative and he felt fine. He had a heck of a headache, but other than that, he had no broken bones and everything was good. He came by the shop yesterday a bunch of times and we were shocked that he felt as well as he did. It goes to show you how ready these guys are to prepare a car. He went through one of the wildest rides I’ve ever seen at Daytona or Talladega, and I’ve seen some wild ones.” Parrott credits Sadler’s health to NASCAR safety measures. “The inside of the car and the driver’s cocoon are probably the most unscathed parts of the racecar. Everything did its job,” Parrott said. “He was awake for the whole ride. He kept telling himself, ‘don’t black out, don’t black out, don’t black out.’ He’s having a good test here today.”(Kentucky Speedway)(10-1-2003)

  • Hot Seats - Crew Chiefs: Several crew chiefs are on the hot seat, including Bill Wilburn with the #2 Dodge. Someone mentioned as a possible replacement is Todd Parrott, who returned to Robert Yates Racing last month as Elliott Sadler's crew chief after a lengthy sabbatical. Parrott says any talk of his leaving is "crazy." "Not in this lifetime," Parrott says. "I'm back at home, and this team is starting to come together." Parrott believes Sadler and the team are gaining confidence in him, and winning the pole at Talladega is an example of the crew's potential. Sadler was running third before he was involved in a spectacular crash. The wreck forced the race to be red-flagged with six laps remaining.(Sporting News/FoxSports)(9-30-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler Speaks About Talladega Wreck: "First of all, I want to thank all of the sponsors, fans and members of the media that have called to check on me following my wreck at Talladega. It was a scary wreck from inside of the car and it may have been a little scarier to see the replay. I was alert during the entire wreck. It reminded me a lot of the big wreck I had at Michigan International Speedway in 2000. When you flip or get airborne it's a very eerie feeling. Everything goes quiet when you're off the ground and when you wreck and hit the wall there's a lot of loud noises. Its hard to describe but the two are totally different feelings.
    I consider myself very lucky the car landed on its wheels after the wreck was over. The safety workers were there in a matter of seconds. I applaud NASCAR on the new yellow flag rule. It would not have been a good feeling to sit there for a long period of time without seeing someone there to help. As soon as I stopped flipping the safety guys were on the scene and they were very respectful of my wishes with getting me out of the car and into the ambulance. Drivers don't want to be grabbed and pulled after being in a wreck and those guys did a great job of listening to what I had to say.
    I'm actually in Kentucky testing today. We're going to Kansas City this weekend and want to make sure we have our ducks in a row for the remaining races on the schedule. We had some great success this year at the mile and a half tracks and want to make sure we run well at Kansas City, Charlotte and Atlanta. Since Todd has joined the team, we haven't raced on a mile and a half track so this gives us a chance to work together before it really counts."(Elevation Group PR)(10-1-2003)

  • Testing at Kentucky: #38-Elliott Sadler will test at Kentucky Speedway today and plans to race at Kansas Speedway this weekend.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(9-30-2003)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler rebounded from his wild Sept. 28 ride at Talladega with a one-day test at Kentucky Speedway today. Sadler shook down two new M&M’s Fords in preparation for this weekend’s race at Kansas while Crew Chief Todd Parrott commented on his driver’s physical condition and the spectacular incident that sent the #38 airborne and flipping down the Talladega backstretch. “He’s (Sadler) doing fine,” Parrott said. “Sunday night he called me and said the CAT Scan and everything came back negative and he felt fine. He had a heck of a headache, but other than that, he had no broken bones and everything was good. He came by the shop yesterday a bunch of times and we were shocked that he felt as well as he did. It goes to show you how ready these guys are to prepare a car. He went through one of the wildest rides I’ve ever seen at Daytona or Talladega, and I’ve seen some wild ones.” Parrott credits Sadler’s health to NASCAR safety measures. “The inside of the car and the driver’s cocoon are probably the most unscathed parts of the racecar. Everything did its job,” Parrott said. “He was awake for the whole ride. He kept telling himself, ‘don’t black out, don’t black out, don’t black out.’ He’s having a good test here today.”(Kentucky Speedway)(10-1-2003)

  • Tethers Hold Steady: NASCAR's tether rules was one of the most impressive success stories was the tethers, those strong cables designed to keep parts from flying off a car in a crash. #38-Elliott Sadler's crash tested every tether, and all held - the wheel tethers, the hood tethers, and the rear-deck tethers.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-30-2003)

  • Sadler OK after horrible looking accident UPDATE: on lap 182, #38-Elliott Sadler came down the track, after #8-Earnhardt Jr. moved over, Sadler came accross the front of #97-Busch, Sadler then went airbourne after going sideways and hitting an edge of grass which caused him to flip over a few times, Sadler climbed out, was alert and seems ok. NASCAR red flagged the event to clean up and insure a green flag finish. Sadler was then taken to a local hospital as a precaution and to get checked out.(9-28-2003)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler was examined and released from the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center late Sunday after a violent accident on Lap 182. "The main thing is he is OK. He said he was alert through the whole ride," said crew chief, Todd Parrott. "He's upset because he had a great race car with a car capable of winning the race, but the main thing is he's OK."(ThatsRacin.com)(9-29-2003)

  • Sadler to be featured: Elliott Sadler will be featured in the September 16th – Country Weekly, available at newsstands everywhere.(M&M's Motorsports PR)(9-11-2003)

  • Parrott back to Yates....with the #38: Robert Yates Racing announced today that effective immediately Todd Parrott will assume crew chief duties for Elliott Sadler and the #38 M&M’S Racing Team. Raymond Fox III, who had served in the crew chief capacity since October of 2002, will continue to play an integral role on the #38 team. “Todd (Parrott) is going to assume the position of crew chief,” said Robert Yates, owner of the #38 and 88 teams. “The 38 team had some success in several races this year but we feel like we need to improve the performance so we can run up front on a more consistent basis. Todd’s experience will take the #38 team to the next level. Raymond Fox has done a great job for us, and will continue to be an important part of this race team.”
    “I’ve been at home re-charging my batteries,” said Parrott. “I am really excited to be back to work and am looking forward to working with Elliott Sadler. Elliott is a young, energetic and enthusiastic driver who has had an up and down season. They have qualified and raced well at times and I hope that I can help this young guy get into the winner’s circle. With Raymond and I working side by side I think it won’t be too hard to find victory lane.”
    “I think Todd Parrott’s return will help us find the depth we were missing at this point in the season,” said Elliott Sadler. “I said at the beginning of the year this team could win a championship and I still think that today. I’m really happy of the opportunities given to me at Robert Yates Racing.” Parrott, who had served in the team manager position since December 2001, will assume the position he worked in with the #88 team from 1996 to 2001. Parrott led the team to the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship and has scored 24 wins as crew chief with the #88 team. Dave Smith will continue to work as the car chief under Parrott and Fox.(Elevation Motorsports PR)(8-19-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler's Pit Crew Wins at Watkins Glen: Elliott Sadler's pit crew took home the first-place check of $20,000 for winning Sunday's (Aug. 10) McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Watkins Glen International. The victory was the first for Sadler's pit crew, which is ranked seventh in the overall McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship point standings. Sadler's team also became the 13th different pit crew winner in the first 22 NASCAR Winston Cup point races of the season. "The M&Ms pit crew works hard week in and week out to get the job done for me on pit road," said Sadler. "These days with competition as tight as it is, pit crews are essential to get valuable track position. Their jobs are as important as mine. I'm real proud they won at the Glen." Sadler's No. 38 M&Ms Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road at Watkins Glen International - 84.106 seconds. Bobby Labonte's Interstate Batteries Chevrolet was second with 85.287 and Casey Mears' Target Dodge was third with 86.504. Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Dave Smith (front tire changer & car chief), Scott Wood (jackman), Kevin Hall (front tire carrier), Ray Holm (Rear Tire Changer), Paul Volk (rear tire carrier), Norman Koshimizu (gasman) and Danny Dickerson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Raymond Fox III. For the season standings, who has won each week, the top 10 last race, see my Pit Crew Page.(DMF Communications PR)(8-13-2003)

  • Roush, Yates and Wood Bros re-up with Ford: Ford Racing officials on Friday announced they had signed new, five-year contract extensions with three of the top Ford teams in Winston Cup - Robert Yates Racing, Roush Racing and Wood Brothers Racing. Together, the organizations field eight Cup teams each weekend and include such drivers as 1999 champion Dale Jarrett, current series leader Matt Kenseth and veterans Mark Martin and Ricky Rudd, among others. "Loyalty is something that we just take extremely seriously at Ford," said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing. "We like to reward loyalty and these three organizations have been so loyal to us that I felt it was important for Ford and Ford Racing to demonstrate our loyalty to them. We've picked our dance partner and for Ford Motor Co. and NASCAR, these are our dance partners." These organizations were also instrumental in the development of the 2004 Ford Taurus, which will be officially submitted to NASCAR this week for competition beginning next season. "The kind of commitment that need to made for research and development and pooling of information and for the development of strategies can't be made on an ad hoc basis," said team owner Jack Roush. They can't be made annually. They almost have to me made with a decade in mind, and this certainly is moving in the right direction."()(8-1-2003)

  • Elliott Sadler wins 2nd Qtr NASCAR USG Person of the Year: A former basketball player, NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Elliott Sadlersaw the opportunity to play basketball to help raise money to benefit a cause that directly impacts his family. Sadler, with the help of his sponsor M&M's, donated over $45,000 to the Autism Society of America through various events, most notably via his œHoops for Hope charity basketball game in May, all to help raise awareness of autism. For his efforts in staging the Hoops for Hope event and generating significant charitable funds, Sadler has been named the 2003 Second Quarter NASCAR USG Person of the Year. Autism is a disease that has personally affected his family. Sadler's niece, Halie Dru, was diagnosed with autism in 2001. USG (United States Gypsum), the Official Building Products Supplier of NASCAR, is in its first year as sponsor of the NASCAR USG Person of the Year program. The award is designed to honor drivers, not only for their accomplishments on the track, but for their community service contributions and charitable efforts. For the purpose of determining the NASCAR USG Person of the Year Award winner, the NASCAR Winston Cup season has been divided into four quarters in which drivers are nominated for their off-track efforts. A select group of panelists will select one of the four quarterly finalists as the NASCAR USG Person of the Year. This award will be presented the week of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Awards Ceremony in New York City, along with a prize of $100,000. The prize will be divided evenly between the driver and the charity of his/her choice. Other second quarter nominees included Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton. The 2003 First Quarter NASCAR USG Person of the Year winner was Ricky Craven. In addition to the NASCAR USG Person of the Year, USG also sponsors the Driver of the Race Award, which goes to the eligible driver who wins each of the 36 NASCAR Winston Cup championship events. Each USG Driver of the Race Award winner receives $2,500 with an additional $2,500 going to the charity of his/her choice.(NASCAR PR)(8-1-2003)

  • Sadler in the booth: Winston Cup driver Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 M & M's car, will join Allen Bestwick and Benny Parsons to provide race analysis during TNT's coverage of Busch Series racing from Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday, August 2 at 8:00pm/et.(Turner PR)(7-29-2003)

  • Yates Rumor Denied UPDATE and some more:.... the story of the day was Robert Yates, who denied reports that he is interested in selling his two Winston Cup teams. According to one report, Yates was talking with Chip Ganassi -- according to another report, he was talking with Joe Gibbs. Yates laughed off the reports: 'I'm going to stick to my deal. I haven't gone there. Robert Yates-Bill Gates sounds pretty good, but other than that, I'm not interested I don't think. I do have a race-team shop for sale, under the right conditions. Ricky Rudd's old shop. And you know how rumors get started. Robby Gordon said he wanted to look at that, and I'm sure someone overheard that, and the next thing you know it went around that I was selling out. Robby was trying to buy Jimmy Spencer's shop, but it got sold, and I heard that and told Robby, 'How about coming by and looking at mine? So this wasn't something that somebody dreamed up. But I'm not leaving. You sell after you win the championship, not before. Raymond Beadle taught me that.' Ford executives didn't put much credence in reports that Robert Yates might be calling it quits, pointing to a new five-year contract just signed with Yates in January and to UPS' contract that runs through 2006. Jimmy Makar, Joe Gibbs' team manager, said he was unaware of the Yates story until late yesterday and put no validity into a report that Yates was interested in a deal with Gibbs. There would be so many contractual entanglements as to make any Yates deal almost a non-starter. Chip Ganassi, for one, is a Dodge man -- Gibbs, a GM man.(Winston Salem Journal).(7-26-2003)
    UPDATE: So it may not be surprising that Robert Yates is reportedly ready to quit. Yates said he's not trying to sell his two Winston Cup teams. But others in the garage have said there's more to the story than Yates is letting on. Yates, a famous engine man and a car owner since 1988, has become increasingly disenchanted with the car-owner side of the business over the past year. While he and his son, Doug, still have one of the top engine programs, they've had numerous headaches as owners, and Robert has indicated for a year that he might like to fade out of the picture, perhaps to his beach house at Myrtle Beach.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-27-2003)

  • Yates to Gibbs? REWORDED: Charlotte's WSOC-TV Channel 9's Harold Johnson reported on Wednesday that Robert Yates Racing RYR #38/88] would merge with Joe Gibbs Racing or another organization. The report was taken so seriously by RYR that Robert Yates supposedly met with the team this morning to let them know there was NO truth to the rumor.(100% reported by XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(7-24-2003)

  • #38 Wins Kelly Stewart, driver of the #38 M&M's/RYR Hauler [see an image of the hauler on my 2003 Cup hauler Schemes page] win the International Truck Challenge race at Chciagoland Speedway on Sunday morning.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required) - have not been able to find any results, columns or standing on this at the International or NASCAR.com sites.
    AND The International Truck and Engine Corporation held its third annual International Truck Challenge at the Chicagoland Speedway over the past weekend. With a perfect score of 200 and a time of 54.67 seconds, Kelly Stewart, team hauler driver for Elliott Sadler's #38 M&M's Ford, won this year's International Truck Challenge, which pits drivers against each other on an obstacle course for the chance to win a handsome cash prize and bragging rights for the winning team driver. Stewart came in 47.46 seconds before the second place finisher Tommy Mullis, team hauler driver for Dale Jarrett's #88 UPS Taurus Racing Team, to take the win. After receiving the winning check for $5,000 Stewart said, "I knew this was a one-shot event. I tried not to think about it too much and just wanted to be in the top three."  Stewart, who is in his third season with Yates Racing, drives the same 9400i model for the #38 team. "I like the way it pulls. It upgrades in the mountains better than other haulers I've driven." Terry Cook, driver of the #29 Truck Series Power Stroke truck, drove the course first to challenge the hauler drivers. Cook scored 195 points and completed the course in 1:44.83.
    As part of the company's exclusive four-year sponsorship program with NASCAR, International Truck and Engine Corporation developed the International Truck Challenge as a way to showcase the skill of NASCAR's rig drivers and the high performance International equipment that helps them do their jobs.  The primary CDL licensed team hauler from each NASCAR Winston Cup team gets the chance to demonstrate their capabilities by competing in a series of timed obstacles that test drivers' nerves and driving prowess. The 2003 International Truck Challenge kicked off Friday, July 11 with qualifications at the drag strip adjacent to Chicagoland Speedway where eighteen drivers attempted the course. The top three qualifiers based on style points and time advanced to Sunday's finals. Prior to the Winston Cup Tropicana 400, Stewart, Mullis and third place finisher Peter Jellen from the #18 car competed in front of early arrivers and to the amusement of the pit crews.
           Name........... Points Time
    1st  #38-Kelly Stewart. 200.... 54.67
    2nd #88-Tommy Mullis 200.... 1:42.13
    3rd #18-Peter Jellen.... 195.... 1:44.83 (Ketchum.com PR) no season standings found....yet.(7-14-2003)

  • New RYR Chassis Engineer: Bill Riley, technical director and co-owner of Indianapolis-based Riley & Scott Racing, is leaving the chassis design company to become chassis engineer for NASCAR's Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] on July 21.(Indainapolis Star)(7-9-2003)

  • New Car Chief for the #38 and #24 crew changes: Since #38 Elliott Sadler lost his car chief to the #88 team [as crew chief, Shawn Parker], Sadler has just one top-ten finish in the last five races. Former Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports crewman Dave Smith has joined the M&M's team as car chief and front tire changer to help the #38 return to contention. "It was something that I wanted to do so I think that was the easiest decision," Smith said. "It's close to the house, but it's still that shot at winning the championship. If we get Elliott in Victory Lane and get him winning some races and win a championship, it'll be more gratifying than with Jeff (Gordon) because he's won so much."
    "We were lucky enough to get Dave to come over, and he's got some great experience," Sadler said. "He'd been with Matt Kenseth for a while and with the 24. Very young, seems very eager and optimistic and I think he knows what he's doing."(FSN's Totally NASCAR)
    AND - so who replaces Smith at the #24? Rear tire changer David Smith left the DuPont team after the Sonoma race to become the car chief for #38-Elliott Sadler. Smith, who departed Matt Kenseth's team for Hendrick Motorsports after the 2002 season, joins his third race team in less than seven months. Smith will be replaced by Adam Davis on Jeff Gordon's pit crew. Davis was formerly a tire changer for Joe Nemechek's Winston Cup team. Davis, 24, came to Hendrick Motorsports after spending last season with Petty Enterprises. He was a tire changer on Kyle Petty's car in 2002. Prior to entering the NASCAR world, Davis attended High Point University in North Carolina on a soccer scholarship. He holds a degree in sports medicine. In addition to his pit crew duties, Davis will continue his role as a mechanic for HMS.(Jeff Gordon Online)(7-5-2003)

  • M&M'S Hoops For Hope raises over $45k: Elliott Sadler announced today a donation of $45,093 to the Autism Society of America, with the donations stemming from the M&M'S Hoops For Hope basketball game Sadler hosted on May 21, 2003. A combined effort of ticket and t-shirt sales, memorabilia auctions and private donations helped Sadler and his Hoops for Hope game raise money for autism research. Sadler will make the presentation via video to the Autism Society of America at their National Conference in Pittsburg on July 19, 2003. Autism hits home for Elliott Sadler as his niece Halie Dru -- brother Hermie's daughter -- was diagnosed with the condition in 2001. When sponsor M&M'S signed on board, they asked Sadler what charity was close to his heart and how they could help support his efforts. With that conversation, the idea of M&M'S Hoops for Hope to raise awareness of autism was born. In addition to participating in the M&M'S Hoops for Hope game, Sadler attends various bowling and golf events to raise money for the fight against autism all year long.(see full PR at the Sadler Fanclub site)(7-1-2003)

  • Sadler signs up with Speed Parks: #38-Elliott Sadler has signed on as an official spokesman for NASCAR SpeedParks, currently located in Myrtle Beach, SC; Sevierville, TN; and Concord, NC. The 28-year-old driver of the # 38 M&M’S Ford joins Dale Jarrett and Tony Stewart as Official NASCAR SpeedPark spokesmen. Sadler began his racing career at the young age of seven and has accumulated more than 200 wins, racing his way up from Virginia go-kart tracks to NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series. As an official spokesman for NASCAR SpeedPark, Sadler will help promote NASCAR SpeedPark through use of his name and likeness in NASCAR SpeedPark’s marketing material as well as personal appearances. .Elliott Sadler is currently scheduled to do appearances at all three NASCAR SpeedParks on the following dates:
    NASCAR SpeedPark........... Concord Mills ........... August 6, 2003 ........... 6-8 p.m.
    NASCAR SpeedPark........... Myrtle Beach. ........... September 1, 2003 ........... 6-8 p.m.
    NASCAR SpeedPark........... Smoky Mountains........... September 10, 2003 ........... 6-8 p.m.(Elliott Sadler Enterprises PR)(6-25-2003)

  • M&M's Hoops for Hope Stuff: In order to complete the final stage of the M&M’s Hoops for Hope donation to the Autism Society of America, Elliott Sadler and M&M’S are ready to auction off some memorabilia from the game. In a final step to raise funding for a good cause, four game basketballs and a player jersey will go up for bid at midnight on May 28, 2003 and will run for seven days. To bid and for more info on the Auctions and the Golf Tournament, see my Racing Charities Page.(5-28-2003)

  • Drivers beat Media UPDATE: A team of drivers and athletes from other sports defeated a media team 59-38 in the Hoops for Hope charity basketball game hosted by Elliott Sadler at UNCC's Halton Arena Thursday night. The event raised money for the Autism Society of America.(ThatsRacin.com), see photos of the event at The Sadler Bother Fanclub site.(5-17-2003)
    UPDATE: Pit 10 professional athletes against 15 unfit media types in athletic competition and what do you get? A blowout. So went the inaugural M&Ms Hoops for Hope charity basketball game Thursday evening at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, in which host Elliott Sadler stole the show by scoring a game-high 15 points.(NASCAR.com)(5-20-2003)

  • Parker to be Jarrett's new crew chief? Makar NOT leaving Gibbs UPDATE 3 Parker named, new car chief too: Shawn Parker could become Dale Jarrett's new crew chief, according to sources close to the Robert Yates team. And crew chief Greg Zipadelli says that there is nothing to the rumors that his own boss, General Manager Jimmy Makar, might move on to join the Yates team to work with Jarrett. Parker is a chassis specialist for the Elliott Sadler-Raymond Fox half of the Yates team. Parker was once a key member of the Jack Roush operation before moving on.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-26-2003)
    UPDATE: hearing shawn Parker has been named as the crew chief of the #88 UPS Ford and driver Dale Jarrett.(5-7-2003)
    UPDATE 2: Shawn Parker, former car chief for Winston Cup driver Elliott Sadler's #38 Fords, is the new crew chief for Salder's Robert Yates Racing teammate, Dale Jarrett, ThatsRacin.com has learned. An official annoucement of Parker's promotion is expected Wednesday afternoon, but sources confirmed the move has been completed. Parker joined Sadler's team this season from Roush Racing, where he served as car chief for driver Kurt Busch. Parker has no previous experience as a Winston Cup crew chief. The team released crew chief Brad Parrott last month and team manager Todd Parrott took an indefinite leave of absence. Garth Finley, who has served as interim crew chief for Jarrett since Brad Parrott's departure, is expected to return to the role of team manager.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-7-2003)
    UPDATE 3: Also announced was the return of Jason Burdett to RYR as the #88’s car chief. Burdett previously worked with the team and was a part of the 1999 championship team. He left RYR following the 2000 season and joined the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team and helped contribute to its 2001 championship effort. Burdett served as the car chief for Hendrick’s #48 car since 2002.(Ford Racing), no word on what happens to former #88 car chief, Darrell Morrow, Pit Crew Chart has been updated.(5-8-2003)

  • Yates in No Hurry: Robert Yates [#38 and #88 team owner] said Friday at Richmond that he prefers to keep Jarrett's No. 88 team intact for the time being and let that group solve the team's problems. Team engineer Garth Finley took over as interim crew chief after Robert Yates Racing general manager Doug Yates released Brad Parrott. Yates said he wants to give Finley and the rest of the crew "the room, the support, the time" to get Jarrett running well again. Yates said Doug Yates has talked to a few prospects, but "I don't see anybody coming in the door tomorrow," Robert Yates said. Yates said he hasn't talked to Jimmy Makar, who has been in the rumor mill to move to Yates. Makar is the general manager of Joe Gibbs Racing after being moved form Bobby Labonte's crew chief in the off-season.(NASCAR.com)(5-3-2003)

  • Parker to be Jarrett's new crew chief? Makar NOT leaving Gibbs: Shawn Parker could become Dale Jarrett's new crew chief, according to sources close to the Robert Yates team. And crew chief Greg Zipadelli says that there is nothing to the rumors that his own boss, General Manager Jimmy Makar, might move on to join the Yates team to work with Jarrett. Parker is a chassis specialist for the Elliott Sadler-Raymond Fox half of the Yates team. Parker was once a key member of the Jack Roush operation before moving on.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-26-2003)

  • Sadler colors at California: #38-Elliott Sadler will sport the Pedigee Brand colors this weekend at California Speedway. He will visit a plant that produces Pedigree Dog Food in Vernon, CA before heading to the track.(M&M's Motorsports)(4-24-2003)

  • M&M's Announcment UPDATE: M&M's" Racing will make an announcement in the Talladega infield media center at 2:00pm on Friday April 4th.(4-3-2003)
    UPDATE: Hundreds of thousands of families live each day with Autism, including some in the NASCAR Winston Cup garage area. Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 M&M’s Ford, knows full well the affects Autism has on a family. Sadler’s niece and brother Hermie’s daughter, Halie Dru, was diagnosed with the disability in 2001. Halie has inspired her Uncle Elliott to support Autism research, and this year he’s come up with a creative and fun way to raise some much needed funds.
    M&M’s Hoops For Hope with Elliott Sadler is a charitable basketball game set for May 15, 2003 at Halton Arena on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The game will pair NASCAR drivers and other local celebrities with members of the motorsports media pool in a one-hour shootout. Sadler, the all-time leading scorer for his high school basketball team in hometown Emporia, VA, will certainly practice his jump shot in preparation.
    "M&M's knew my interests when we signed up together. When the idea of a charity basketball game to benefit the Autism Society of America came up I immediately jumped on board,” explained Elliott Sadler. “Autism is something that hits really close to home for me because my niece, Halie is autistic. I've seen her progress from a social and developmental standpoint in the time she's been attending the Faison School for Autism in Richmond. That encourages me and my family to help her and others with this complex developmental disability. This basketball game will give NASCAR stars a chance to help others and April is National Autism Awareness Month so this is a great time to announce our intentions."
    All proceeds from M&M’s Hoops for Hope with Elliott Sadler will go the Autism Society of America to fund research and the search for a cure. Artie Kempner, Coordinating Director of NASCAR on FOX, is on the ASA board and will take part in the event.
    "This is a tremendous event for the autism community in that it will not only raise money, but more importantly, raise awareness and better educate people about autism,” said Kempner. “As the parent of a son with autism, I see the challenges that this disorder presents on a daily basis. I am so impressed with “M&Ms”, Elliott and the NASCAR family in their commitment to help fund research efforts to find a cause, and eventually a cure for autism." “M&M’s” was happy to support their driver’s charitable initiative and has signed on to underwrite the cost of the event.
    ”We are happy to take part in such an exciting event for a great cause,” said Scott Hudler of Masterfoods USA. “We knew of Elliott’s charitable interests and wanted to take help him raise money for his cause. The game is going to be very exciting and I think we should get a tremendous response.”
    Drivers scheduled to appear in addition to Elliott Sadler include Hermie Sadler, Brian Vickers, Jeff Burton, Tony Raines, Jamie McMurray and Dale Jarrett. Tickets will go on sale April 7th, 2003 at UNCC Halton Arena box office by calling 1-866-MYTICKET to charge over the phone. Doors will open at 5:30pm with an autograph session with Elliott and Hermie Sadler. The session will be limited to the first 250 people in line who receive wrist bands. The basketball game will start at 7:00pm along with a halftime “Shoot for Loot” show. For more details please go to www.mmsmotorsports.com or www.SadlerFanClub.com, or call 704.595.0118.(4-6-2003)

  • Jarrett and Sadler to the final four: Robert Yates Racing teammates Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler plan to fly to New Orleans following Winston Cup practice Saturday to attend the semifinal games in the men's NCAA basketball tournament. Texas coach Rick Barnes is the drivers' ticket connection.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-5-2003)

  • Yates teams get an assoc sponsor: Robert Yates Racing, which fields cars driven by #38-Elliott Sadler and #88-Dale Jarrett, has added Winner International as an associate sponsor. The deal involves The Club and a new WI product, Juice Batteries. The associate sponsorship program marks Winner's first foray into NASCAR driver or team sponsorship.(NASCAR PR)(3-20-2003)

  • Sadler to the Dogs: #38-Elliott Sadler is running the Pedigree Dog Food yellow and blue schemes at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend.(3-7-2003)

  • Team Testing Helps Jarrett win: Dale Jarrett and crew chief Brad Parrott say teammate Elliott Sadler's February test at Rockingham provided their team the data it needed to set up Jarrett's winning Ford. "They handed their book over to me," Parrott says. "And that won us the race." Because practice was rained out last Saturday, Sadler's notes were invaluable for establishing the baseline setup on Jarrett's #88. Sadler finished ninth.(Sporting News)(2-24-2003)

  • Special #38 Schemes: the #38 M&M's team will run five different paint schemes during the 2003 season, plus a Pedigree scheme at a race or two.(1-21-2003)

  • Another Parrott at Yates? If Brad Parrott has his way, he and his brother Todd won't be the only Parrotts working at Robert Yates Racing this year. He's talking to his father, long-time NASCAR veteran crew chief Buddy Parrott, about helping out, too. "Dad has been out of the sport for two years now. He never went to a race all last year, not one, and he's eager," said Brad Parrott, crew chief for Dale Jarrett's team. "I've asked him for a little background help as far as looking at race films and pit crew films and he said he'd think about the possibility of doing that." Todd Parrott, formerly Jarrett's crew chief, is now the team's director of competition.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-21-2003)

  • #28 Crew Elected NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year: The National Association of Pit Crew Members has announced that the NASCAR Winston Cup Robert Yates Racing #28 Texaco Havoline Crew has been elected the NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year. The online election was held at the NAPCM website, www.napcm.com, during the 2002 season. Cambria Laveck Padgett, Director of Member Services for the NAPCM had this to say, "The #28 Texaco/Havoline Crew sure earned this award. It was a tough season for Ray, Bobby and the rest of the #28 crew yet they consistently performed sub 14 and 15 second pit stops. Those guys are always lightening fast and a great group of competitors." In recognition of the award the #28 Crew will receive a NAPCM "Pit Crew of the Year" award packet including items from participating sponsor Mechanix Wear. To vote for the 2003 Season NAPCM Pit Crew of the Year or to learn more about the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit the Pit Crew Club at www.napcm.com.(PR)(1-18-2003)

  • Shell and Yates? UPDATE yep: hearing that Shell Lubricants has signed a Exclusive Product-Technical Agreement with Robert Yates Racing, a multi-year product and technical agreement with Robert Yates Racing. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Shell Lubricants will supposedly be the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Robert Yates Racing teams.
    UPDATE: Shell Lubricants today announced a multi-year product and technical agreement with Robert Yates Racing. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Shell Lubricants will be the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Robert Yates Racing teams. The company's alliance with Robert Yates Racing and its involvement in motorsports provide an opportunity for Shell Lubricants to further strengthen its brand, demonstrate the performance of its products and support its retailers and wholesalers. To highlight the relationship, the official ROTELLA T logo will be prominently displayed on the driver and team uniforms and on the racecars. The placement has the potential to reach 540 million people through races, television coverage and other special appearances. In addition to supplying specialty oil and greases to the Yates team, Shell will provide technical support including oil and engine part analysis in an effort to improve performance. Shell branded lubricants, including engine oils, transmission oil, gear box oils, greases and other products will be used in all Robert Yates Racing race cars. The sponsorship, which kicks off at the 2003 Daytona 500, provides numerous marketing, promotional and networking opportunities for Shell Lubricants as well as for its retailers and wholesalers.(Rotella PR)(1-16-2003)

    Past 2002 News

  • Yates Racing Moving: Charlotte-based Robert Yates Racing Inc. will move both its Winston Cup teams into a newly purchased Mooresville headquarters next month, making southern Iredell County the home for all its operations. The move will likely cost more than $6 million, observers say. Yates officials decline to disclose the company's total investment in the deal. Last month, Yates bought the former Eel River Racing building in Talbert Pointe Business Park for $4.2 million, and Yates Racing is in the process of moving its #88-Dale Jarrett and #38-Elliott Sadler teams into the facility. Yates will vacate a 100,000-square-foot Charlotte facility off Interstate 85, near Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, which is now home to the Jarrett team. The Sadler operation will take the place of the Ricky Rudd team, which was already based in Mooreville. Rudd has left Yates. The move to Mooresville will boost Yates Racing's operations there to more than 200,000 square feet. The relocation should be completed before February, when the 2003 Winston Cup season begins. With the transition, the existing Mooresville team shop for Yates' #28 car — which Rudd drove during the 2002 season — will become a chassis shop. That 50,000-square-foot facility is on Rolling Hills Road in Lakeside Business Park. The #28 will be abandoned for the 2003 racing season in favor of Sadler's #38 car. Having the chassis shop will enable the Yates teams to produce up to 90% of their own racing frames. A newly opened engine shop, housed in an 85,000-square-foot building that's also in Lakeside Business Park, will maintain its existing operations.(Charlotte Business Journal - need to register to read)(12-24-2002)

  • New Yates Engine Man: Mark McCardle, who formerly worked for Penske and engine developer Ilmor, will oversee Yates' newly opened, 85,000-square-foot engine facility.(Sporting News)(12-23-2002)

  • M&M's special at Bristol: hearing that #38 Elliott Sadler/M&M's Ford will run a Combo Special at Bristol in August(12-19-2002)

  • Changes at RYR, new crew chief for the #88: Robert Yates Racing [RYR] announced wholesale organizational changes Wednesday, including naming Doug Yates, owner Robert Yates' son, general manager over both Winston Cup teams. Effective immediately, Doug Yates will assume the role of general manager for both the #38 M&M Ford driven by Elliott Sadler and #88 UPS Ford driven by Dale Jarrett, overseeing the daily operations of both teams. Yates will continue to work closely with Yates Racing Engines, which has a strong lease program in addition to supplying engines for Jarrett and Sadler. Todd Parrott, Jarrett's crew chief for seven years, has been named director of competition for Robert Yates Racing. Parrott's new role allows him to focus on "big picture" projects for both the #88 and #38 teams. His responsibilities include overseeing chassis design, car construction and development and testing. Additionally, he will provide technical and race support to RYR's crew chiefs at Winston Cup races. Brad Parrott, Todd's younger brother, returns to RYR and will assume crew chief duties for Jarrett [#88]. A 17-year veteran of the sport, Parrott worked for Robert Yates Racing for six seasons from 1996 through 2001. During his tenure with RYR, Parrott began as a chassis specialist and later worked as assistant crew chief for the #88. Parrott most recently worked at Roush Racing as crew chief for Jeff Burton's #9 BGN team, which won five of the 13 races in which the team entered in 2002. Raymond Fox III has been named crew chief of the #38 team with Sadler. A longtime employee of RYR, Fox has worked full time as a mechanic for Yates since 1990, turning wrenches under such drivers as Davey Allison, Kenny Irwin, Ernie Irvan, Jarrett and Ricky Rudd.(ThatsRacin.com)(12-18-2002)

  • Parker leaves Roush for Yates UPDATE 2: #97 Car Chief Shawn Parker has left Roush Racing and will assume the Car Chief duties for the #38 M&M's Ford of Yates Racing and Elliott Sadler.(11-20-2002)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler became acquainted with his new Robert Yates Racing NASCAR Winston Cup Team during a two-day test at Kentucky Speedway. The 27-year-old Sadler began preparing to become the new teammate of 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Jarrett. Sadler enters the team seat vacated by veteran driver Ricky Rudd and will drive for new sponsor M&M's Candies. After just two days on the job, he's already impressed with the team chemistry. "It's unbelievable how well this team works together, how focused they are and how good they want to be. I'm just glad to be a part of this team. I'm glad Robert and Doug have given me this chance. I'm working very well with Raymond so far, so I think things will be very bright for us this (upcoming) year," Sadler said. Sadler added that he's excited about building a promising future with Fox and Parker. "Raymond has worked with this team for a long time, I think it's the only place he's ever worked. He's due for his chance to become a crew chief. He's doing a great job. We're both pretty young and we brought Shawn Parker over to be the car chief. We have a lot of good young guys on this race team that are eager to win and wanting to do what it takes to run good each and every week. Hopefully we'll be together a long time and have some good success," Sadler concluded. (Kentucky Speedway PR), been told that Yate's will try something a little different and have co-crew chief with Fox and Parker.(11-21-2002)
    UPDATE 2: a surprise move in one way but not another is it appears that Jimmy Fennig's right-hand man, Shawn Parker who was the car chief for Kurt Busch, will share crew chief duties with Raymond Fox at Robert Yates Racing with Elliott Sadler. Fox has been with Yates for probably 15 years. The challenge for that team is going to come on race day when you have to have one person making the calls.(FoxSports)(11-26-2002)

  • Yates testing this week - #38 crew chief to be named soon: Elliott Sadler and Dale Jarrett will be testing at Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Elliott Sadler also said the the crew chief for his new team would be announced in the next two weeks. "You may be surprised," said Sadler, "It will be a name that I can really get excited about."(Insider Racing News)(11-17-2002)

  • Yates Crew Chief? Robert Yates has talked with Jimmy Elledge [#55], Brad Parrott [Roush BGN #9] and Slugger Labbe [#15] about the crew chief's job for Elliott Sadler in the #38 next season, but acting crew chief Raymond Fox Jr. might stay in the role.(Sporting News), being told it'll be Raymond Fox Jr as the #38 crew chief in 2003.(11-11-2002)

  • Yates talks to Baldwin: Robert Yates said Friday he's talked to Tommy Baldwin about replacing Michael McSwain as crew cheif on the #28 (to be the #38 in 2003), but that there are other candidates in the mix, too.(ThatsRacin.com)
    AND For the rest of the year it [crew chief of the #28] will be veteran Raymond Fox, who has been chassis man for Yates for years. One crewman under consideration is Peter Sospenzo, according to team sources. Sospenzo is the crew chief for Joe Nemechek at #25 Rick Hendrick's operation. Tommy Baldwin is another possibility. "We have talked with Tommy Baldwin," Yates said. "We have a few issues to work out, if it were to be Tommy. And there are some other opportunities for us to look at too. That's the good part."(Winston Salem Journal)(11-2-2002)

  • Well..that was fast - McSwain named #18 Crew Chief: Almost one month ago, Joe Gibbs Racing announced the search was to begin for a new crew chief to handle the duties for driver Bobby Labonte and the #18 Interstate Batteries Racing Team. Through a very determined and deliberate process the search is over. Beginning with the 2003 season, Michael McSwain will take over the reigns of one of the most successful teams in NASCAR Winston Cup racing in recent years. “We are all very excited that we are able to announce Michael joining our organization,” said team owner Joe Gibbs. “We feel as though he will be a good fit with everyone else we already have in place here. And most importantly, we all think he will be able to work very well with Jimmy (Makar) in his new role, along with Bobby (Labonte) and Zippy (Greg Zipadelli).”
    “I am excited about the chance I am being given to join Joe Gibbs Racing,” said McSwain. “All of this is happening so fast and it probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I know what I am being brought into to accomplish and I am looking forward to working with everyone to get Bobby and the #18 car back to the head table in New York. I especially need to thank Ricky (Rudd) for giving me an opportunity back in 1999 and then bringing me with him over to Robert Yates Racing,” added McSwain. “I also need to thank Robert and Carolyn (Yates) for everything they did for me. Without those people, I would not have the opportunity I do today.”(Joe Gibbs Racing PR) NOTE: Jimmy Makar will finish the season as the crew chief of the #18 car. McSwain will be in an observatory role listen and watching Labonte and Makar interact with one another.(10-30-2002)

  • Latest on McSwain to the #18 UPDATE released - Fox to crew chief #28: Expect an announcement within a day or so that Michael McSwain has left Robert Yates Racing to become #18-Bobby Labonte’s crew chief in 2003. Apparently, a deal has been struck between Yates and Joe Gibbs to get McSwain out of his contract.(Gaston Gazette)(10-30-2002)
    UPDATE: Michael "Fatback" McSwain has been released from Robert Yates Racing. McSwain, who had been the crew chief for Ricky Rudd and the #28 Havoline Ford since 1999, was released from his contract on Wednesday. The move, the latest by Yates in a progression that has included purging himself of driver Ricky Rudd and Yates' longtime sponsor Chevron/Texaco, frees McSwain to pursue other career options. Yates had previously said that, due to McSwain's contract, which ran through next season, he did not anticipate him leaving. "We've negotiated a release for Michael from his contract," said team owner Robert Yates. "This will allow him to pursue other opportunities and allow us to look at our options for the future. We wish him the best in his future endeavors." For this weekend's race at North Carolina Speedway, car chief Raymond Fox will take over the crew chief duties for the #28 Ford.(NASCAR.com)(10-30-2002)

  • McSwain to the #18? Baldwin to RYR #38? UPDATEs: hearing that current #28 Robert Yates Racing crew chief Michael "Fatback" McSwain will go to the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing team (to take over for Jimmy Makar who is assuming team manager of the Gibbs operation).and that former #22 crew chief, Tommy Baldwin will replace him at the #28 (will be #38 with Elliott Sadler in 2003).(10-25-2002 - 8:00am/et)
    UPDATE: Michael "Fatback" McSwain has emerged as a top candidate for the crew chief job with Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 team and driver Bobby Labonte. Labonte's current crew chief, Jimmy Makar, who will move into a team manager role next season and is leading the search for his replacement, acknowledged Friday that McSwain was among "four or five" candidates with crew chief experience who have expressed interest in the job. McSwain, 35, has worked with driver Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates Racing since December 1999 and was expected to remain with the team next season with the team's new driver, Elliott Sadler. Among the other candidates the #18 team is considering are Todd Berrier, crew chief for #30-Jeff Green, and Gil Martin, crew chief for #29-Kevin Harvick, sources said. Both Berrier and Martin work for Richard Childress Racing. McSwain declined to comment on his future Friday. "I can't talk about it right now," he said. Makar said the search has narrowed to those with crew chief experience and the team is no longer looking at "in-house" candidates.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-25-2002)
    UPDATE 2: McSwain wasn't saying much, and team owner Robert Yates wasn't around to take questions, but team sources said that the veteran crew chief has told Yates he'd like to move on at the end of the season. Other sources indicate that he's applied for the same role with Bobby Labonte at Joe Gibbs Racing. Other Yates team sources say that Baldwin has interviewed for the job with Yates, who has also been interested in trying to hire crew chief Robbie Reiser. When pressed on the McSwain option, Jimmy Makar, Gibbs' team manager, played it all with a very good poker face. Makar was also asked about reports that he might be taking a TV role of some sort next season while continuing as boss of Gibbs' two teams. Makar wasn't offering many hints or and confirmation on any of it. However, Makar says he may have a new crew chief signed sooner rather than later. Todd Berrier is also on Makar's list, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)
    AND Michael McSwain, crew chief for #28-Ricky Rudd and Robert Yates Racing, interviewed with Joe Gibbs Racing and could be in line to become Bobby Labonte's new crew chief. Current crew chief Jimmy Makar will move into a management role with the team next season. "I can't deny that he's one of the guys we talked to," Maker said. "There's five guys we've talked to, all qualified and all potentially good candidates. We're excited there's that many people with an interest in our team." Makar wouldn't identify the others he had interviewed. He said a couple of them, including McSwain, were under contract for next season with their current team. All the final candidates would come from outside of Joe Gibbs Racing, Makar said. McSwain declined comment, but Yates said he expects him to stay. "That's what we're signed up to do," Yates said. "It's nice to have people after you, it means you're doing something right. But I think we can put that (rumor) to bed."(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(10-26-2002)
    UPDATE 3: Sources close to Robert Yates Racing say crew chief Michael McSwain's decision to begin a job search came after he tested with 2003 driver Elliott Sadler recently at Kentucky Speedway. Sadler, who was endorsed by McSwain to replace Ricky Rudd, ran four-tenths of a second slower than Rudd ran in a similar test earlier at the track. Sadler says McSwain told him things weren't going to work out. "I was surprised more than anything, but if his heart isn't in it, then he needs to go somewhere else," Sadler says. Rumors are that somewhere else for McSwain might be as crew chief for Bobby Labonte because Jimmy Makar is moving into a different role after the season. The question is whether McSwain would be a good fit with Labonte, who is generally more reserved.(Sporting News)(10-28-2002)

  • M&M's Announcement Friday UPDATE 3 It's M&M's, Yates, Sadler and......#38: M&M's to announce 2003 plans on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Michigan.(8-13-2002)
    REVISION: the announcment has been changed to Sunday morning, August 18th at MIS.(8-14-2002)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler will drive the #38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing beginning next season, it was announced Sunday. Michael McSwain will serve as Sadler's crew chief. The 2003 campaign is the first of a three-year sponsorship between the two organizations.(NASCAR.com)(8-18-2002)
    UPDATE 2: The Fords owned by Robert Yates, driven by Elliott Sadler and sponsored by M&M's next season will carry the #38. That final piece of the puzzle fell into place Sunday morning as the deal was formally announced. "This is the biggest honor and privilege I've ever had," said Sadler, 27, who will complete this season in the #21 Fords owned by the Wood Brothers. "To me, this is a career opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime deal." Yates said giving up the #28 that has been part of his team since he bought it from Harry Ranier in 1988 "tore a few heart strings, but I got over it the first night." The new number gives the team a new identity, he said. Yates will also field the #88 Fords for Dale Jarrett again next season. Michael McSwain, crew chief for driver Ricky Rudd on the #28 Fords now, will be Sadler's crew chief. "I'm really pumped up about it," McSwain said. "To get someone who's got the energy that Elliott's got, the intensity that he's got and the desire he's got is pretty exciting for me as a crew chief." Sadler said he knows there will be pressure on him to perform for a high-profile team such as Yates' operation. "I need to win races," said Sadler, who has one career victory. "We need to run well each and every week. …This car has always run well, so I think the pressure on me is probably going to go through the ceiling. …I need to step in there at Daytona next year and try to run for a championship. That's what's on our minds, that's the mentality we're going to have."(ThatsRacin.com).
    AND see the full press release at the Sadler Fanclub site.
    NOTE: Owners points of the #28 will transfer to the #38 in 2003, just like they did with Ganassi in 2002 when they changed from the #01 to the #41 and from Cingular to Target.(8-19-2002)

  • Rudd to Ganassi, Sadler/M&M's to Yates announcment postponed? UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd, Chip Ganassi, Robert Yates and Elliott Sadler may have to wait another week to make the official announcements of their plans for next season, because there is apparently a disagreement between Yates and long-time sponsor Texaco [Havoline/Chevron] over the car #28. That has been Yates' number since the late Davey Allison drove for him. However, Texaco executives say that number has been theirs just as long. Yates, Sadler and new sponsor M&Ms had planned to unveil their new car at Indianapolis.(Winston Salem Journal) AND A news conference scheduled by Chip Ganassi Racing for this morning was canceled a couple of days ago, track officials confirmed Thursday. The cancellation leads to speculation that a deal with Ricky Rudd is not yet completed. Published reports state that Ganassi is close to signing Rudd for a third team, and Rudd will be a teammate to points leader Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer.(Roanoke Times)
    UPDATE: There's widespread speculation that Ricky Rudd is close to signing with Chip Ganassi's Winston Cup team, although he said Friday that nothing has been finalized. "I'm looking for which operation is the best I can go to and win races right out of the box," the 45-year-old Rudd said. "I don't have three years. If it's going to be a two- or three-year building process, well, I don't have two or three years to do that." Rudd currently drives for the Robert Yates team, and a possible hang-up to the deal with Ganassi is the Texaco-Havoline sponsorship and the use of the Yates team's traditional car number 28. "It's not a done deal," Rudd said. "There have been some conversations".(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-2-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd's deal to move to Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2003 season could be finalized as soon as Saturday. "It's not a done deal," Rudd said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "There have been some conversations trying to get all the details worked out." When asked at midday when an end to the ongoing saga might come, Rudd jokingly looked at his watch and then suggested he might have a deal by late afternoon. But after Friday's Brickyard 400 practice he said nothing would be signed at least until Saturday. Ganassi, who currently fields Dodges for Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer, was coy when asked about rumors he'll add a third team with Rudd for 2003. "(The press) is talking about it more than I am," Ganassi said. "Stay tuned." Rudd said that his current sponsor, Texaco/Havoline, has another year left on its contract with Yates. Though there has been nothing announced, it's apparent that Elliott Sadler has a deal to drive for Yates next season with M&M's as his sponsor, joining Dale Jarrett's UPS-backed team. Rudd has talked about retiring at the end of this season and about trying to keep his current team together, but he said Friday that based on what he has learned in the past few weeks "the Yates deal has never really been an option for me since probably late May." Rudd said he believes legal issues are complicating the disposition of the final year of Texaco/Havoline's deal with Yates. One possible scenario is that the sponsor would go with Rudd to Ganassi's team along with the car number, 28, that has been with Yates since he bought the team from Harry Ranier. That would allow the sponsor to carry over the car owner points amassed by Rudd this season to next year's Dodge effort with Ganassi.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-3-2002)

  • Car# could be the holdup for Sadler/M&M's announcement/Stricklin could stay in the #23 if a sponsor is found: Sources said that 'a roadblock' had sprung up in the negotiations and that it was unclear if the problem was squabbling over car numbers or if the problem was related to contract problems between Yates and incoming sponsor M&M Mars. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis, said, "We're the holdup. The guy at M&Ms likes number 27, but that's our number, for Scott Wimmer. Let them use number 89 or something." Brown and Davis, of course, have to worry about Hut Stricklin's place next season with the High Point team. Brown said that Hills Brothers may leave the Stricklin team next year as the primary sponsor, and the team would have to find a sponsor to keep Stricklin with the team. "We're not opposed to that," Brown said, "but it's a question of whether the pieces will come together."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2002)

  • M&M's Announcement Friday UPDATE 3 It's M&M's, Yates, Sadler and......#38: M&M's to announce 2003 plans on Friday, August 16, 2002 at Michigan.(8-13-2002)
    REVISION: the announcment has been changed to Sunday morning, August 18th at MIS.(8-14-2002)
    UPDATE: Elliott Sadler will drive the #38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing beginning next season, it was announced Sunday. Michael McSwain will serve as Sadler's crew chief. The 2003 campaign is the first of a three-year sponsorship between the two organizations.(NASCAR.com)(8-18-2002)
    UPDATE 2: The Fords owned by Robert Yates, driven by Elliott Sadler and sponsored by M&M's next season will carry the #38. That final piece of the puzzle fell into place Sunday morning as the deal was formally announced. "This is the biggest honor and privilege I've ever had," said Sadler, 27, who will complete this season in the #21 Fords owned by the Wood Brothers. "To me, this is a career opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime deal." Yates said giving up the #28 that has been part of his team since he bought it from Harry Ranier in 1988 "tore a few heart strings, but I got over it the first night." The new number gives the team a new identity, he said. Yates will also field the #88 Fords for Dale Jarrett again next season. Michael McSwain, crew chief for driver Ricky Rudd on the #28 Fords now, will be Sadler's crew chief. "I'm really pumped up about it," McSwain said. "To get someone who's got the energy that Elliott's got, the intensity that he's got and the desire he's got is pretty exciting for me as a crew chief." Sadler said he knows there will be pressure on him to perform for a high-profile team such as Yates' operation. "I need to win races," said Sadler, who has one career victory. "We need to run well each and every week. …This car has always run well, so I think the pressure on me is probably going to go through the ceiling. …I need to step in there at Daytona next year and try to run for a championship. That's what's on our minds, that's the mentality we're going to have."(ThatsRacin.com).
    AND see the full press release at the Sadler Fanclub site.
    NOTE: Owners points of the #28 will transfer to the #38 in 2003, just like they did with Ganassi in 2002 when they changed from the #01 to the #41 and from Cingular to Target.(8-19-2002)

  • Rudd and the Wood Bros? UPDATE 2: The Ricky Rudd saga took another twist Friday, with persistent speculation in the Winston Cup garage that he would move to the Wood Brothers' #21 team next season. Eddie Wood, co-owner of the team, did nothing to discourage such talk, saying he'd love to have Rudd in his Ford. "We've said from day one that we weren't signing anybody until Ricky Rudd had signed somewhere," Wood explained. Earlier speculation had Rudd driving a third car for owner Chip Ganassi in 2003 with sponsorship from Chevron/Texaco. But two news conferences to announce Rudd's plans were canceled, leaving his future in limbo. A published report in National Speed Sport News on Friday indicated that Rudd would drive for Ganassi next season. A spokesperson for Ganassi denied the report, calling it "inaccurate and incorrect" in a statement.(CNNSI/AP)(8-17-2002)
    UPDATE: Ford officials, perhaps worried about seeing Rudd win races in a Dodge the way former Ford driver Bill Elliott has done twice in the past three weeks, appear to be making a late effort to keep Rudd in a Taurus. Since the Wood Brothers team is sponsored by Ford through its Motorcraft brand, Ford could provide money to help pay for Rudd's services in the #21 car.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-18-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd still hasn't found a home for next season, but it seems Ford is making a strong run to keep him in its camp‹preferably in the Wood Brothers car. A deal that would have aligned Chevron's Havoline brand and the #28 with Dodge team owner Chip Ganassi was canceled last week in the 11th hour, but Ganassi says Rudd remains at the top of his list for the third team he wants to form for next season. Announcements that Elliott Sadler will drive for Robert Yates in 2003, Steve Park will stay with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Johnny Benson will be back with MBV thinned the field for Sadler's replacement in the #21. But the Wood Brothers don't seem worried. "When Ricky Rudd makes his decision, we won't be far behind," says Eddie Wood, who says Rudd would be "a perfect fit" for their team but that there are several other drivers in the mix.(Sporting News)
    AND Meanwhile, the Ricky Rudd saga continues, and yesterday's story line was that Rudd now appears headed to the Wood brothers, with significant support from Ford Motor Company officials, worried about a defection to Dodge. However there are still hang-ups, one of them reportedly that Rudd wants a cap on the number of personal appearances he has to make. Rudd hasn't been saying anything, but one unconfirmed report is that within the past week, he tried to jump-start negotiations with Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, after the Chip Ganassi option fell through Monday, but that Jones rebuffed Rudd's efforts. Andy Petree says he has had calls in to Rudd but has not received any reply.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-19-2002)

  • Rudd/Ganassi deal dead? UPDATE: In a startling twist, the Ricky Rudd-Chip Ganassi-Texaco now appears to be dead, according to sources on both sides. Rudd and Ganassi have been on the verge of finalizing their deal to run a third Dodge team next year under Texaco's Havoline logo. In fact a press conference had been scheduled Tuesday to announce the deal. It was abruptly cancelled late Monday night without explanation. The surprising development came after Rudd and Ganassi had what is described as a blowup in Ganassi's office in which Rudd was asked to leave. Exasperated Texaco officials, who have been displeased with the split between Rudd and car owner Robert Yates, were ready to pull the plug on their NASCAR sponsorships. But sources close to Ganassi said last night that he had persuaded Texaco to sponsor his planned third team, with a to-be-named driver (maybe Bobby Hamilton). Ganassi sources said that Jimmy Spencer might be back with the team in 2003, depending on how well he performs over the next four or five weeks. Rudd was displeased with Ganassi's decision last week to push Jimmy Spencer aside at Watkins Glen in favor of road racer Scott Pruett, according to team sources. That move left Spencer without a provisional, and he failed to make the field. There is also a report that Rudd wanted a two-year contract, while Ganassi was only willing to offer one year.(Winston Salem Journal)
    UPDATE: While teamfordracing.com was unable to get official confirmation from anyone involved, word in the garage is that the conversations between Chevron and Ganassi have slowed, with some industry thinkers believing that the deal, if not dead, is on heavy life support. Ganassi’s only comment, today, came in the form of a press release that admonished one of the industry’s weekly trade papers, along with the writer, for running a story that said the Chevron/Ganassi deal was completed. Ganassi, in the written release, stressed, “Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has not announced its 2003 sponsor and driver plans.” Rudd has clammed up about his plans for 2003, but did respond to questioning by saying, “I didn’t say there was no news going on, I just said I ain’t got nothing to say, yet.”(Ford Racing)(8-17-2002)

  • But Rudd/Havoline/#28 and Sadler/M&M's/#27: UPDATE: hearing that will be the final outcome - Ricky Rudd to Ganassi, with Chevron/Texaco/Havoline and the #28; and Elliott Sadler to Yates with M&M Mar's.M&M's and the #27.(8-13-2002)
    UPDATE: NASCAR.com's The Buzz has learned that all the key factors are in place for the deal that would send Ricky Rudd, Havoline and the No. 28 to Chip Ganassi Racing, except for one important aspect: the driver. Confirmed reports inside the deal have revealed to the Buzz the Havoline sponsorship and the #28 were signed off on by Robert Yates Racing and into the hands of Chip Ganassi Racing almost two weeks ago. The agreement is said to be a three-year commitment between the sponsor and the Dodge-powered team. The stalling point in negotiations has been Rudd who allegedly wants a larger base salary with Ganassi than he had with RYR. If Ganassi agrees to the figure, then he would have to probably pay Sterling Marlin a larger base salary as well.(NASCAR.com)(8-14-2002)

  • Chevron Luncheon? UPDATE 3 postponed/canceled Yes - the saga continiues: hearing there will be a luncheon of some sort at Lowe's Motor Speedway next Tuesday afternoon held by ChevronTexaco (Havoline) to discuss its future in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.(8-10-2002)
    UPDATE: If you’re a Ford fan, and you don’t hear a driver named in Tuesday’s Ganassi and Havoline press conference, take a collective deep breath and keep those fingers crossed. Apparently, the powers that be who manage the Blue Oval Racing program have rounded up the cavalry and are throwing everything that they can think into a deal to keep Rudd, True Blue until his retirement years. This, like last week’s mention, is extremely preliminary, but the good fight is being fought to keep Rudd in-house and in a Ford.(Ford Racing)(8-11-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd's sponsor, ChevronTexaco, has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte and the assumption is that the driver's future would be addressed. That, however, may not necessarily be the case. Rudd's appearance at the gathering is not assured because his situation still remains "fluid," sources said Sunday. There may be a possibility that ChevronTexaco would announce what Winston Cup team it will move to next season and Rudd's future could remain unspecified. Should Rudd, rumored to become the driver for a third team at Chip Ganassi Racing next season, not have his situation resolved by Tuesday, the news conference might be canceled, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-12-2002)
    UPDATE 3: Chip Ganassi is expected to attend a press conference in Charlotte today to announce Chevron-Texaco's Havoline brand as a new sponsor for a third Winston Cup team. And if Ricky Rudd's attorneys have finished their examination of the contracts, he could be at the press conference also, as Ganassi's new driver. The Rudd-Texaco-Ganassi package has been coming together not so quietly for several weeks, but the big news in the Ganassi camp could be about Jimmy Spencer. Last week, Spencer figured he would be coming back for another season with Ganassi, despite several weeks of speculation otherwise. Now, in the wake of Spencer's Indy run-in with Kurt Busch, there is speculation again that Spencer's ride is in jeopardy. If Ganassi does shake things up, there is increasing conjecture that the new man could be Bobby Hamilton. And there are indications that Jimmy Elledge, Hamilton's current crew chief at Andy Petree's, could be following him to Ganassi's. Neither Hamilton nor Elledge has said what lies ahead after Jerry Jones buys into Petree's team. Hamilton says he needs to run a Dodge on the Winston Cup tour because of his Dodge truck program.(Winston Salem Journal)
    BUT: am hearing this Press Conference has been postponed or canceled and will not take place Tuesday AND The Chevron Texaco/Havoline press conference scheduled for Tuesday morning at Lowe's Motor Speedway has been canceled, according to the agency which administers the brand's NASCAR services. No reason was given for the cancellation, and no follow-up date was announced. It is widely believed that Rudd and Havoline will migrate to a Chip Ganassi-owned team, although other team entities have been mentioned through the summer. Ganassi team officials would not confirm at third team, and there is also talk that Jimmy Spencer, driver of Ganassi's #41, could be on the hot seat. Yates, meanwhile, will announce at some time that Mars Candy will take over as sponsor of #28, with driver Elliott Sadler, currently with the Wood Brothers. Mars, now with MB2, has offered substantially more money. Yates also has been vague, not entirely closing the door on a third team in 2003. Apparently a deal is very close, but this is very complicated, and minutiae could abort a planned announcement.(SpeedChannel)
    UPDATE 4: Chevron Texaco/Havoline announced Monday evening that its scheduled press conference for Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to announce future plans in Winston Cup Racing has been cancelled. Insider speculation early in the weekend at Watkins Glen, N.Y. was that Texaco could go forward with their planned announcement this week; and likely announce a sponsorship deal with Chip Ganassi to field a third car with Ricky Rudd as driver. Saturday at The Glen brought word that high-level Ford officials wanted to make sure every opportunity, idea, and option had been explored to keep Rudd in Ford gear until his retirement. The idea was also advanced that perhaps Rudd would not attend the Chevron press conference, but that it could go on without him. Now, with this latest word form Chevron, it could signal a change in momentum for any deal that could have been coming together with Ganassi.(Ford Racing)(8-13-2002)

  • Rudd Announcement now Tuesday? UPDATE later in the week: Ricky Rudd tentatively has set a news conference for Tuesday in Charlotte, presumably to announce his ride for next year, which is expected to be with Chip Ganassi. But legal issues may force postponement. Insiders say attorneys are debating points in both the proposed M&Ms contract with Robert Yates and the proposed Texaco contract with Ganassi.(Winston Salen Journal)(8-4-2002)
    UPDATE: Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR reports that Ricky Rudd says there will be NO announcement until LATER this week on his 2003 plans/ride.(8-5-2002)

  • Rudd to Ganassi, Sadler/M&M's to Yates announcment postponed? UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd, Chip Ganassi, Robert Yates and Elliott Sadler may have to wait another week to make the official announcements of their plans for next season, because there is apparently a disagreement between Yates and long-time sponsor Texaco [Havoline/Chevron] over the car #28. That has been Yates' number since the late Davey Allison drove for him. However, Texaco executives say that number has been theirs just as long. Yates, Sadler and new sponsor M&Ms had planned to unveil their new car at Indianapolis.(Winston Salem Journal) AND A news conference scheduled by Chip Ganassi Racing for this morning was canceled a couple of days ago, track officials confirmed Thursday. The cancellation leads to speculation that a deal with Ricky Rudd is not yet completed. Published reports state that Ganassi is close to signing Rudd for a third team, and Rudd will be a teammate to points leader Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer.(Roanoke Times)
    UPDATE: There's widespread speculation that Ricky Rudd is close to signing with Chip Ganassi's Winston Cup team, although he said Friday that nothing has been finalized. "I'm looking for which operation is the best I can go to and win races right out of the box," the 45-year-old Rudd said. "I don't have three years. If it's going to be a two- or three-year building process, well, I don't have two or three years to do that." Rudd currently drives for the Robert Yates team, and a possible hang-up to the deal with Ganassi is the Texaco-Havoline sponsorship and the use of the Yates team's traditional car number 28. "It's not a done deal," Rudd said. "There have been some conversations".(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(8-2-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd's deal to move to Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2003 season could be finalized as soon as Saturday. "It's not a done deal," Rudd said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "There have been some conversations trying to get all the details worked out." When asked at midday when an end to the ongoing saga might come, Rudd jokingly looked at his watch and then suggested he might have a deal by late afternoon. But after Friday's Brickyard 400 practice he said nothing would be signed at least until Saturday. Ganassi, who currently fields Dodges for Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer, was coy when asked about rumors he'll add a third team with Rudd for 2003. "(The press) is talking about it more than I am," Ganassi said. "Stay tuned." Rudd said that his current sponsor, Texaco/Havoline, has another year left on its contract with Yates. Though there has been nothing announced, it's apparent that Elliott Sadler has a deal to drive for Yates next season with M&M's as his sponsor, joining Dale Jarrett's UPS-backed team. Rudd has talked about retiring at the end of this season and about trying to keep his current team together, but he said Friday that based on what he has learned in the past few weeks "the Yates deal has never really been an option for me since probably late May." Rudd said he believes legal issues are complicating the disposition of the final year of Texaco/Havoline's deal with Yates. One possible scenario is that the sponsor would go with Rudd to Ganassi's team along with the car number, 28, that has been with Yates since he bought the team from Harry Ranier. That would allow the sponsor to carry over the car owner points amassed by Rudd this season to next year's Dodge effort with Ganassi.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-3-2002)

  • Car# could be the holdup for Sadler/M&M's announcement/Stricklin could stay in the #23 if a sponsor is found: Sources said that 'a roadblock' had sprung up in the negotiations and that it was unclear if the problem was squabbling over car numbers or if the problem was related to contract problems between Yates and incoming sponsor M&M Mars. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis, said, "We're the holdup. The guy at M&Ms likes number 27, but that's our number, for Scott Wimmer. Let them use number 89 or something." Brown and Davis, of course, have to worry about Hut Stricklin's place next season with the High Point team. Brown said that Hills Brothers may leave the Stricklin team next year as the primary sponsor, and the team would have to find a sponsor to keep Stricklin with the team. "We're not opposed to that," Brown said, "but it's a question of whether the pieces will come together."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2002)

  • Rudd hopes to make an announcment UPDATE: about his future at or just after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.(TNT Rain Delay Coverage)(7-28-2002)
    UPDATE: Word in the garage is that Chip Ganassi will field a third Dodge next season with Ricky Rudd as the driver. The announcement might come this weekend at Indianapolis. A sticking point in Rudd's negotiations with current owner Robert Yates was that Rudd wanted to keep his #28 crew together next season.(Sporting News)(7-29-2002)

  • Rudd hopes to make an announcment UPDATE: about his future at or just after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.(TNT Rain Delay Coverage)(7-28-2002)
    UPDATE: Word in the garage is that Chip Ganassi will field a third Dodge next season with Ricky Rudd as the driver. The announcement might come this weekend at Indianapolis. A sticking point in Rudd's negotiations with current owner Robert Yates was that Rudd wanted to keep his #28 crew together next season.(Sporting News)(7-29-2002)

  • Rudd....and Petree and Ganassi and Yates.....UPDATE 2 Rudd, Havoline and #28 to Ganassi?: #28-Ricky Rudd is under pressure to make a decision about next season, from car owners Chip Ganassi and Andy Petree, his top two prospects. Petree, in turn, is under pressure from Rudd's current boss, Robert Yates, to sign both Rudd and Chevron's Texaco Havoline brand as sponsor. Petree yesterday said he was still waiting to hear from Rudd. If Petree doesn't take Yates' offer, then Yates will have to field three teams next season, a prospect the veteran car owner doesn't relish. However, there are indications that a shakeup may be under way within Yates' shop. Rudd and his longtime crew chief, Michael McSwain, have been at odds much of the season, and Yates says that McSwain will be taking over the new Elliott Sadler/M&M Mars team next season, probably to be run under the logo of Doug Yates Racing. Doug Yates is Robert Yates' son. But what will happen to Rudd's current crew? Will it go with McSwain or stay with Rudd if Rudd stays with Yates? There are signs that a number of crewmen may be siding with Rudd. And there is also the possibility that Doug Yates and McSwain may be moving soon to start organizing their new team. Yates would like to persuade Petree to sign up for a leased-engine program, which would cost about $3 million to $3.5 million a year. And...Ganassi is also trying to woo Chevron-Texaco for his proposed deal with Rudd.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-26-2002)
    UPDATE: In the next few weeks, reports say that Chip Ganassi Racing will announce a third team for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The driver will be Ricky Rudd and the sponsor will be Texaco/Havoline coming over in a complete package from Robert Yates Racing. No word on whether the team members will follow, or not. The #28 itself, though owned by RYR, has become greatly associated with Havoline and they have invested millions in building brand awareness with the racing public. It's believed Havoline would like the number to be a part of the deal if Rudd goes to Ganassi with their sponsorship.(NASCAR.com Buzz)
    BUT - still a chance to retire? Ricky Rudd said Friday retirement from the Winston Cup series remains "a real possibility." Rudd's future remains cloudy, with still no decision on whether he will retire, stay at Robert Yates Racing, or move to another team. Rudd said he hoped to have everything cleared up by next weekend's race at Indianapolis. Although Rudd, 45, has mulled several offers from other teams, he said he will consider retirement if he cannot be with a team that can win races "right out of the box."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-26-2002)
    UPDATE 2: The Ricky Rudd sweepstakes appear to be over, and Chip Ganassi seems to be the winner. The official announcement could come next week at Indianapolis that Rudd will be in a Ganassi Dodge with Chevron-Texaco's Havoline brand as sponsor. But Rudd and Ganassi were noncommittal yesterday when pressed on the issue. One major question: Would the Ganassi-Rudd team be the team that Jimmy Spencer currently drives for, or would Rudd drive for a new third Ganassi team? Spencer says he expects a third team, though he says he doesn't know the driver. However, Ganassi, when asked if he will expand to a third team, replied "No plans right now." The Rudd-Ganassi deal has been pushed by car owner Robert Yates, according to sources close to the situation, in bargaining between Yates and Ganassi. Rudd said. "I think everything will settle itself by next week, so I'm not going to say a whole lot right now." Has Rudd in fact made his decision? "Well, I think I pretty much know," Rudd replied. In fact, the Ganassi-Rudd contract is in the lawyer's hands, according to team sources. Will Spencer be back for a second season with Ganassi? "I don't see why not," Ganassi said, not resolving the third-team question. "I didn't ask him, so I don't know, but I expect to come back," Spencer said. "Maybe there is something up that I really don't know about. "I know he wants to start a third team. And I know our facility can handle it. Our employees can. We've got good people in our organization. Spencer said he has a three-year contract with Ganassi. But Ganassi would not answer questions about that contract. "I don't talk about my contracts," Ganassi said.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-27-2002)

  • more Rudd and Ganassi: Add the Target/Ganassi team to possible landing sites for ironman Ricky Rudd, who reportedly wants $2 million a year--more than his current owner, Robert Yates, is willing to pay. Target owner Chip Ganassi, who's employing drivers Sterling Marlin and Jimmy Spencer this season, wouldn't rule out adding a third car. It's also possible Rudd could replace Spencer, who's 23rd in the points list. "I guess that possibility does exist,'' Ganassi said when asked about hiring Rudd. "From top to bottom, everything about our organization is about performance, and that includes drivers.'' There also has been speculation Rudd might wind up at Dale Earnhardt Inc.(Chicago Sun Times)(7-24-2002)

  • Sadler Announement at Indy? UPDATE: Details of the deal that unites Elliott Sadler and Yates, with M&M's as the primary sponsor, for 2003 should be divulged at Indy.(Sporting News)
    UPDATE: Yates' M&M Mars deal for Elliott Sadler next season might not be quite as firm as previously believed, according to some sources; however, the company is expected to announced its deal at Indianapolis during Brickyard 400 week.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-22-2002)

  • Rudd to stay in the #28 next year? to Ganassi? Spencer out? Despite rumors to the contrary, Ricky Rudd could be back in Robert Yates' #28 Ford next season if a deal can be worked out with Chevron [Havoline], the sponsor, and "if I can keep my team together," Rudd says. Though crew chief Michael McSwain will not be back with the #28 next season, the rest of the crew appears solidly behind its driver. Rudd says he has received pressure from other teams to make a decision, and sources at Ganassi Racing say they thought they would hear from Rudd last week. Whether Chip Ganassi would add a third team to accommodate Rudd or replace Jimmy Spencer in the #41 is unclear.(Sporting News)(7-22-2002)

  • Rudd's Son Sick UPDATE better: Ricky Rudd's son Landon, 7, is in the hospital because of complications he suffered while having his tonsils removed. Rudd said his son has asthma and might have had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Rudd said his face swelled and he suffered some bruises to his face when medical personnel tried to help him breathe with a bag system. ``It was supposed to be an outpatient deal, but he'll probably be in there another couple of days,'' Rudd said. ``It was supposed to be a simple deal.''(Boston Herald)(7-20-2002)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd's son, Landon, was released from the hospital, where he was treated after having an allergic reaction to anesthesia during surgery to remove his tonsils.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-22-2002)

  • #88 Too Low; #28 Unapproved part UPDATE - Penalties/fines: Dale Jarrett’s #88 Ford was found to be approximately 1/8th of an inch below the 51-inch minimum height requirement following post-race inspection. Jarrett finished third in Sunday’s New England 300. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Frye said it was likely Jarrett’s team would be penalized driver and car owner points for the infraction. In the past, fines have been the typical penalty for such violations.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-21-2002)
    AND - NASCAR finds unapproved part on #28: NASCAR officials confiscated an unapproved jacking bolt from the No. 28 Ford of driver Ricky Rudd during pre-qualifying inspection on Friday. A fine is likely.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-22-2002)
    PENALTIES ANNOUNCED: NASCAR officials penalized two NASCAR Winston Cup crew chiefs today for infractions discovered during this past weekend's New England 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H.
    Todd Parrott, crew chief of the #88 Ford Taurus, was fined $20,000 and his team was also penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship driver points as well as 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship owner points. Parrott's team was penalized under Section 12-4-T of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion of time trials, qualifying races, or the race." The #88 car was approximately one-eighth of an inch too low. The minimum height requirement is 51 inches.
    Michael McSwain, crew chief of the #28 Ford Taurus, was fined $500 and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-12-1A: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules; unapproved jacking bolt."(NASCAR PR)(7-22-2002)

  • Rudd may wait until end of season to make decision: #28-Ricky Rudd said Sunday afternoon a decision on his future at Robert Yates Racing may not come until the end of the season. Rudd said he has tried to remain quiet this weekend preferring not to engage in what he described as the "mudslinging" that has been going on regarding his situation at Yates Racing since the series arrived at New Hampshire this weekend. On Friday, team owner Robert Yates said he was trying to stay out of infighting between Rudd and crew chief Michael McSwain over issues Yates termed "ridiculous." Rudd said such issues, including a disagreement between Rudd and McSwain over a victory party following Rudd's win at Sonoma, Calif., had nothing to do with his future with the team. Rudd said Texaco/Havoline's decision to pick up an option to remain with Yates Racing has put Yates in a position he did not foresee. "The bottom line is Robert, or Robert and Doug (Yates, Robert's son), never planned to field more than two cars next season." Rudd said Yates' decision to hire driver Elliott Sadler and attract another sponsor may have put him in the position of being contractually obligated to field three teams next season. Rudd said he would not quit and leave, giving Yates an out if his sponsor were to decide to follow Rudd to another team. On Saturday, Rudd said the only thing standing between Rudd and a return to the No. 28 Fords next year is an assurance from Yates the team will be kept relatively intact. So far, Rudd has not received any such assurances.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-21-2002)

  • Rudd's Son Sick UPDATE better: Ricky Rudd's son Landon, 7, is in the hospital because of complications he suffered while having his tonsils removed. Rudd said his son has asthma and might have had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Rudd said his face swelled and he suffered some bruises to his face when medical personnel tried to help him breathe with a bag system. ``It was supposed to be an outpatient deal, but he'll probably be in there another couple of days,'' Rudd said. ``It was supposed to be a simple deal.''(Boston Herald)(7-20-2002)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd's son, Landon, was released from the hospital, where he was treated after having an allergic reaction to anesthesia during surgery to remove his tonsils.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-22-2002)

  • Yates: Rudd and McSwain having problems? UPDATE more to the saga: Things continue to get more and more curious with the #28 Havoline Ford team owned by Robert Yates Racing. Team owner Robert Yates said Friday at NHIS that driver Ricky Rudd and crew chief Michael McSwain have been at odds over something that reminds him of watching "2 and 4 year-olds have little fist fights." Rudd's contract is up at season's end and is considering his options for next season. He said earlier this week that if he comes back to Yates' team that McSwain and other key members of the #28 crew won't be back. On Friday, Yates implied that he is not the cause of friction between Rudd and McSwain, saying that the team had a victory party after Rudd's win at Sonoma at a time when Rudd was in Florida with his family on vacation. "Ricky was invited, but he wasn't there and they shouldn't have had it, I guess," Yates said. "A 'why did you have it without me?' kind of thing. There was a lot of foolishness. Here I'm trying to talk about a future and what we're doing and now they're playing this 2-year-old deal." Yates said Rudd is "a good guy" and "fun to hang out with – he's a fun guy to race with and we feel very comfortable with him sitting in our race car." But, Yates said, business is business. "I do not want to stand in the way of Ricky having a better job," Yates said. "If this is his best job, we have no desire for him to do anything different. If there is a better job, go out and research it and come back and tell us where you want to be. We also have the same right. Can we get something better? Then we have a right. It's just a negotiating year." Though nothing has been said officially, it appears that Yates already has a deal with Elliott Sadler to drive either for the #28 team or for a team that would be owned by Yates' son, Doug, next season. Dale Jarrett will also return as driver of the #88 UPS Fords. Rudd, 45, said in May he was considering retirement and that if he did return he would want to sign one-year contracts for the rest of his career. In recent weeks he has seemed to back away from retirement and said he is considering offers from other teams as well as the possibility of returning to the #28 Fords – an outcome that seems increasingly unlikely. Yates said he was waiting on a decision from Rudd on Monday, which was the driver's self-imposed deadline for a decision. "I don't know," Yates said. "I'm just hoping everybody comes out on top. I don't want to be accused of doing a secret thing like, 'Why did you break that up?' I'm not necessarily breaking it up. At some point you get tired of trying to hold it together."(ThatsRacin.com) and more stories on my Story/Article/Column Links Page.
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd swatted the ball back into team owner Robert Yates' court on Saturday, saying the only thing standing between Rudd and a return to the #28 Fords next year is an assurance from Yates that the team will be kept relatively intact. "The issue right now is that if Robert will give me some assurances to the best of his ability that he'll keep this team without moving people around, then it's a done deal," Rudd said. "It's that simple. It's all about assuring that the people we have today will be here next year. That's the only hold up." Rudd reiterated Saturday that money issues are not holding up a deal to keep him with his current team for another year. Rudd said money issues among him, Yates and team sponsor Havoline were worked out two weeks ago. As late as Friday morning, some people close to the team believed there would be an announcement sometime this weekend that Rudd and Yates had decided to part ways. Then Yates said Friday that he was trying to stay out of infighting between Rudd and McSwain over issues that Yates termed "ridiculous." Despite all that, Rudd now says that keeping his team together is the only issue remaining between him and Yates.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-20-2002)

  • Chevron picks up Options years to continue sponsoring the #28 or maybe to Petree? [Robert] Yates yesterday revealed that Chevron [who owns Texaco Havoline] executives have decided to pick up the option on the final two years of the Texaco sponsorship with Yates, something Yates said he didn't expect. So Yates has to deal with that situation, too. And it appears Yates is trying to 'shop' that Texaco sponsorship to the Andy Petree-Jerry Jones [#33, #55] team. Petree and Jones have been trying to hire Rudd, who also is looking at offers from Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi, sources say. Yates also would like to sell Petree an engine leasing package; Petree will be making a difficult switch from Chevy to Ford.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-20-2002)

  • Rudd gone from RYR? McSwain leaving the #28? but staying with Yates? UPDATEs: during an interview on ESPN2's RPM 2 Night, Ricky Rudd said he has made no decision on his future (today was supposed to be decision day for Rudd), but mentioned the crew chief [Michael 'Fatback' McSwain] would be moving on, no word what team McSwain is going to.
    AND Comments made Monday by Winston Cup driver Ricky Rudd and his car owner, Robert Yates, indicate Rudd's tenure at Robert Yates Racing will likely draw to a close following this season. Monday was a self-imposed deadline for Rudd to make a decision regarding his future in the series. At a test at Indianapolis, he said he still hadn't made a final decision, but it appeared the option of remaining at Robert Yates Racing was becoming increasingly less likely. Asked if there was room for Rudd at RYR next season, Yates answered: "I'd say it's slim. I won't say none, but I'd say slim because I think his best situation would be he goes somewhere that will be very competitive and pay very well. That's just not in my deal," Yates said. "My deal is too thin. … In the best year, unless it's a championship win, it just comes out upside-down." Rudd, however, said the two had "worked through" any money issues and felt the differences lie in how Rudd's #28 would be structured next season. "At Yates Racing, regardless of what you read it's not a money issue and what I will say about that is I wasn't getting answers that I needed to have," Rudd said. "I want to make sure that if I come back to the 28 that it is indeed the 28 team as we know it today and not all the people have been moved off my team to a third team." Asked to clarify the changes that might be made to his team, Rudd said if he were to stay at RYR, Yates indicated Rudd's crew chief, Michael McSwain, as well as others on his team would not remain. "The crew chief will not be with the 28 team next year, if I stayed," Rudd said. Asked if a third team would be added – thought to be Elliott Sadler with a team owned by Robert's son, Doug Yates – Rudd said: "If I move on, there probably won't be a third team. If I stay, there will be a third team."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-15-2002)
    UPDATE: Rudd says Havoline, sponsor of the #28 car, pays $6 million less a year than Yates' other sponsor, UPS. If M&M Mars brings more money than Havoline, Yates might not be able to justify keeping his best crew members on a team that isn't paying him as much. Rudd says his current crew chief, Michael McSwain, already has been assigned to work with Sadler next season. Rudd has identified other members of his team that would have to stay in order for Rudd to stay, but Yates hasn't responded.(USA Today)(7-16-2002)
    so what Rudd's options? New Yates 3rd team
    Stay at he #28 with a new crew
    3rd Ganassi Dodge
    Andy Petree/Jerry Jones team
    From what I hear, DEI is no longer an option.(7-16-2002)
    UPDATE 2: hearing the Petree-Jones team may be the front runner and hearing that Pizza Hut will be involved as a sponsor.(7-17-2002)
    UPDATE 3: McSwain came to Yates with Rudd in 2000, but won’t leave with the driver if Rudd moves elsewhere next year. “I’ve got a contract for two more years,” McSwain said.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(7-18-2002)

  • Rudd's Decision Today? Ricky Rudd hopes to be able to say something more definitive today, and it appears his top two options are the Chip Ganassi Dodge team and the future Andy Petree-Jerry Jones Ford team.(Winston Salem Journal)
    AND If details can be concluded, Rudd could announce within the next week that he has re-signed with owner Robert Yates at least through next year. Rudd, 45, had hinted he might retire if a) he did not receive a firm commitment from Yates, and b) that his pay be made commensurate with that of other top-team drivers. Yates has been typically obfuscatory about his plans, although he has declared he would like to have Rudd back. Yates also has said that he has encouraged his son, Doug, to set up a team of his own instead of taking over Robert Yates Racing, with concern over long-term tax situations. Doug Yates recently filed incorporation papers in North Carolina, forming Doug Yates Racing. Elliott Sadler, who announced in May his intention to leave the Wood Brothers at the end of his contract this year, appears likely to cast in with Doug Yates. If all goes as predicted, Rudd will re-sign with Robert Yates, with Sadler going with Doug Yates and a sponsor to be named, possibly something connected with Ford.(Speed Channel)(7-15-2002)

  • Third Yates Team - Domino's Pizza? M&M's already signed? Even if Ricky Rudd does leave Yates' #28 team, Yates may still add a third team to his operation next year, according to sources close to the situation, who say that Domino's Pizza could provide the new paint scheme. No word on what might happen to Texaco. Yates has already signed a contract with M&M Mars for his second team, according to industry sources. That would presumably be for Elliott Sadler.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002)

  • More Rudd and Jones: Ricky Rudd met this week with car owner Andy Petree to discuss a possible ride next year with Petree and Jerry Jones in Fords, according to team sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-10-2002)

  • More Rudd - Announcement Saturday? Ricky Rudd suggested he might announce his intentions for the future immediately after Saturday night's race. Most figure the 45-year-old driver will retire to devote more time to his children[child].(Augusta Chronicle)(7-5-2002)
    However: It looks as if Ricky Rudd, who is considering retirement, will be around the Winston Cup Series for at least another season or two. Rudd said Thursday that he has offers from several teams for next year and also is negotiating with his current car owner, Robert Yates, to stay in the #28 Ford for another year. One of the hangups with his current team appears to be the length of the contract. Rudd wants to sign only a one-year deal, and he says Yates and the sponsors want a longer one. But he would like to drive the same car next year. "If I could get Robert [Yates] to agree to a one-year agreement, then the retirement would not happen this year," said Rudd, 45. "One thing is I've been spoiled by some good runs here lately." Rudd expects to make a decision by July 15.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(7-6-2002)
    UPDATE: have not heard anything about an annoucement being made Saturday night.(7-7-2002)

  • Another Rudd to run at RIR: Jason Rudd Cleared To Drive Winston Cup Short-Tracks; Will Make Debut At Richmond:. Jason Rudd, the nephew of Winston Cup veteran racer Ricky Rudd, has been cleared by NASCAR to compete in the Winston Cup Series on oval tracks that are 3/4 of a mile or less. Rudd will make his Cup debut in September at Richmond. One of the key reasons on making this decision is the hope of driving against his uncle once before his uncle retired. Jason's father, AJ (Al Rudd Jr.) stated that they will be taking one of their Dodges that Jason drives in ARCA, as it was formerly a Winston Cup car. "We are very pleased," said AJ. "We can do some testing and begin getting our Dodges ready for the race."(Catchfence)(7-5-2002)

  • New Yates Team, the home for Sadler? Doug Yates, son of Robert Yates Racing owner Robert Yates, has started the process toward owning a Winston Cup race team and might be the missing piece to the puzzle surrounding the rumored hiring of Elliott Sadler. New corporation listings printed in The Charlotte Observer on June 24 show a new company called Doug Yates Racing Inc. incorporated in Mecklenburg County (N.C.) between June 10 and June 14. Doug Yates, who oversees the engine department at Yates Racing, confirmed Friday that he hopes his future in the sport would be as a team owner and said the filing of the incorporation documents was the first step in that process. Sources confirmed Friday that the Doug Yates operation would be the much-discussed third team at Robert Yates Racing next season, which would be the new home for driver Elliott Sadler, who is leaving the #21 Fords of Wood Brothers Racing at season's end. In an interview Thursday, Ricky Rudd, driver of Robert Yates' #28 Fords, said the following when asked if Robert Yates had told him whether he had signed a new driver: "I think I can honestly say that I think Robert can honestly say that he did not sign another driver and he can say that with a clear conscience." Doug Yates' hiring of Elliott Sadler would prove Rudd's statement correct. Rudd himself is still deciding whether to retire from the sport or remain with the #28 or move to another Winston Cup team. Doug Yates said his team would have ties with his father's, but he would like to be independent. "I want to be on my own enough to gain the experience he had to go through to get to where he's at today," Doug Yates said.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-5-2002)

  • Rudd and Ganassi? Ricky Rudd is thought to be a top candidate for a ride with Chip Ganassi. One question is what might happen to the Texaco sponsorship if Yates and Rudd can’t come to terms. Yates is said to have a much more lucrative M&M Mars sponsorship in hand for Elliott Sadler, expected to join Yates next season regardless of what Rudd does. There has long been speculation that Yates’ Texaco sponsorship hasn’t been in the $12 million to $15 million a year range of most current team sponsorships.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-5-2002)

  • Sadler is quiet until August/Rudd has options UPDATE 3 Sadler to Yates, but different team?: Although Elliott Sadler has solidified his deal for next year—he signed a confidentiality clause that keeps him mum until August—almost everyone else is waiting to hear Ricky Rudd's plans for 2003 before more moves are made. Rudd says his preferences, in order, are: remain in the #28 Ford, retire, go to a new team. Rudd says he doesn't think staying with Robert Yates in the #28 is an option. Rudd says he has been offered several contracts, and Chip Ganassi's name keeps popping up as a potential new boss.(Sporting News)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd said after his victory on Sunday that he still hasn't made a decision about whether he'll retire after this season. He said he plans to think about his future on a vacation with his family next week, where he'll spend the final off weekend of the 2002 Winston Cup season. If he does return for another year, he said his first option would be to remain as driver of the No. 28 Fords at Robert Yates Racing - but he's not sure if that option is open. This is the final year of his contract with Yates and Rudd said he hasn't been able to get Yates to tell him for sure if Elliott Sadler has already been picked to take that ride.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-24-2002)
    UPDATE 2: WSLS Newschannel 10 say that Elliott Sadler has signed with Robert Yates Racing, but will drive a 3rd team and not the #28 Havoline Ford. Sadler's deal has a confidentiality agreement which says he cant say anything about the deal till August. The 3rd team will have M&M's as the sponsor which is leaving the #36 car after this year.(WSLS Newschannel 10-NBC)(6-27-2002)
    UPDATE 3: Elliott Sadler will be heading for Robert Yates Racing in 2003, but not at the expense of Ricky Rudd's ride. Instead, the Buzz has learned Sadler could acquire M&M's sponsorship and become a teammate to Rudd and Dale Jarrett at RYR. Sadler had been the focus of several rumors since he was released from his contract with Wood Brothers Racing earlier this season. M&M's is currently on the #36 Pontiac of Kenny Schrader. In addition, Peter Sospenzo may be considered for the top wrench position on the new team. Sospenzo led the #12 Ford owned by Penske Racing and driven by Jeremy Mayfield and then Mike Wallace until it ceased operation at the end of last year. Rumors had it that Stacker 2 was going to go with Sadler to sponsor the car wherever he went, but they are already locked in with Kenny Wallace for his Busch Series ride and might venture into Winston Cup with him for a few races.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(7-3-2002)

  • Rudd to retire? UPDATE: Justin Ditmore of WSLS Newschannel 10 reports that Ricky Rudd has made a decision on his future in the 28 car, and in racing in general. Sources tell Newschannel 10 hat the 45 year old has decided to call it quits after the 2002 season. Rudd's contract with Robert Yates Racing is up after this year,, he's made no secret he'd like to spend more time at home with his family.(WSLS Newschannel 10-NBC)(6-27-2002)
    UPDATE: ESPN2's RPM 2 Night reports that Ricky Rudd met with Jerry Jones [who is supposedly buying intp Andy Petree Racing] about driving for him next season.(6-28-2002)

  • Wells closer to 2nd team but no M&M's? M&M's balks at Yates $$? #32 Car owner Cal Wells is in the market for a second driver, but he says M&M Mars is no longer one of the sponsors he's negotiating with. Until two weeks ago, Wells was in the running for that sponsorship. "But now they're going in a different direction," Wells said. According to one source, M&M has been looking at signing on with Robert Yates, but according to team sources Mars officials balked at the asking price.(Winston Salem Journal)
    AND - more Pontiac news: Joe Gibbs Racing will switch from Pontiac to Chevrolet next year. The official announcement is being held up by Pontiac being willing to announce a new addition to its team lineup to replace the Gibbs teams. Cal Wells, who presently fields Fords for Ricky Craven, said it will probably be four weeks until he makes a decision. Wells would like to add a second team, which Pontiac might be able to assist him in doing, but he is also happy with the Ford engines he currently leases from Robert Yates and is concerned he will not be able to secure as potent a deal with General Motors.(Gaston Gazette)(6-24-2002)

  • Rudd tied for 2nd: Ricky Rudd now has six career road course victories, tying him with Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and Rusty Wallace for second on the all-time list. Jeff Gordon has seven.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-24-2002)

  • Rudd Leaving Yates and not retiring? - Third Yates Team and some M&M's news: Ricky Rudd has apparently decided not to return to the #28 RYR team next season, but Texaco will apparently remain as Yates' sponsor. If that's indeed the case, then Rudd could become a candidate for a Chevy ride with Dale Earnhardt Inc. as well as a Ford ride with Jerry Jones' proposed new team [well the team(s) #33/#55 of Andy Petree that Jones is expected to buy into]. Ford officials say they would very much like to keep Rudd in the Ford fold. Rudd has said he might retire at the end of the season, but sources close to the situation say that may have been a bargaining ploy. Rudd said last month he hoped to make a decision by the middle of July [15th]. Rudd says he thinks Yates has already signed Elliott Sadler to replace him, though Yates and Sadler both deny any contract signing. If Texaco stays and Rudd goes, then Yates could continue as just a two-team owner, which he says he would prefer to be, rather than a three-team owner, which appeared looming a few weeks ago.
    M&M Mars [#36 sponsor] has been hoping to sponsor that third Yates team, according to NASCAR sources. What might now happen with that sponsorship is unclear. Cal Wells [#32] is one man who is figured to be in negotiations with the company, which could support a second team.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-17-2002)

  • DJ wants Ricky to stay:. Dale Jarrett says he has talked with Ricky Rudd about Rudd's decision whether to stay with Robert Yates racing, move to another team,.or retire. DJ said, "He's been at this a long time obviously...and like myself he's got a young son and a wonderful wife that he would like to spend more time with....and that's understandable....so if he's gonna retire we understand that. But, if he's gonna race, I hope it's with Robert Yates Racing."(PRN's Garagepass)(6-14-2002)

  • Rudd to the back - engine change: Ricky Rudd's road to a repeat victory at Pocono won't be easy since his team changed engines Saturday, forcing him to start at the rear of the field.(Roanoke Times)(6-9-2002)

  • Yates and Action: Action Performance Companies announced an agreement has been reached with Robert Yates Racing to extend their ongoing exclusive licensing and marketing contract until 2017. The new agreement seeks to maintain the diversity and influence of Action's licensing portfolio while capitalizing on the Robert Yates Racing brand and NASCAR's enduring market potential. Under the extended agreement, Action Performance has the exclusive rights to produce die-cast race car replicas, apparel and other merchandise for Robert Yates Racing teams, including the #88 UPS Ford, the #28 Havoline Ford and the #98 Channellock BGN Ford. In addition to production exclusives, the agreement also allows Action Performance to continue developing and producing Historical Series vehicles from the storied Robert Yates Racing collection, including cars for celebrated driver Davey Allison.(Business Wire)(6-4-2002)

  • Rudd Breaks Streak: #28-Ricky Rudd took the green flag in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway to break Terry Labonte's iron man record with his 656th consecutive start. Before the race, Labonte presented Rudd with an Iron Man trophy and Havoline, sponsor of Rudd's #28 Ford, gave him a trophy made out of a huge chunk of iron. All the attention overwhelmed Rudd, who finished fourth. "I'm kind of a low-key guy, I just come to race,'' he said. ``To be honest, today doesn't feel like any other day. It's just another day at the office, as far as I'm concerned.''(Tampa Tribune), other current consecutive streaks: Rusty Wallace at 565, Ken Schrader with 535, Mark Martin with 450 and Jeff Gordon has started 306 consecutive races (and NEVER used a provisional). Dale Earnhardt had 648 consecutive Winston Cup starts until his death at Daytona in 2001.(5-27-2002)

  • Rudd to the Wood Brothers? Andretti? Elliott Sadler will get his long-sought release from Wood Brothers Racing this week, but won't be leaving until the end of this NASCAR season. Sadler wants to leave the Stuart-based team to pursue a new Winston Cup ride. Some feel that means Dale Earnhardt Inc., which seemingly will fire Steve Park within the next week or so. But there's growing sentiment in the garage that Sadler might join Robert Yates Racing. If that happens, look for RYR driver Ricky Rudd to join the Wood brothers for the last year or so of his career. Team co-owners Eddie and Len Wood have been working with Motorcraft and the Air Force for several weeks.(Daily Press), another rumor floating around has John Andretti going to the Wood Brother's #21 Ford.(5-27-2002)

  • More on Rudd's possible retirement: #28-Ricky Rudd says he'll make a decision about his racing future by July. With his record-setting 656th consecutive start on the Winston Cup circuit set for Sunday, Ricky Rudd, at 45, said he's finally taking a look at retiring. He said he'll make a decision on his future by July. Today, the only decisions he and car owner Robert Yates will be making concern tonight's qualifying runs for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season. "As far as making a decision about what I'm going to do next year, well I'm at the end of a three-year contract with Robert Yates and Havoline, and when you start coming to the end of a contract, clearly you want to start weighing your options," Rudd said. At the moment, Yates is also considering his options. Complicating the entire situation is the fact that Havoline, although a Texaco product, has been marketed by rival Shell to get around some merger issues. And now that Shell has bought Pennzoil-Quaker State, it plans to begin marketing those oil products instead of Havoline. While Yates ponders the sponsorship issues, Rudd is pondering his own options. "The options are staying with Robert; right now that is an option," Rudd said. "The other options, if Robert can't afford to wait for me to make a July decision, then obviously there are some other teams out there that would like to have me. But my No. 1 priority would be to stay where I am." But with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Rick Hendrick looking at picking up Rudd if he does become a free agent, Rudd would seem to be in the driver's seat.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-23-2002)

  • Rudd Retirement update: Sitting at a table with co-Ironman Terry Labonte yesterday, Ricky Rudd was lauded for more than his streak of 655 Winston Cup starts. But in comments by speakers and a video honoring Rudd and Labonte, the two sharing the record until Rudd starts the Coca-Cola 600, were gentle reminders that many think Rudd could be leaving the sport at the end of this season. Rudd deflected the talk early but later commented directly on the issue. He carefully waded through the questions, trying to make his position clear. He doesn't know yet what he's doing in 2003. Rudd's options are numerous. He could sign another contract with Robert Yates - his current one ends this season - or move over to another top operation. Or, at 45, he could walk away from racing. Rudd said he plans to make a decision by the end of July.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-17-2002)

  • Rudd Special Scheme for Coke 600? UPDATE: hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will have a special paint scheme for the Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway in May.(4-3-2002)
    UPDATE: Rudd will run an Iron Man scheme in the Coca Cola 500, see an image on my Paint Schemes Gallery.(5-9-2002)

  • Rudd to retire? UPDATE: #28-Ricky Rudd, one race away from breaking the NASCAR record for consecutive starts, might not have too many more events in his future. Rudd, in his 21st season of Winston Cup racing, said Monday he has not ruled out retiring at the end of this season -- partly because of the changing face of NASCAR and the way the sport is being marketed. "I have a lot of options, one of them is retirement, and it's something I'll give a lot of thought too," Rudd said while testing his Robert Yates Ford at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "I'm 45 years old and I certainly don't see myself doing this when I'm 50, so it's something I'll be thinking about." Rudd is set to make his 656th consecutive start at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26, which would break Terry Labonte's Ironman record. He tied the mark Saturday when he started the race at Richmond International Raceway. Rudd's name has repeatedly come up in a recent rash of rumors concerning driver movement. It started when Elliott Sadler asked for a release from Wood Brothers Racing and Rudd's #28 is one of the cars Sadler could reportedly end up in. Rudd's three-year contract with Yates is up at the end of the season. "There's a lot of stuff being said and I know I've been linked to it," Rudd said. "Half the people have me retiring, have the people have me going to another team. The truth is, I don't know what I'm going to do." Retirement is viable because of Rudd's disenchantment with where NASCAR is headed, he said. He dislikes the toll the schedule takes on family life and knows that as his 7-year-old son gets older, it will be harder to take him on the road for 36 races. "Everyone says NASCAR is a family sport, and for the fans in the grandstands it is," he said. "But for us, the travel and time on the road, it doesn't really lend itself to a family life and I guess that's the way NASCAR wants it." Rudd is particularly annoyed with the way the sport is now being marketed, pointing out an emphasis TV coverage has given to the young drivers. A group of twentysomethings, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sadler, Kevin Harvick and rookies Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman, have burst onto the Winston Cup scene. Rudd thinks NASCAR is steering its image toward them. "I have no problem with the youth movement, I really don't," Rudd said. "But I've seen with this TV deal older guys getting ignored."(Sporting News)(5-7-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd says he doesn’t know when he’s going to retire from Winston Cup racing. "Sometime between 45 and 50 I am going to retire," Rudd said Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he was testing his No. 28 Ford in preparation for The Winston on May 18 and the Coca-Cola 600. "Is it at the end of this year or next year? I don’t know." Rudd is 45 and will be 46 at the end of the 2002 season, when his three-year contract with Robert Yates Racing runs out. Rudd said that would be the last multiyear deal he has to drive in NASCAR’s top series. "I am 45 years old and I am at the end of a three-year contract and I’ve fulfilled all of my obligations," he said. "From here on out, I am going to do a one-year contract at a time. I don’t want to get myself locked in to a point where I’m in an environment that I can’t get out of without fulfilling my obligations. I am taking it one year at a time." Rudd has 22 victories and 27 poles in 742 career starts – the last 655 of them in succession. If he takes the green flag in the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26, he will break Terry Labonte’s record for consecutive races.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-8-2002)

  • #28 Crew Honored: NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week is the #28 Havoline Crew for consistent fast pit stops all year but bad string of luck. The #28 Havoline Crew is one of the best crews at the track each Sunday.(NAPCM PR)(5-7-2002)

  • NAPCM Pit Crew of the Week: #28 - Ricky Rudd's Havoline Crew; Good stops all day (took Ricky from 20th to 13th during one stop)(NAPCM PR)(3-5-2002)

  • Another 'New' #28 Paint Scheme? UPDATE False? hearing that a new paint scheme for the #28 Ford is in the works and should debut within 60 days. All references to Texaco, including the star, will be removed along with smaller references to Havoline. Hearing Chevron will be focused and featured. Plus, word has it that all scale models with the new paint scheme will be available for purchase only with a Chevron gas card.(2-28-2002)
    UPDATE: hearing this rumor is false and that no changes will be made to the scheme this year.(3-1-2002)

  • Another Muppet UPDATE: hearing that #18-Bobby Labonte has been added to the Chicagoland Muppet paint scheme promotion along with previous rumored, #88-Jarrett, #10-Benson(Flozzy) and #41-Spencer(2-12-2002)
    UPDATE: up to five Muppet schemes now - hearing #28-Ricky Rudd will be part of the promtion at Chicago, celebrating 25 years of the Muppet Show.(2-21-2002)

  • Yates taken to the hospital UPDATE 2 Back at the track: #28 and #88 team car owner Robert Yates was hospitalized Friday morning after waking up with chest pains. The 58-year-old Yates awoke with tightness in his chest and drove himself to a hospital. A team spokesman said Yates was alert and talking and asked to be updated with team developments at Daytona International Speedway.(ThatsRacin/AP)(2-15-2002)
    UPDATE: Yates, 58, was said to be awake, doing well and in good spirits after arriving at the hospital. He underwent a series of tests and upon completion of a cardiac catheterization, it was determined he suffered no heart problems.(NASCAR.com)(2-15-2002)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR team owner Robert Yates returned to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, a day after he was hospitalized with chest pains. Yates said doctors ruled out a heart attack but had not diagnosed his problem. He left Halifax Medical Center a little after 7:00pm/et on Friday. "They told me to go about my normal business but don't lift anything," Yates said Saturday.(CBS/AP)(2-16-2002)

  • ChevronTexaco Re-ups with the #28: ChevronTexaco renewed its multi-million dollar investment in Havoline Motor Sports, to strengthen the brand's reputation as one of the world's leading racing oils. The company is sponsoring Ricky Rudd's car #28 and will advertise Havoline throughout the 2002 Winston Cup season, beginning with the Daytona 500 this month. ChevronTexaco also has plans for long-term support of the Texaco brand. "We will leverage our global presence, sales representatives, full line of products, portfolio of value-added services and investments in plant, R&D, operational and lubricant infrastructure," said Nelson. "The Texaco brand will be stronger and better because of the ChevronTexaco merger, and it's a brand we are committed to strengthening."(Business Wire)(2-8-2002)

  • Hillenburg tests the #28 at Talladega: The #28 team was at Talladega on Tuesday for the first day of a two-day test session at Alabama’s famed 2.66-mile tri-oval and was able to get on the track at 12:10. Ricky Rudd, the driver of the No. 28 Ford, is recovering from off-season back surgery and is following doctors orders to stay off the racetrack as much as he can before the season gets under way in Daytona. Veteran driver Andy Hillenburg has stepped up to aid the Robert Yates team with pre-season testing.(Talladega Superspeedway)(1-30-2002)

  • Yates cancels Atlanta test: The two-day test session scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Robert Yates Racing and Ricky Rudd.s #28 car has been cancelled. The next scheduled NASCAR Winston Cup test is Feb. 19-20 with Ganassi Racing and the No. 41 car driven by Jimmy Spencer.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(1-22-2002)

  • Rusty and Andy test Spolier: With permission from NASCAR, #2-Rusty Wallace and #28-Andy Hillenburg (subbing for Ricky Rudd) made three more runs once testing concluded at 5:00pm. The teams wanted to find out what it would take to speed up their Tauruses. After one lap around the track, the two teams took one-quarter inch off the rear spoiler. Then, after another lap, the same amount was taken off again. Wallace said he was a little disappointed with the results. "We picked up 3.3 tenths of a second, I was hoping we would pick up four," Wallace said afterwards. "NASCAR thought it would pick up five tenths." Currently, the Ford spoiler is 57 inches wide and six-and-a-half inches tall. Dodges have the same size. Chevrolets have a 57-inch by six-and-a-quarter inch spoiler.(NASCAR.com)(1-18-200)

  • Rudd Feeling Fine: Ricky Rudd says he feels 100%, however is following doctors orders to stay off the racetrack as much as he can before the season gets cranked up and hopefully he'll never have a recurrence of that injury. Rudd is giving his back time to heal so he can be back in the car for Daytona. The Havoline Taurus driver says he has only a half-inch scar where doctors made a small incision to insert fiber-optics to repair the damage. Rudd says he walked into the hospital hurting and four hours later he walked out not hurting, other than some muscle tightness...and that "I actually could have gotten in a race car that afternoon if he had to...I felt that good...much, much better".(PRN's Garage Pass)(1-17-2002)

  • Rudd will NOT test at Daytona UPDATE 3: PRN's Garage Pass radio show reports that Ricky Rudd will not test the #28 Havoline Ford next week at Daytona. Andy Hillenburg will test the car for Robert Yates Racing(1-7-2002)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd, who had a back operation several weeks ago, may miss next week's Winston Cup test session. Rudd is supposed to meet with his doctor later this week. If his doctor clears him to drive, he will participate. If not, Andy Hillenburg will sub for Rudd during the test session.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-9-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Robert Yates, owner of Ricky Rudd's #28 Fords, said Wednesday that Rudd will not participate in next week's preseason test at Daytona. Driver Andy Hillenburg will work with Rudd's team instead. Rudd had back surgery in the off-season and is still recovering. Yates said Rudd's team may test at another track this month, but Rudd will not participate in any testing prior to arriving in Daytona next month for Speedweeks.(That's Racin')(1-9-2002)
    UPDATE 3: Ricky Rudd arrived for the start of Monday's testing [at Daytona], but he's here to observe and not drive. Because Rudd is still healing from a recent back surgery, Andy Hillenburg is driving the #28 Yates Racing Ford. Rudd will take the wheel when Speed Weeks starts next month.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-15-2002)

  • Yates to the BGN? Word is that Robert Yates Racing will have a Busch Series team in 2002. Rumor has it that it will be a Ford, just like the team's two cars in Winston Cup. Word is that Ford will have a major role in the development of the team. As far as a driver goes, talk has USAC driver Kasey Kahne behind the wheel. Kahne was supposed to go IRL racing, but will instead concentrate his efforts in NASCAR.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(1-2-2002)

    2001 News

  • Rudd to carry The Torch: Ricky Rudd will rely on his feet, not his race car, when he carries the Olympic torch through Martinsburg, WV, Thursday. Rudd [#28 Havoline Ford], a NASCAR driver, will be among more than 50 people toting the torch in Hagerstown and Martinsburg. Rudd is scheduled to take the torch from bearer Betsy Howell of Harrisburg, PA., at 5:29pm/et. He will carry the torch on Moler Avenue, starting at Central Avenue. Support runner Daniel Comer will join him at 5:32pm/et. At the Second Baptist Church sign, Rudd will hand the torch to bearer Joan Laboiteaux of Berkeley Springs, WV.(Herald-Mail)(12-21-2001)

  • Rudd and Pit Crew Progress: The recovery of Winston Cup driver Ricky Rudd, who underwent arthoscopic back surgery in Charlotte shortly following the annual banquet weekend, continues to progress. "My recovery is on schedule and I'm looking forward to racing in the Daytona 500 in February," Rudd said Friday in a statement. Rudd drives the #28 Fords for Robert Yates Racing. In addition, all three Yates crew members injured in a pit road accident at Homestead, Fla., in November plan to return to their duties in time for the 2002 Daytona 500. Bobby Burrell, front-tire changer, is home recovering from head injuries. On Dec. 5, he started working with the team trainer on hand-to-eye coordination drills and plans to return to work after the first of the year. John Bryan, jack man, has returned to work and also anticipates starting pit stop practice after the first of the year. Kevin Hall, front-tire carrier, has returned to work and resumed pit stop practice with the team.(That's Racin')(12-15-2001)

  • Rudd's Back? UPDATE 2 Surgery: #28-Ricky Rudd could be headed for the same back surgery that Mark Martin had during a recent offseason. "I didn’t hurt my back when I hit the wall, I think I must have the Mark Martin syndrome, my back has been bothering me for a little while," Rudd said. "I might have to get it fixed this winter. It hurts when I sit in the seat for a long time."(SpeedVision)(11-19-2001)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd will undergo exploratory surgery next week to investigate the source of back pain that bothered him for nearly the entire season. Though the seriousness of his back injury isn't known, Rudd said he expected a recovery period of only two weeks. It's possible Rudd could need six months of rehab, depending on what next week's arthroscopic procedure uncovers. Rudd said the injury is probably just some inflammation in his back - something many other drivers have experienced during the grueling schedule of races.(Arizona Republic)(11-30-2001)
    UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd underwent arthroscopic back surgery on Wednesday in Charlotte. He came through the surgery very well, has been released from the hospital and is resting.(Ricky Rudd site) AND Rudd chose not to waste any time in getting help, having arthroscopic back surgery on Wednesday in Charlotte. Rudd came through the surgery without incident and is currently resting and recuperating. He was released from the hospital after the surgery. It was not immediately known if the surgery would have any effect on his ability to run in the open test at Daytona in January, but the team was confident that the 45-year-old would be able to test and is optimistic enough in Rudd's recovery that it is not putting together any contingency plans for a substitiute driver at this time.(SpeedVision)(12-6-2001)

  • New 2002 Scheme for the #28? UPDATE: Next season Rudd's car, the legendary black #28, will likely sport a dramatically new color scheme, because of the Texaco-Chevron merger.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-11-2001)
    UPDATE: during Ricky Rudd's speech at the Winston Cup awards banquet, Rudd mentioned the #28 Ford would have a different look in 2002 but had no idea what irt would look like(11-30-2001)

  • Update about the #28 Crew UPDATE 2: Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell has been upgraded from serious to good condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
    Crew Update for Sunday: Pitting the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Taurus on Sunday will be:
    Front Tire Changer: Rick Burgdoff (of the #10 BGN Team)
    Front Tire Carrier: Scott Kircher (of the #10 BGN Team)
    Jack Man: Chris Wright (fabricator of the #28)
    The team has pit stop practice each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening. They started using helmets in Monday's practice.(Ricky Rudd.com)(11-15-2001)
    UPDATE - Crew Member Moved: Bobby Burrell, the front-tire changer on Ricky Rudd's #28 Fords who was the most-seriously injured in last Sunday's pit-road incident at Homestead-Miami Speedway, returned to Charlotte on Friday. Robert Yates, owner of Rudd's team, said Burrell was taken by NASCAR plane from Baptist Hospital in Miami to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He remained in good condition. Yates, whose two Winston Cup teams will use helmets for their over-the-wall pit crew members this weekend, said last weekend's accident was "extremely scary."(That's Racin')(11-16-2001)
    UPDATE 2 - Burrell Released from Hospital: Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell was released from Carolinas Medical Center today. He will continue his recovery from injuries at home. He still has some minor dizziness and many bruises, but is in good spirits and looking forward to being home.(Ricky Rudd.com)(11-19-2001)

  • Rudd's Back? #28-Ricky Rudd could be headed for the same back surgery that Mark Martin had during a recent offseason. "I didn’t hurt my back when I hit the wall, I think I must have the Mark Martin syndrome, my back has been bothering me for a little while," Rudd said. "I might have to get it fixed this winter. It hurts when I sit in the seat for a long time."(SpeedVision)(11-19-2001)

  • Yates Crew to wear helmets: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that the Robert Yates Racing teams (#28 and #88) crew must wear helmets if they go over the wall AND Robert Yates said Tuesday he would equip his two Winston Cup teams with helmets beginning with Sunday's NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Roush Racing experimented with helmets, but its crews have not been using them this year. Jeff Burton said he'd like to see that change as soon as possible.(That's Racin')(11-13-2001)

  • Pitroad Accident UPDATE 3 Crewman Better: Three members of the #28 pit crew and one NASCAR official were injured during a pit-road accident on Lap 111 of Sunday's Pennzoil Freedom 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. During a round of pit stops under caution, #22-Ward Burton pulled out from his pit stall and into the left side of #19-Casey Atwood. Burton then cut to his left and into Rudd's pit stall, where his crew was still performing a four-tire and gas pit stop. Bobby Burrell, Rudd's front-tire changer, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for treatment of head injuries. John Bryan, jackman for Rudd's team, was taken by ambulance to Baptist Hospital in Miami for treatment of knee injuries. Bryan is the brother-in-law of Todd Parrott, crew chief for Dale Jarrett, Rudd's teammate. Kevin Hall, the team's front-tire changer, was treated for bruises at the infield care center and released. NASCAR official Kenny Lawson, who was overseeing Rudd's pit stop, was seen and released from the infield car center. He was knocked onto the hood of Rudd's car. See full story and updates at That's Racin' and NASCAR.com. Allen Bestwick reported during the race that Burrell is awake and listed in serious condition(11-11-2001)
    UPDATE Jackman John Bryan was treated at Baptist Hospital for knee injuries and a concussion, front tire carrier Kevin Hall was banged up and NASCAR official Kenny Lawson was not injured in the incident. Ward Burton headed to the hospital after the race. NASCAR officials said it was just a racing accident and no penalties would be assessed, but they are considering requiring helmets on pit road. It's a move several crew chiefs advocated after the race. Richard Childress Racing crew members Kirk Almquist (front tire carrier) and Scott Naset (front tire changer) moved over from working as backups for Rudd's team. The two have been working with Childress' Busch team. Jarrett jackman Shane Callis helped as well.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-12-2001)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR.com reports (as of 10:56am/et today) that "two of the three injured crew members of the No. 28 Ford driven by Ricky Rudd have been released from the hospital while a third is still under medical care in Miami. Bobby Burrell, the front tire changer who resides in Huntersville, N.C., is listed in serious condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital with a head injury.(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2001)
    UPDATE 3: Update on Crew Members of No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Team (as of 12:55 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001). Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell remains in serious but stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. On Tuesday morning, he was moved from the Neuro Intensive Care Unit into a regular room. He remains conscious and continues to communicate verbally with family. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support from across the country. John Bryan, jack man, 31 years old from Charlotte, N.C. John Bryan is resting at home with bruises. Bryan suffered a mild concussion on Sunday. He flew home Sunday evening after being treated at Baptist Hospital in Miami. Kevin Hall, tire carrier, 31 years old from Charlotte, N.C. Kevin Hall is resting at home with bruises. Hall was treated and released from the Infield Care Center on Sunday and returned home with the team on Sunday evening.(RickyRudd.com)(11-13-2001)

  • New 2002 Scheme for the #28? Next season Rudd's car, the legendary black #28, will likely sport a dramatically new color scheme, because of the Texaco-Chevron merger.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-11-2001)

  • Rudds Engine Woes: [#'s 28 and 88] Car owner Robert Yates said that a broken piston and broken valve caused Ricky Rudd 's two blown engines at Martinsville last weekend. Yates said the piston was a lightweight piece for the qualifying engine. With component weight limits for next season, that shouldn't be a problem next season. He said team was working on ways to avoid future valve problems.(Roanoke Times)(10-20-2001)

  • Rudd Walks: The current driver of the #28 Ford will be honored this race weekend during festivities at the park named for the driver that got the ride rolling. Ricky Rudd won the fans' voting as the active driver to be inducted at the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame. He'll take the stage during ceremonies at Davey Allison Memorial Park in downtown Talladega at 8:00pm on Saturday. Two inactive drivers, Buck Baker and Joe Weatherly, also will enter the Walk of Fame. The ceremonies are free and open to the public(Alabama Live)(10-19-2001)

  • McSwain breaks arm: Michael McSwain, crew chief for Ricky Rudd, broke his left arm Thursday morning while leaving his motorhome in the infield of Lowe's Motor Speedway. McSwain has a half-cast on his arm and is expected to get a full cast next week.(That's Racin')(10-5-2001)

  • Cup car stolen UPDATE 3 Petty and Yates? new Petty engine supplier: At sometime over the past weekend someone stole an official Winston Cup race car from a race team's parking lot. Investigators are not saying which team owns the car. But they are saying the car is worth $200,000. Investigators say it was locked inside a white trailer when someone pulled up, hooked it up and drove off. The team is expected to announce the theft soon, ask for help finding it, and offer a very substantial reward to get it back.(NBC6.com)(9-28-2001)
    UPDATE: quite a twist from NASCAR.com's Buzz - The Buzz has learned that the car was stolen from the property of Robert Yates Racing. It wasn’t a Yates car, though, but a dyno chassis car owned by Petty Enterprises. So, what was a Petty car doing at Yates? Well, the two teams may be making some sort of announcement in the next couple of weeks regarding either a joint venture or new ownership of an existing division of Yates. The current ownership of all race teams for both teams will remain the same.(NASCAR.com)(9-29-2001)
    UPDATE 2: hearing that Yates is helping Petty design heads and is looking at supplying Dodge engines to Pettty next year
    UPDATE 3: Petty Enterprises will get engines for its 2002 Winston Cup teams (#'s 43,44,45) from a company being spun off of Robert Yates' engine manufacturing business. Mike Ege, general manager and chief engine builder at Robert Yates Engine Manufacturing, has acquired that company and will rename it Mike Ege Racing Engines. That company will supply engines to the three Petty Enterprises Cup teams beginning next season. Ford teams (#'s 7, 11, 26, 32, 66, 90) that had been getting their engines from the subsidiary operation Ege was leading for Yates will start getting their motors directly from Robert Yates Racing, Inc., which also builds the engines for the two Yates-owned Cup teams of drivers Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd(That's Racin')(10-2-2001)

  • Rudd changes seat belt manu: Ricky Rudd responded to increasing concerns over safety this week by changing the brand of seat belts he installs in his #28 Texaco Ford. After a briefing from NASCAR earlier in the week and viewing the belts from Jeremy Mayfield’s car, Rudd made the decision to replace the Simpson products in his car with Wheelen (actually it is Willans) belts.(Frontstretch)(9-29-2001)

  • Rudd, Wallace meet with NASCAR: Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd, who have had on-track incidents in three of past four races, met with NASCAR officials Thursday to discuss their "feud." Both drivers said they consider the incidents, which included a confrontation in the garage last weekend at Dover, Del., to be over.(That's Racin')(9-27-2001)

  • Rudd bumps way to Win: #28-Ricky Rudd won the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond after nudging #29-Kevin Harvick out of the way in the final laps of the race, returning the favor as Harvick had bumped his way past Rudd on lap 383 of the 400 race. The win coupled with #24-Jeff Gordon's tough run (36th after being bumped by #40-Marlin and hitting the wall early in the race, but coming back to run laps and finish the race), allowed Rudd to gain 120 points on Gordon's point lead. Gordon now leads Rudd by 222 with #88-Jarrett back in 3rd place, 393 points back. See That's Racin' for Monte Carlo 400 results, Winston Cup race points, and Winston Cup points (after Richmond)(9-9-2001)

  • #50 for Yates: with #28-Ricky Rudd's win at Richmond, it marked Robert Yates Racing 50th win in Winston Cup racing(9-9-2001)

  • Rudd Offered a TV? During the first two cautions(? thought Gordon and Wallace led during the first 2 cautions? Rudd didn't lead until lap 96 and there were a few cautions by then) when Ricky Rudd was leading the Monte Carlo 400, Jeremy Mayfield raced him to the line trying to get back on the lead lap. He was unsuccessful on both attempts, so Mayfield's team made an interesting offer. His spotter informed Rudd's spotter that the team would give Rudd a 36-inch SONY flatscreen TV if he'd let Mayfield back on the lead lap at the next caution(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-9-2001)

  • Texaco out? Shell in on the #28? UPDATE 2 Yates says Texaco Stays: hearing rumors that Texaco (looking to merge with Chevron) may leave the #28 Robert Yates Ford at the end of the 2001 season and Shell Oil Company may be their new sponsor. Another note about Texaco sponsorship, looks like they are leaving the Newman-Haas CART team as Robin Miller mentioned last week on ESPN2's RPM2Night (which moves to 6pm M-F starting Sept 4th) that Eli Lilly and Company (pharmaceuticals) would be the team's new sponsor for their CART cars. But it was announced a while ago that Texaco had signed with Robert Yates Racing through 2004.(8-20-2001)
    UPDATE: As it prepares to merge with Chevron, Texaco plans to shed its interest in the two joint ventures that control Texaco and Shell gasoline stations in the U.S.: Equilon in the West, Motiva in the East. But that could mean the end of the venerable Texaco brand name.(more at the Los Angeles Times)(8-21-2001)
    UPDATE 2: If Chevron's purchase of Texaco goes through, don't expect a major change on the No. 28 Ford. Team owner Robert Yates says Chevron likes the Havoline brand and is expected to keep it. He says he expects Havoline to remain on his No. 28 Ford as its primary sponsor.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)
    AND “Texaco has an agreement with Robert Yates Racing through the 2004 season, and they have made it very clear to us that they will honor that commitment, even with a merger,” said Bill Seaborn, director of marketing for Robert Yates Racing, Thursday morning.(NASCAR Buzz)(8-30-2001)

  • 3rd Yates Team? UPDATE - Denied once again: sources at Robert Yates Racing(RYR) say there is definitely no truth to the rumor of a third team or Doug Yates starting a #82 team(6-26-2001)
    UPDATE 2: Robert Yates is considering expanding his two-car team to a three-car team next season. No word on who the new driver might be(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2001)
    UPDATE 3: Despite some garage talk that Robert Yates is looking into forming a third Cup team, he said Sunday morning that is not true. "I just want to win and I don't know if that multiplies your chances to win," said Yates, whose teams of Ricky Rudd and Dale Jarrett are contending for the series title. "Sometimes you might divide yourself up. I don't think that's in our plans. But, if somebody is out there with a large amount of (money), they can come talk to me."(RacingExtra)(8-6-2001)

  • Rudd on TV: Sunday at 1:30pm on CBS (hmm...during the Pocono race, nice), Ricky Rudd will appear on "Topspin'', a tennis show started by the United States Tennis Association, now in its fourth season. The segment will show Rudd spending time at the Talladega 500 in April, with longtime ATP Tour player Todd Martin, of Ponte Vedra. Martin is a former U.S. Open and Australian Open finalist and Wimbledon semifinalist(7-25-2001)

  • 3rd RYR Team? hearing a rumor from a source that says Doug Yates is strongly considering starting a new team with a good pal of his, Yates would own either a 1/4 or 1/2 interest in the team the number would be #82 possibly sponsors are Mountain Dew, Burger King, Motorola, Square D or Exide(AutoRacing1)(6-25-2001)
    UPDATE: sources at Robert Yates Racing(RYR) say there is definitely no truth to the rumor of a third team or Doug Yates starting a #82 team(6-26-2001)

  • Helping Out: Texaco and the race teams it sponsors have joined together in an effort to encourage relief for the flood victims of Tropical Storm Allison. Ricky Rudd's Robert Yates Racing Ford displayed a decal at Pocono with the number 1-800-HELP-NOW, the toll free donation number for the American Red Cross..(Winston Cup Scene)(6-21-2001)

  • McSwain Fined: Michael McSwain, the crew chief for Ricky Rudd's No. 28 Winston Cup Ford, was fined $250 for an unapproved part found on that car before the Kmart 400 at Michigan on June 10.(That's Racin')(6-20-2001)

  • Goodyear Tire Test at Indy: #4-Kevin Lepage and #28-Ricky Rudd are testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Goodyear(MRN's NASCAR Today)(6-18-2001)

  • Some Notes: Ricky Rudd's win came in his 710th Winston Cup race, became the 11th different winner in 15 races this year and his 21st victory ties him with Benny Parsons, Jack Smith and Terry Labonte for 24th on the all-time win list. This was Rudd's first victory starting from the Bud Pole and the first ever win for his crew chief, Michael "Fatback" McSwain. Going up: Ken Schrader, Mike Skinner and Stacy Compton moved up the most by gaining three points positions. Kevin Lepage moved up two. Going down: Ward Burton dropped four spots on the points chart from 19th to 23rd. Bobby Hamilton and Jeremy Mayfield fell two spots.(NASCAR.com)(6-18-2001)

  • Rudd's Transmission: After seizing the lead on a dramatic move late in yesterday's race, Ricky Rudd kept his foot to the floor and Jeff Gordon in his rearview mirror, racing hard to the finish line to win the Pocono 500 by a dozen car lengths. Although Gordon had snatched the lead and the win away from him in the waning stages of last week's race, Rudd regarded his 21st career victory more with relief than revenge. "I just knew something had to go wrong," said Rudd, who, like the others in the lead pack, wound down the final laps with a dwindling fuel supply. Then, with 10 laps to go, I broke the transmission and couldn't take it out of third gear. I thought, 'Man, here we go again, blowing another great chance.' I didn't even think about winning until I saw the checkered flag."(Philadelphia Inquirer), the transmission was stuck in 3rd gear for the last ten laps(6-18-2001)

  • Rudd Ends Winless Streak: #28-Ricky Rudd wins the Pocono 500, ending a streak of 88 races without a Winston Cup win. #24-Jeff Gordon was the runner up. Rudd's last win was at Martinsville in Sept 1998. So Rudd is in the 2002 The Winston (or whatever it'll be called). Gordon slightly increased his points lead over #88-Dale Jarrett (who came in 3rd) to 36 points. Rudd is the 7th pole winner to win in 47 Pocono races. It was the first win for the #28 Texaco team since Ernie Irvan won at Michigan in June 1997(134 races ago). See That's Racin' for Pocono 500 Results by the AP and NASCAR.com for 2001 Winston Cup Drivers Points and That's Racin' for a story: Finally, it's Ricky Rudd(6-17-2001)

  • Rudd Scheme at Lowes: I saw the scheme but didn't find much about it - Texaco, Ricky Rudd and Mario Andretti kicked off an awareness campaign for safe highway driving May 24, along with a new CD-ROM interactive racing game that will become available at Texaco stations later this summer. Special die-cast cars also will be available when the promotion begins. Rudd's Ford had a special paint scheme in the Coca-Cola 600 promoting the campaign.(in part from theWinston Cup Scene - sub needed), see an image of the car in the Paint Scheme Gallery(5-31-2001)

  • Yates to Dodge? Third Team? unlikely UPDATE 2 - NO: Might car owner Robert Yates be considering a switch from Ford to Dodge next season? That's the buzz in Detroit, although it's unlikely that Ford Motor Company would let Yates, its biggest NASCAR star, get away. And after his third win of the season yesterday, why would Yates even think about leaving Ford, the company he has called home for so many years? "Money," says one man familiar with Detroit's inner secrets. "After all, Robert gave up (Ford's) Quality Care for UPS." Although few key figures in the Winston Cup garage expect Yates to make a move to leave Ford, the Dodge report is another twist on how tense things may be in Detroit, where for the first time in 25 years, all three of the Big Three are playing NASCAR again. Not since the mid-1970s have General Motors, Ford and Chrysler all been in this game, and it's not quite clear how the balance of power might be shifting. And Yates said that Ford officials asked him to start a third Winston Cup team this season, with an unnamed driver, but he declined in order to focus on his current teams, with drivers Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd. And Yates said he has no plans to start a third team next season either, despite reports that Ford executives have approached him again. See full story at the Winston Salem Journal(4-9-2001)
    UPDATE: been told by RYR sources that this is totally untrue and they are NOT considering a switch from Ford to Dodge or any other manufacturer. Yates is signed with Ford thru 2004(4-11-2001)
    UPDATE 2: #28 and #88 Ream Owner Robert Yates dismissed a rumor that had him considering a switch to the Dodge Intrepid R/T camp. "There's nothing to it," said Yates,. "I would think if they came to us, which they haven't, but if they did come to us, that would really say they screwed up, and the teams they did choose would be awfully upset. They didn't come to us." Yates' contract with Ford runs through the 2004 Winston Cup season. "I'm not looking," Yates said. "If you asked anybody in the grandstand what should Robert Yates be running, I think all of them would tell you Ford."(Star Telegram)(4-19-2001)

  • Paint for Rudd: Look for Ricky Rudd’s #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford to have a special “Need for Speed” paint scheme for the May 27 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. That slogan will grace the hood while initial mock-ups emphasize red swirls on the tail of the primarily black Taurus(NASCAR.com Buzz)(4-19-2001)

  • #28 in the wind: the #28 Texaco team was testing the #28 Ford at the Lockheed Wind Tunnel in Maretta, GA on Tuesday. No idea if they were testing a Daytona car or something else(2-14-2001)

  • #28 Rare Feat: Michael McSwain, crew chief for the #28 Ford driven by Ricky Rudd, has achieved something very rare in Winston Cup Series racing. He has had no employee turnover during the off-season(National Speed Sport News)(2-1-2001)

  • Rudd Tests at Atlanta: #28-Ricky Rudd tested the #28 Texaco Ford at Atlanta Motor Speedway today(1-11-2001)
    UPDATE: Ricky Rudd became the first competitor of the new year to turn laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway, concluding a two-day Goodyear Tire test on Wednesday. Rick Campbell, Goodyear's team leader for stock car tire development, said the session was used to test several different compounds in hopes of improving consistency and wear rates AND With an eye toward reducing speeds and increasing competition, NASCAR president Mike Helton announced this week that NASCAR was experimenting with a new aerodynamic package for several tracks, including Atlanta Motor Speedway. Helton said the aerodynamic changes would be similar to what NASCAR used at last fall's Talladega race - including a rear damper and roof strips, but no restrictor plate.(AMS PRs)(1-13-2001)

  • #28 has a spot: Robert Yates Racing has a major associate sponsorship opportunity available with the #28 Texaco Havoline Ford team. Raybestos, Coke and Fleetwood RV will continue as associates and they have re-positioned UPS and Mac Tools therefore providing an opportunity with the #28 team and Ricky Rudd. See my Team Address page for contact info(1-10-2001)

    2000 News

    Past Rudd Performance Racing(RPM) News Link

  • Rudd to IROC: Ricky Rudd has accepted an invitation to race in the 25th anniversary edition of the True Value International Race of Champions (IROC) Series in 2001. Rudd, driver of the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford, is the 1992 IROC series champion. Rudd was an IROC contender in 1992, 1993 and 1995. The four-race IROC schedule includes races at Daytona (Feb. 16), Talladega (April 21), Michigan (June 9) and Indianapolis (Aug. 4). ABC and ESPN will broadcast the events in 2001(Ricky Rudd Site). Rudd joins IRL drivers Buddy Lazier and Scott Goodyear as the drivers announced so far for IROC 2001. More info on the series at my IROC page(12-5-2000)

  • Rudd Special Paint? UPDATE 2: hearing Ricky Rudd will run a few special paint schemes on the #28 Texaco Ford in early 2001, not known yet what they will be or promote, hearing it may be to promote Texaco's 100th birthday(10-25-2000)
    UPDATE: Rudd will be running a special scheme for the Bud Shootout and at Texas related to the 100th anniversary, have not seen the schemes or had them described(10-26-2000)
    UPDATE 2: the rumored Bud Shootout car for Rudd is similar to the new look of the cases of Texaco Oil, see a diecast image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery(11-6-2000)

  • Chevron to buy Texaco: Chevron formally unveiled its plan to buy Texaco, the latest in a wave of controversial oil industry consolidation. The deal calls for Chevron to give 0.77 of its shares for every Texaco share. That totals about $35.35 billion for Texaco's 545 million shares. The companies said the combined company had an enterprise value of $100 bln. The transaction is expected to result in some 4,000 job cuts, reflecting seven percent of the combined companies' 57,000 workforce(Infobeat/AP). NOTE: No idea how or if this will effect the sponsorship of the #28 Robert Yates Racing(RYR) Ford and driver Ricky Rudd. RYR signed with Texaco thru 2004 last year(10-16-2000)

  • Yates/Galaxy to Merge? UPDATE 4: this is an interesting one - hearing that Galaxy Motorsports(#75-Dallenbach) and Robert Yates Racing are talking merger and are putting together BGN programs for 2001 involving Ron Hornaday and PJ Jones. Also, supposedly will run a six race R&D Cup team with Hornaday as the driver(I assume that in addition to the #28 and 88 Yates cars and the #75 Galaxy car). Also still hearing that Pizza Hut will be part of the primary sponsorship on the #75 in 2001. Yates supplies engines to the #75 Galaxy Motorsports team(9-22-2000)
    UPDATE: Robert Yates may be acquiring part-ownership of the Darwin Oordt team for which Wally Dallenbach drives(PitNow)(9-25-2000)
    UPDATE 2: Although members of Darwin Oordt's Galaxy Motorsports team seem to believe otherwise, Robert Yates says he has no interest in acquiring any part of the #75 group. Dallenbach said Saturday that a deal with Yates was in the works, and "when it happens I'll be real happy, but I'm not counting chickens. It's what this team needs. That's what'll take this team to the next level, the right level." According to Dallenbach, certain prerequisites had to fall into place, such as sponsorship. Dallenbach confirmed that Pizza Hut, a Pepsi subsidiary( a spin off company called Tricon Global Restaurants-YUM-NYSE), is on the list. Yates, however, is on the Coca-Cola plan, which would seem to create difficulties(SpeedVision)(9-26-2000)
    UPDATE 3: my understanding is that Yates contract with Texaco prevents him from owning more than two Winston Cup Teams. So, supposedly RYR would make Doug Yates the partner with Galaxy, which then they will be like a three car team, but legally RYR will have two teams (#28, #88) and Galaxy/Doug Yates will have a team. This also gets Yates around the Coke/Pepsi conflict. Pepsi spun off Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC a few years ago. The three restaurants are now a publicly held company called Tricon. Pepsi owns a lot of Tricon stock(9-28-2000)
    UPDATE 4: #75 owner Darwin Oordt says he is not interested in selling part ownership of his team to Robert Yates Racing, as has been speculated on internet reports. Oordt, winding up his rookie season as a Winston Cup team owner, expects to run the full schedule again next year. Wally Dallenbach is expected to return as driver. A search for a sponsor is underway(Tennessean/AP)(10-5-2000)

  • Fine?? UPDATE yep #28: hearing that a major fine will be handed down to a Winston Cup Team after illegal parts were found on a car after the race at Watkins Glen. No idea at this point who, but PitNow is reporting that the #28 Ford of Ricky Rudd was "worked his car over well after the race" by NASCAR officials and that before the race the team was "caught with a lightweight rear trailing arm by NASCAR; since that piece is welded together"
    UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized #28 crew chief Michael McSwain for trailing arms that were modified to be lighter than the specifications in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book discovered in preliminary inspections on Friday for last Sunday's Global Crossing @ The Glen at Watkins Glen. McSwain was fined $10,000 for violations of Section 20-12-A in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "If an I-Beam style trailing arm is used, it must be constructed using two (2) C-channels of a minimum one (1) inch in width by three (3) inches in height magnetic steel with a minimum wall thickness of 1/8 inch... welded back to back, creating a vertical wall of two (2) 1/8 inch wall thicknesses..." McSwain was penalized under Section 12-4-Q: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform... or have not been approved by NASCAR."(NASCAR)(8-15-2000)

  • Rudd News UPDATE: hearing that the #28 Ford that Ricky Rudd crashed at Pocono was the same car the team planned on running at the Brickyard 400. The car was one of the two cars that tested well in the Indy test session recently. Hearing that Robert Yates Racing/RYR already had made provisions to have the car repaired if it was involved in a Pocono crash because they felt it would be so good at Indy, but after getting the car back to the shop, they found considerable frame rail damage. The car can be repaired, but not before the Brickyard. The team will probably now take the car Rudd ran in the top five with at California(7-31-2000)

  • Rudd's 1st DNF: #28-Ricky Rudd had his first DNF of the 2000 season after his accident at Pocono. That leaves just four drivers who have made all 19 Cup races and not had a DNF(Did not finish): #3-Dale Earnhardt, #18-Bobby Labonte, #22-Ward Burton and #24-Jeff Gordon(was listed as out by accident at Dover in the unofficial results then changed). See my 2000 DNF page for all the DNF's by race and who has the most(7-23-2000)

  • New Texaco Logo UPDATE: Texaco announced that it is introducing a new logo and package design for the company's entire family of Havoline branded lubricant products. Packaging containing the new Havoline logo will begin showing up on U.S. retailers' shelves in July, with international introductions planned for later this year and during 2001. In addition, the new Havoline logo will first be seen publicly on July 1 on the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford of Ricky Rudd at the Pepsi 400(Yahoo Biz) NOTE: on the Texaco site, they show a new look for the logo(not the car), it is kind of subtle, see it at: Texaco - Our New Look(6-30-2000)
    UPDATE: didn't see much different at all in the logos on the car(7-1-2000)

  • UPS and Yates: but.....RPM 2Night reports that UPS will begin serving as an associate sponsor on the #28 Texaco Ford driven by Ricky Rudd. The sponsorship begins as of Thursday night qualifying at Daytona for the Pepsi 400. Speculation is that UPS will become the #88 team primary sponsor in 2001 on the Yates Fords driven by Dale Jarrett(yes I know old news on the #88)(6-28-2000)

  • Lowe’s Motor Speedway Testing Notes IV: The Robert Yates Racing and MB2 Motorsports teams had English wheels in their garage stalls. Normally only seen in fabrication shops, the devices are used to form sheetmetal. Both teams utilized the wheels to shape pieces that were used to make aerodynamic modifications(LMS PR)(5-10-2000)

  • Yates Honored: Robert Yates, owner of the #28 and #88 Cup teams, has been chosen to receive this year's Bill France Award of Excellence from Pocono Raceway. The award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Winston Cup racing and will be presented on June 17, the night before the Pocono 500(That's Racin')(5-5-2000)

  • Rudd/Andretti on the hotseat? SpeedFX is reporting "rumor is that both John Andretti and Ricky Rudd are on thin ice with their respective owners, although no one will confirm anything. According to (SpeedFX) sources, team owner Robert Yates is very disappointed with Rudd's efforts in 2000." "Andretti and Petty Enterprises have had a cooling relationship for some time. With support from General Motors dwindling, and the team focused on making a fresh start with Dodge in 2001, Andretti will probably find himself moved aside in favor of a new driver before year's end."(SpeedFX). Jayski Note: Robert Yates was on RPM2 Night recently and seemed happy with the #28 and thinks they will come around. Rudd is signed to a 2 year deal, and the season is only a little over a 1/4 done. As for John Andretti, he has said he is happy at Petty Enterprises and Kyle Petty has gone out of his way to praise Andretti, who is signed thru 2001 and hasn't even started the full Cheerio's sponsorship in the #43 yet. Guess time will tell(4-28-2000)

  • Texaco and Yates: Texaco, Roberts Yates Racing and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ricky Rudd today unveiled a fully equipped #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Presented at a luncheon held in honor of the installation of Chancellor James C. Renick, the car will be used as a unique "laboratory" by engineering students. It also marks the beginning of a new partnership between Texaco and N.C. A&T's College of Engineering, which includes the title sponsorship of the University's Intercollegiate Auto Racing Association (ICAR) Racing Team. Texaco, in conjunction with Robert Yates Racing, also established the Texaco/Havoline Racing Team Scholarship and Internship Program. Students associated with the University's ICAR program will be eligible to apply for a scholarship and summer internship with Robert Yates Racing(Business Wire)(4-20-2000)

  • Yates OK: #28 and #88 owner Robert Yates was uninjured in a pit-road incident. Dave Blaney entered the pits too fast and lost control of his #93 Amoco Pontiac, spinning almost the entire length of pit road and bouncing off the wall. A startled Yates fell from his pit wall, (hitting his head) and an ambulance was called over by the team. He shooed away emergency workers and returned to work(Times-Dispatch)(4-17-2000)

  • New Yates Sponsor in 2001? UPDATE 3: Dale Jarrett will apparently have a new sponsor next season on the #88 Robert Yates owned Ford. UPS(United Parcel Service), supposedly a $15 million or $16 million sponsorship deal, sources said. Ford's Quality Care sponsorship would likely move to a Jack Roush team(PitNow)(4-3-2000)
    UPDATE: I hear from a good source that Robert Yates Racing(RYR) is working with Ford to continue it's relationship/sponsorship with the #88 and are working with UPS on an associate sponsorship on the #28 Texaco Ford(4-4-2000)
    UPDATE 2: Rumors recently surfaced that Robert Yates was considering a switch from Ford Credit to UPS as primary sponsor for the Dale Jarrett #88 race team in 2001. The more likely scenario here is that UPS, who has been itching to get into Winston Cup racing with a strong team for about a year, will come on board as an associate sponsor on one or BOTH Yates Racing Fords(Inside Motorsports)(4-9-2000)
    UPDATE 3: This weeks Winston Cup Scene Magazine reports that UPS is talking to Yates and Roush Racing about sponsoring a car. #28 and #88 owner Robert Yates confirmed he is talking to UPS but wouldn't say if it was for an associate or primary deal for one or both cars. Yates deal with Ford Quality Care is done at the end of the 2000 season. Roush Racing said they had informal talks but that was it and that Roush Racing is working on renewals with Valvoline and John Deere for the #6 and #97 teams(4-14-2000)

  • Top 10's: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #28-Ricky Rudd are the only drivers who have qualified in the top 10 for all three CUP races in 2000. On top of that Ricky Rudd has quailified on the front row for three straight races with the pole at Vegas and 2nd at Daytona and the Rock(3-4-2000)

  • Rudd's Crew: Ricky Rudd 's pit crew had a few recent changes. Front tire changer Darren Wolfe missed last week's race at Rockingham because he cut tendons in his hand at the team's shop before that race. He'll be out several races. Raymond Fox, who was the rear tire changer, has moved to changing the front tires. Bryan Robertson, who works in the shop, also will change front tires. The new group struggled a bit last week but Rudd still finished sixth(Roanoke Times)(3-4-2000)

  • Sad News: The teams of Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd were both reeling from the death this week of Dave Kriska, an engineer who had worked at Robert Yates Racing for eight years. Kriska took his own life Tuesday, just two days after Jarrett won the Daytona 500. Yates did not come to the track Friday. Kriska worked on Bill Elliott's team when it won the championship in 1988 before joining Yates(News and Observer)(2-26-2000)

  • Yates Engines: According to a knowledgeable source in the paddock, the #88's restrictor-plate engine registered a whopping 430 to 435 rear-wheel horsepower on a chassis dyno. That's around 20-25 more horsepower than anyone else in the garage area. But when we talked to another Daytona veteran engine builder, he dispelled any major Robert Yates Racing engine horsepower advantage with this logic -- Yates has too many engines in the field for only one of them to be so dominant(TNN)(2-16-2000)

  • Yates is HOT: no only did his drivers take 1-2 in Daytona 500 qualifying, win the Bud Shootout qualifier and race, but a Yates Racing engine won the ARCA race with the #95 Sadler Bros and driver David Keith(ESPN ARCA coverage)(2-14-2000)

  • Rudd: the car #28-Ricky Rudd flipped in the Bud Shootout was NOT the car Rudd qualified in and will not have go to the back of the field for the Twin 125 or the 500, but it was his backup car, so he doesn't want to wreck in practice or the Twin 125(2-14-2000)

  • Carter/Yates Engines REPOST: Besides building Ford engines for his #28 and #88 teams, Robert Yates Racing will build engines in 2000 for the two Travis Carter teams(#66 and #23?), the #75 Butch Mock-Galaxy Motorsports team and the new Cal Wells Tide team(Winston Cup Today Radio) Yates is looking into leasing Butch Mock's engine shop(Winston Cup Scene)(9-24-1999) -- REPOST: Some readers sent me this again as heard on Speedvision's Inside Winston Cup Racing on Monday(10-5-1999) -- UPDATE: Mike Ege will run the shop for Yates and supply the engines to the #'s 23,66 and 75(10-7-1999)

  • 1998 winners who didn't win in 1999: Bobby Hamilton, Jeremy Mayfield and Ricky Rudd are the drivers who earned victories in 1998 who did not win in 1999. Rudd failed to keep his 16 straight seasons with at least a win streak intact and was not able to extend it to 17 seasons. #2-Rusty Wallace is now the active leader with a win in 14 straight seasons(11-21-1999)

  • Stewart to WoO UPDATE: Tony Stewart is close to making a deal that would enable him to own his own, but not drive for, World of Outlaws sprint-car team next year. Stewart is also going to make a rare appearance in an open-wheel car when he races in a USAC-sanctioned event at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, CA., on Thanksgiving weekend(Gaston Gazette)(11-7-1999) -- UPDATE: hearing Kenny Irwin, Jr will also run the race in Irwindale, if so, that could be quite a show(11-9-1999)

  • Richert Gone: Doug Richert, crew chief most of this season for Kenny Irwin in Robert Yates’ #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford, left the team after Sunday’s race at Talladega to take up his new duties as crew chief for Cal Wells’ start-up Winston Cup operation(#32 Tide Ford). Raymond Fox, Yates’ long-time right-hand man, will run the show for the rest of the season. The Cup team plans to begin testing with Pruett in three weeks at Darlington. Meanwhile, National Speed Sport News reports that Wells has been sued by long-time CART partner Frank Arciero over ownership of Cristiano da Matta’s contract(Racer Magazine)(10-18-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates UPDATE: Ricky Rudd will have a Yates engine in the #10 Tide Ford for today's race at Talladega, but it won't be the same one with which he qualified. Yates has given Rudd a new motor to use Sunday(That's Racin') -- UPDATE: Rudd got his best finish of 1999 at Talladega......a third(10-17-1999)

  • Richert UPDATE 2: Buddy Baker mentioned on TBS's Happy Hour coverage that the he would say on the race telecast Sunday were current #28 crew chief, Doug Richert would be going in 2000. Richert will not be back with the #28 in 2000 as Michael McSwain will come over with 2000 #28 driver Ricky Rudd. Some rumors have Richert going to the #98 or #75 -- UPDATE: But I now hear it'll be to the new #32 Tide Ford team owned by Cal Wells(10-9-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Per RPM2Nite - Doug Richert will move to the new Cal Wells Cup team(10-10-1999)

  • McSwain to the #28? UPDATE: Current #10 crew chief, Michael 'Fatback' McSwain has not signed with Robert Yates to follow driver Ricky Rudd over to the #28 Texaco ride, sourcres tell me this will happen, but nothing is official at this point(9-22-1999) -- UPDATE: Mike McSwaim has officially been named crew chief for Ricky Rudd next season when Rudd moves to the #28 Fords owned by Robert Yates Racing. McSwaim will replace Doug Richert, who joined the #28 team at the beginning of the season(That's Racin')(10-9-1999)

  • Irwin Hot: #28-Kenny Irwin, who was 10th, scored his third consecutive top-10 run(The Depot)(9-27-1999)

  • Yates Engines: Besides building Ford engines for his #28 and #88 teams, Robert Yates Racing will build engines in 2000 for the two Travis Carter teams(#66 and #23?), the #75 Butch Mock-Galaxy Motorsports team and the new Cal Wells Tide team(Winston Cup Today Radio) Yates is looking into leasing Butch Mock's engine shop(Winston Cup Scene)(9-24-1999)

  • McSwain to the #28? Current #10 crew chief, Michael 'Fatback' McSwain has not signed with Robert Yates to follow driver Ricky Rudd over to the #28 Texaco ride, sourcres tell me this will happen, but nothing is official at this point(9-22-1999)

  • Crew Chief Shuffle: "With the late-season swaps under way, it’s not just drivers changing teams. Sammy Johns is moving with Ken Schrader to the Tom Beard-owned Pontiac, and Michael McSwain is reportedly heading to Robert Yates team with Ricky Rudd for the 2000 season. With Ray Evernham likely leaving as Jeff Gordon‘s crew chief, another opening will be created. Unlike the current trend of drivers changing cars in midseason, these changes should not happen until after this season is completed"(Times-Dispatch)(9-21-1999)

  • Rudd?Yates UPDATE: Team owner Robert Yates has signed Ricky Rudd of Chesapeake, Virginia, to drive the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford, starting in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season(In part from a Texaco in house release) no term or other details just comments from all involved but I do hear Yates has purchased Rudd's building, so it looks like Rudd's #10 team will cease to exist. Also hear Rudd's crew chief, Mike McSwain is part of the deal and will be the #28 crew chief -- IT's OFFICIAL: Ricky Rudd Signs Contract to Drive #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford for Robert Yates Racing(Texaco PR)(9-13-1999) -- UPDATE: Michael McSwain, who has served as Ricky Rudd's crew chief since May, will move with Rudd to the #28 Fords at Robert Yates Racing next season(That's Racin')(9-17-1999)

  • Yates Press Conference TODAY UPDATE 2: #28 Texaco Ford owner, Robert Yates has scheduled a Monday, Sept 13th, 1:30pm/et news conference for the Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte to make "a major announcement." Notification of that announcement came through Performance PR Plus, the company that handles public relations for the Texaco account, the sponsor of the 28 car(That's Racin') presumably to announce his new driver, Ricky Rudd(many sources)(9-10-1999) -- UPDATE: Team owner Robert Yates has signed Ricky Rudd of Chesapeake, Virginia, to drive the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford, starting in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season(In part from a Texaco in house release) no term or other details just comments from all involved but I do hear Yates has purchased Rudd's building, so it looks like Rudd's #10 team will cease to exist. Also hear Rudd's crew chief, Mike McSwain is part of the deal and will be the #28 crew chief -- IT's OFFICIAL: Ricky Rudd Signs Contract to Drive #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford for Robert Yates Racing(Texaco PR)(9-13-1999)

  • Texaco and #28 renew: Texaco/Havoline today announced it will remain the primary sponsor of the Robert Yates Racing Team and its famed #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford Taurus through the 2004 NASCAR season(Texaco PR)(9-13-1999)

  • Rudd to Yates? BIG UPDATE: Now comes word that Robert Yates might be interested in hiring Ricky Rudd. Rudd said Yates hasn't talked to him, but he finds the idea intriguing. Yates has moved the Texaco team out of Charlotte up to a shop leased near the speedway, but he has looked at putting a shop in the Mooresville sports complex where Rudd has his own shop and another six acres of prime undeveloped land. Rudd talked with Yates last year about doing an engine program(PitNow)(7-12-1999) -- Rudd signs with....YATES: surprise! RPM2Nite reported at the end of the Thursday show that word out of Richmond has Ricky Rudd signing with Robert Yates to drive the #28 Texaco Ford in 2000, also see the story at NOL(9-9-1999)

  • Irwin signs with SABCO? UPDATE and Gordon: Kenny Irwin has signed with Team Sabco to take over the driving duties of the #42 Chevys beginning next season. An official announcement with car owner Felix Sabates and Irwin is not expected until the weekend of the Nov. 21 NAPA 500 at Atlanta, the headquarters of the car's sponsor, BellSouth, according to sources close to the driver(That's Racin')(9-7-1999) -- UPDATE: RPM2Nite also reports they hear the deal is done, just need Irwin to sign. Supposedly, Irwin will also run selected BGN events for SABCO. Also mentioned was that CART driver and former SABCO #40 driver Robby Gordon could be a third Cup driver for SABCO if he can bring a sponsor with him(9-9-1999)

  • Irwin/Nemechek Swap: For several weeks, it has been speculated that Felix Sabates and Robert Yates would simply trade drivers, much like Cale Yarborough and Michael Kranefuss did with Jeremy Mayfield and John Andretti in 1996. But according to Yates, his selection of drivers is not conclusive. Yates has participated in ongoing discussions with Ricky Rudd, but the veteran's ability to find a sponsor has delayed a final decision. Sabates is not interested in a mid-season swap whatsoever, unless his sponsor BellSouth or Nemechek requests a driver change. Although he has spoke with Robby Gordon, Sabates says that Irwin is on top of his list(SpeedVision)(9-6-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates: Ricky Rudd has another 10 days or so to get a sponsor lined up to keep his Cup team running. Rudd is one of the top two men in the running for Robert Yates' ride, along with Joe Nemechek, according to sources close to the situation(PitNow)(9-5-1999)

  • Irwin: Kenny Irwin said his future is far from a done deal. Irwin says he has talked to Felix Sabates about the #42 car, but nothing is done yet. Irwin also says he has not talked to anyone outside of Winston Cup about a ride(SpeedNet)(9-4-1999)

  • Benson to Yates? UPDATE: announcement soon? Hearing once/if Johnny Benson gets his Roush release he could end up in the #28 -- UPDATE: also hearing General Mills has asked to be released from their commitments to Roush Racing(8-30-1999)

  • Yates and Carter: Travis Carter is debating between a Peter Guild engine-lease operation or a Yates lease program. Yates is expanding his customer engine program and hiring new engine builders to handle the new business(PitNow)(8-30-1999)

  • Yates: Robert Yates said Friday he is in no hurry to fill the year-2000 vacancy in his #28 Ford, but at the same time rumors were circulating at Bristol Motor Speedway that Joe Nemechek now has the inside track. The probable scenario: Yates is using Nemechek as a fall-back choice in the event he cannot come to terms with Ricky Rudd, who is trying to decide whether or not to keep his own team in business(SpeedNet). I also hear Kenny Irwin, and Joe Nemechek, may swap places before the end of the year to get a head start on next season(8-28-1999)

  • SABCO/Irwin/Gordon: Felix Sabates said that even though he and Joe Nemechek are parting ways at the end of the season, he will not replace the driver before November. He admits he is talking to Kenny Irwin and Robby Gordon about running for his team in 2000, denies he will run three Winston Cup teams full time and plans to put money into improving what he deemed a junk 2000 Monte Carlo. Sabates talked about honoring other owners' contracts and the seven drivers -- one which he says is in the top 10 in Winston Cup points -- that he is considering for next season. He wants to find someone to join Sterling Marlin at Team SABCO. He plans to trim that list this week. Ron Hornaday is testing at Richmond tomorrow and Tuesday because he will drive the September race in Sabates' third Cup car(#01). Hornaday, however, will only compete in the Busch Grand National Series next season. No one will run a full schedule in the #01 car. Sabates also plans to join Busch programs with owner Jim Mattei. The pair could run three or four teams in the series. At least two of the drivers would be full-time. As for his second Cup team, Sabates said he would not have a "recycled" driver, an experienced veteran that has worked for a variety of other teams. Sabates dined with Robby Gordon earlier this week and said the driver could be Sabates' second driver next season. He added that he is not the only Cup owner interested in the open-wheel driver(Times-Dispatch)(8-29-1999)

  • Yates: Ever since #28 owner Robert Yates announced that he and Kenny Irwin are parting company at the end of the 1999 season, drivers have been practically lining up at the door of his races shop, helmet and resume in hand. But Yates, who fields cars for Winston Cup points leader Dale Jarrett and Irwin, isn't in any hurry to find a new driver for the #28 Ford Taurus. Among the drivers reportedly interested are Jimmy Spencer, Wally Dallenbach, Derrike Cope and Ted Musgrave. Bill Elliott and Ricky Rudd, owner-drivers who lose their primary sponsors at the end of this season, could also be candidates(Jayski Note: Elliott is not losing McDonald's until AFTER the 2000 season). Yates said it's going to be a tough decision(SpeedNet)(8-26-1999)

  • Irwin to a Chevy? UPDATE 3 SABCO: hearing rumors that Kenny Irwin is the top candidate for the #42 BellSouth Chevy ride with SABCO -- UPDATE: that was quick, from PitNow: It appears that General Motors' Herb Fishel may have plucked another promising young driver out of the Ford camp. Kenny Irwin could be headed to Felix Sabates' Chevrolet team next season, according to sources close to Irwin(PitNow) -- UPDATE 2: TNN's Raceday reports that Irwin may be at the top of AJ Foyt's list for his possible Cup team, Cup veteran Waddell Wilson may be part of the AJ Foyt Cup team(8-22-1999) -- UPDATE: Felix Sabates' abrupt break with Joe Nemechek may pave the way for Kenny Irwin taking over Team Sabco's #42 Chevrolet. Irwin's availability may have speeded Sabates' decision to bring an end to his relationship with Nemechek, who will no doubt go in the pool for other available rides(SpeedNet)(8-23-1999) --UPDATE 4: Hmm...I hear Irwin met with Felix Sabates Monday and will go to Atlanta to visit with BellSouth reps sometime this week and that he could end up in the #42 as soon as early to mid September allowing current driver, Joe Nemechek to go elsewhere, I hear the #28 is a possibility(8-25-1999)

  • Moore #28 Rumors: Joe Moore of MRN Radio does a local radio show here SE Virginia(ESPN Radio 1310). On Tuesday he reported that he HEARD that Robert Yates would be the engine supplier for the new Cal Wells WC Tide Team(which was reported here a few days ago), and that Yates was talking to Wells about hiring Joe Nemechek, and that Yates was looking to hire Wally Dallenbach for the #28 Texaco Ford. Joe Moore's show is on every Tuesday from 4:30-6:00pm/et(8-25-1999)

  • Andretti Signed? With Rudd apparently closing in on a new sponsor for his own team, Robert Yates is looking at another driver to take over #28, according to sources close to the situation. That is not expected to be John Andretti, who was to sign a new deal with Richard Petty over the weekend(PitNow)(8-23-1999)

  • Carter/Spencer/Irwin: Travis Carter said that he still hasn't decided who will drive his #23 next season -- current driver Jimmy Spencer or another current tour driver that he says he's talking with but won't name. That driver, according to one source, is Kenny Irwin, who may be getting some help in the negotiations from Carl Haas, Carter's business partner(PitNow)(8-21-1999)

  • Irwin: Kenny Irwin's future may be on the line in these next few races, now that Robert Yates has made it official that a new driver will be at the wheel of #28 next year. The rap on Irwin is that if he couldn't do it in one of the best cars on the tour, then what could he do in a lesser car. But at least one Chevrolet team is already looking at him(PitNow)(8-17-1999)

  • Texaco/Yates: Texaco is close to signing a three- to five-year extension with Robert Yates Racing. The company's current contract ends next season(Times-Dispatch)(8-16-1999)

  • Elliott Story: Bill Elliott has been mentioned as a candidate for Robert Yates'#28 ride. Would he be interested? Could he perhaps lease his team, or hire a driver for his own team and take the #28? ''Right now I've got another year with McDonald's, and I don't know how that (a 28 option) would work out,'' Elliott said. ''Yes, I'd be interested, but no I couldn't, from the standpoint of where I am in my deal." See the rest of the Mike Mulhern article at: Elliott fears fate of single-car teams, hopes he can revive struggling operation(PitNow)(8-16-1999)

  • Elliott to Yates? saw this in the PitNow notbook today and have heard it a bit the last day or so too: and now possibly Bill Elliott, according to sources close to Yates. Rudd said that he has a 30-day window to try to put together a sponsorship package for his own team. Elliott, like Rudd, has his own team, but sponsor McDonald's is leaving at the end of next season, leaving Elliott looking for a new deal. John Andretti could come in a package deal with crew chief Robbie Loomis, according to sources(PitNow)(8-14-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates? UPDATE 2: as reported here in different stories in the past - The CBS affiliate in Charlotte(WBTV ch 3) reported on their 11pm sportscast that it is "official" that Ricky Rudd will drive for Robert Yates in the #28 car in 2000. Rudd, according to their report, will sell his team to CART owner, Chip Gannasi(many readers) -- UPDATE: Robert Yates denied any deal with Ricky Rudd during a press conference this afternoon at Watkins Glen -- UPDATE 2: see the full story at That's Racin' - Yates denies any deal with Rudd(8-14-1999)

  • Irwin/Yates: Kenny Irwin, now officially out as Robert Yates' #28 driver at the end of the year, said he has talked to several other car owners, but one of them is not Mark Melling, whose #9 Ford is being vacated by Jerry Nadeau(at the end of the season). At least not yet. Irwin's account of his demise: He went to the shop and asked to talk with Yates, and over the course of a two-hour heart-to-heart, Yates cited reasons why he didn't believe the pairing was working and why he believed it would probably not get better. Upon hearing this analysis, Irwin agreed there was no sense continuing, hence the "mutual agreement" cited by Yates in the press release. Also concerning Rudd and Texaco: The selection process at Yates Racing is being accelerated amid widespread speculation that Ricky Rudd will be the new driver of his #28 Ford. The short-term reaction was denials all around. Rudd still insists he will try to keep his team together. Expect an official announcement soon, along with a new multi-year agreement between Yates and sponsor Texaco-Havoline(SpeedNet)(8-14-1999)

  • Irwin Out UPDATE at end of 1999: Robert Yates has announced that Kenny Irwin will no longer be the driver of his team's #28 Fords. "Kenny Irwin and I have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of both Kenny and the team to not continue our relationship together into the year 2000," Yates said in Wednesday afternoon's announcement(That's Racin') so is he out now or after the 1999 season?? The Yates quote makes it sound like it after the season, stay tuned. Ok, from what I hear, Irwin is in for the rest of 1999 and out for 2000. UPDATE: See the Official RYR press release at the DieHard Yates Fans News Page. No decision has been made regarding a new driver. Yates is exploring options and will interview drivers before making a decision. And NOL has a story up at: Yates, Irwin to split after season(8-11-1999)

  • Andretti...Michael: there were reports last week that Michael Andretti was a candidate for the #28 Texaco ride because of his ties with Texaco and Ford, on RPM2Nite, Robin Miller of SpeecNet was interviewed and said he highly doubted that Andretti would ever come to NASCAR as he makes 5 million a year now and never even drove an IROC car, makes sense. Plus it is expected Yates won't take any chances this time and for for a tried and true Cup veteran(8-13-1999)

  • Irwin....In? hear from a source close to the situation that Irwin now expects to be in the #28 Texaco Yates Ford for the 2000 season(8-11-1999) oops, nope, see above

  • Irwin/Yates: Even while rumors were spreading to the contrary, car owner Robert Yates insisted Saturday morning the driver of his #28 Ford, Kenny Irwin, could still salvage his ride. From an Article that was at the Gaston Gazette by Monte Dutton(8-9-1999)

  • Another Andretti in Cup? Michael Andretti was on the lot Saturday morning, rousing suspicion that sponsor Texaco may be trying to steer him toward the Robert Yates group(Racer Magazine) and The latest line on possible drivers for Robert Yates includes Michael Andretti, John's cousin. The Indy-car star, who didn't fare well in his Formula One venture, has been a Texaco-sponsored driver, so he could easily fit into a NASCAR-Texaco campaign for Yates. How well the other Andretti could drive a stock car is uncertain, however(PitNow)(8-9-1999)

  • Spencer at the top? Also on Yates' list is Jimmy Spencer, whose hard-driving style, coupled with Yates' incredible horsepower, could make a devastating combination. Spencer's marketability has been questioned in some quarters, because he has such a tough-guy image. But his years with R. J. Reynolds have given him considerable public-relations polish, outside the race car at least. According to one source, Spencer may in fact be at the top of Yates' list(PitNow)(8-9-1999)

  • Texaco boss: Robert Yates has a new boss. Michael Hargrave, formerly senior manager, sports marketing group, for Anheuser-Busch, will take over as director of sponsorships for Texaco, effective Sept. 1. Hargrave will direct all of Texaco’s sponsorship activities, including those of Yates, Newman/Haas, the Texaco Grand Prix of Houston and the Olympics. It is not known how the move will affect the racing programs(Racer Mag)(8=7-1999)

  • Andretti/Rudd/Yates: Cal Wells is interested in John Andretti(for his Tide? Cup team), who drives for Richard Petty, but sources say that Robert Yates is, too. Part of Wells' interest could be the prospect of an Indy 500 ride too. Ricky Rudd is also under consideration for the ride with Yates, and according to sources, Rudd has discussed options with Yates(PitNow)(8-6-1999)

  • Irwin Busy: Kenny Irwin plans to run in a USAC Silver Bullet series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. He will also run in Friday's NASCAR Grand National race at the track. And of course run the #28 Texaco Ford at IMS in Saturday's Brickyard 400. Dennis Setzer will practice and is scheduled to qualify the Grand National car for Irwin on Friday, since Irwin will be spending his day at IMS. Once the final Winston Cup practice is finished, Irwin will depart IMS in attempt to arrive at IRP in time to qualify the Grand National car himself(That's Racin')(8-4-1999)

  • Bodine? Todd that is, seems to be rumored to a few Cup rides, the #28 Yates Ford, the new Wells Tide ride and his BGN team moving up to Cup. Hmmm...not sure if Bodine would take another shot with a brand new team(8-2-1999)

  • Irwin 2nd: Kenny Irwin drove in Friday's Silver Bullet race at Gateway. He stated 8th and finished 2nd. Ryan Newman won the race(DieHard Yates Fans)(8-2-1999)

  • Burton to the #28?? UPDATE: Thought this was an odd rumor on the Speednet page Sunday: "Dallenbach has been linked with many teams for possible future rides. But no one expects Dallenbach's situation to be resolved until Robert Yates decides what he will do with the #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford, currently driven by Kenny Irwin. If Irwin is replaced later this season, sources expect Yates to choose Ward Burton, Jimmy Spencer or Dallenbach. Burton, who is eighth in series points with Bill Davis Racing team, wants to stay packaged with crew chief Tom Baldwin". That's a new one(SpeedNet)(7-26-1999) -- UPDATE: here that Ward Burton, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Pontiac with Bill Davis Racing and his crew chief Tommy Baldwin have re-upped with Bill Davis Racing for three more years(7-27-1999)

  • Yates honor: The #28 Robert Yates Racing Ford driven by Kenny Irwin carried a special decal in memory of the car's former owner Harry Ranier. He died last week of a heart attack. Among the drivers for Ranier, who sold the team to Yates in 1987, were Hall of Famers Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, Yarborough and Benny Parsons(Infobeat)..The decal read, ``In Memory and Respect of Harry Ranier.'' In addition, smaller decals were distributed to the remainder of the 43-car field(That's Racin')(7-26-1999)

  • Wells/Yates? in a Winston Cup Scene story about Cal Wells and Robert Yates, it was mentioned that Wells has approached Yates about supplying BGN and Cup engines to his new teams. Yates declined the BGN request as he does not build them but gave Wells prices for the deal, back in May(7-16-1999)

  • Irwin Decision: Kenny Irwin now expects to know by Pocono if he'll be back with Yates next season. There have been reports for several months that Yates might be interested in hiring Terry Labonte to drive the Texaco-sponsored car. But Labonte has another year on his contract with Rick Hendrick, and John Hendrick has begun a major push to improve the performance of the Labonte team(PitNow)(7-12-1999)

  • Rudd to Yates? Now comes word that Robert Yates might be interested in hiring Ricky Rudd. Rudd said Yates hasn't talked to him, but he finds the idea intriguing. Yates has moved the Texaco team out of Charlotte up to a shop leased near the speedway, but he has looked at putting a shop in the Mooresville sports complex where Rudd has his own shop and another six acres of prime undeveloped land. Rudd talked with Yates last year about doing an engine program(PitNow)(7-12-1999)

  • It Resurfaces and clarification: From Saturday's Houston Chronicle: "Sources say Labonte is tired of playing second fiddle to Jeff Gordon on the Hendrick team. Labonte won the Winston Cup championship for Hendrick in the Kellogg's Chevrolet in 1996 but thinks his standing in the organization hasn't been the same since Rick Hendrick became ill and his brother took over the team last season. Hendrick has been battling leukemia. Irwin took over the Texaco Taurus last season as a rookie, replacing Ernie Irvan in a car that had its best days when the late Davey Allison was at the wheel. Irwin has been disappointing in his second season, so Yates might want a veteran such as Labonte to take over. If Labonte leaves Hendrick Motorsports, the Kellogg's Monte Carlo will have plenty of applicants for the driving job. One of them could be Steve Park, who might want to leave the Pennzoil Chevy owned by Dale Earnhardt because Earnhardt likely will be spending a lot of time helping Dale Jr. in his rookie season next year."(Houston Chronicle) JAYSKI NOTE: This rumor has been floating around for a year now about the Labonte/Irwin deal. Published reports and sources say Labonte is happy at Hendrick, wants to stay there, wants to retire there and has a contract with Hendrick and Kelloggs thru 2000. Also as for Steve Park, sources tell me there are no moves afoot to replace or relieve Park and he as well as Pennzoil have a contract thru 2000 with DEI. Past news on Labonte/Irwin can be seen on their respective Team Past News/Rumors/Links page I have here, see the links below to the left...(7-5-1999)

  • #28 News: hmmm...a few sites are carrying Kenny Irwin/#28 stories today. From That's Racin' - Irwin says he's #28 driver as far as he knows by Jim Utter, some highlights: Kenny Irwin, whose job security with the #28 Fords owned by Robert Yates has been rumored to be in trouble, said Friday he hasn't heard "word one" from Yates about any driver changes the car owner may be planning. Yates, who has expressed concern with the #28 team's inconsistency this season, said now is the time for the team to show it can compete on the same level as Dale Jarrett's #88 Fords, which Yates also owns. And from SpeedNet - Kenny Irwin has everything but a win by Monte Dutton, some highlights: A sun never sets without another rumor making the rounds that Irwin will soon be replaced by Terry Labonte, Jimmy Spencer, Leonardo DiCaprio or George W. Bush. (For the record, either the Labonte rumor is untrue, or Labonte and those around him are doing some serious lying). Yates stops noticeably short of giving Irwin an unconditional vote of confidence(7-3-1999)

  • Bodine to Yates? UPDATE: TNN's Raceday reported that Todd Bodine may be headed back to Winston Cup in 2000.....with Robert Yates(Raceday), I heard this AM that it may be in the #28(6-27-1999) -- UPDATE: Doesn't sound like it, per a Winston Cup Scene article this week, Bodine's present BGN team, Cicci-Welliver Racing, is searching for sponsorship that would allow it to move up to Winston Cup in 2000(7-2-1999)

  • #28 News: Car owner Robert Yates appears closer to making a decision about the Kenny Irwin-Texaco team. Yates put the entire team on notice before the Coca-Cola 600 that he wanted to see better results. Since then, there has been marked improvement, with a 15th in the Coca-Cola, 10th at Dover, 11th at Michigan, 18th at Pocono and 22nd Sunday, at Sears Point. It is not clear if the improvements have been enough to satisfy Yates, who -- according to sources close to the team -- has been given the green light by Texaco to consider his options. However, despite reports that Yates is interested in hiring Terry Labonte, John Hendrick says that Labonte has assured him he plans to stay with Hendrick Motorsports(PitNow)(6-29-1999)

  • Labonte Rumors, Terry that is: getting many rumors that Terry Labonte and Kelloggs would leave Hendrick after the 1999 season and move to Yates in the #28. But a story in this weeks Winston Cup Scene dispells that rumor as well as an article on SpeedVision: Hendrick striving to improve team infrastructure by Lee Spencer. It says in part - Both Wally Dallenbach and Terry Labonte have been linked with potential deals. But Hendrick feels the best way to dispel the accusations is to improve the infrastructure. John Hendrick said. "I went straight to Terry and I said, 'Hey, is there anything going on and what can we do to help you?' And he told me he's perfectly happy at Hendrick Motorsports and plans to retire here. I know he's a man of his word, so we're glad to hear that because Terry's a class act and an asset to Winston Cup." The team also added some extra help(6-26-1999)

  • It's Back...UPDATE Speculation continues to grow that Terry Labonte may be driving for Yates' operation next season(PitNow Notes), expect denials within a few days from one or both teams, Yates saying no third team and Hendrick saying Terry and Kelloggs are signed with them through the end of 2000(6-19-1999) -- UPDATE: sources tell me that Labonte is signed through 2000 with Hendrick and Kelloggs, and plans on retiring there. And from Speedwords: Rumors of Terry Labonte moving to a third (or current) Robert Yates team appear to be unfounded. Sources deep in the Yates organization are very skeptical of such a deal due to what they describe as Roberts "total concentration" on Dale Jarrett's shot at the Winston Cup championship(6-20-1999)

  • From NOL: In response to the extreme hardship being suffered by the refugees forced from their homes in Kosovo, Robert Yates Racing sponsor Texaco has partnered with Relief International, a Los Angeles-based humanitarian relief organization. The focus is to offer help and hope to the refugees by addressing their short and long term needs. Texaco has implemented two humanitarian relief programs through Relief International, first by committing $50,000 to establish 10 schools that will provide education and social activities for up to 300 children per day, and second by matching gifts donated by Texaco employees in support of the Kosovo crisis (to an aggregate total of $25,000)(NOL-Thursday Notes)(6-18-1999)

  • Testing UPDATE 2: Kyle Petty and John Andretti are supposed test at Road Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday(June 14-15th)in preparation of the upcoming road course races(Williams Co)(6-13-1999) -- UPDATE 1: I hear Ward Burton and Tom Hubert will test Bill Davis' Pontiacs at Road Atlanta on Monday - UPDATE 2: Rusty Wallace in the #2 Ford and Kenny Irwin in the #28 also tested(WC Today Radio)(6-14-1999)

  • More Yates: Robert Yates says he's putting the finishing touches on a contract renewal with sponsor Texaco and Irwin. While Yates has put the pressure on Irwin and his crew, there are persistent rumblings of trouble in that part of the Yates camp. Texaco officials were the driving force in Yates' hiring of Irwin fresh out of the NASCAR truck ranks, and Texaco is still satisfied with Irwin as standard bearer. According to one report, if Yates wants to renew with Texaco he will also have to re-sign Irwin. Along with all this are reports, which Yates confirms, that he has had offers to buy the team(PitNow) but....according to a Winston Cup Scene article in this weeks issue: concerning a recent team meeting...."but team owner Yates said he did not intend to imply that Irwin's job is on the line. He was merely trying to fire his team up..", Irwins's take was "win or else". Yates said he did not tell Irwin that his job is on the line, but stressed the team must improve(6-4-1999)

  • Nothing but a rumor, but....UPDATE 1: hearing that Johnny Benson may end up in the #28 Ford....(see Roush story below, which mentions JB)(6-1-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Hearing conflicts on this rumor, and that Benson won't go to the #28 and that General Mills is very happy with him as their driver(6-2-1999)

  • Yates UPDATE 1: Robert Yates said that his contract with Texaco for future years of sponsorship of the #28 Ford and Kenny Irwin, is practically a done deal. All it needs is a little fine-tuning(Times-Dispatch)(5-31-1999) -- UPDATE 1: The fine tuning may be Texaco's insistence that Irwin stay as the driver(6-1-1999)

  • and again...NO Yates 3rd team: #28 and #88 team owner Robert Yates says he will not add a third team, despite offers from potential sponsors. Yates wants to get the #28 program of driver Kenny Irwin on track before he even considers adding a third team(Winston Cup Scene)(5-28-1999)

  • The Pits: The #28 Texaco/Havoline Ford pit crew earned a $10,000 paycheck and an additional unexpected $5,000 bonus from driver Kenny Irwin last night at Speed Street. During the Second Annual Coca-Cola Racing Family Pit Crew Challenge, NASCAR's unsung heroes, pit crews, received their chance to shine in front of the more than 15,000 fans, and the 11 competing teams provided plenty of excitement for the crowd gathered to watch. One of Speed Street's most popular events during Coca-Cola 600 race week, the Pit Crew Challenge invites the pit crews from each of The Coca-Cola Racing Family teams to compete for $10,000 awarded for the fastest pit stop on Speed Street. Each participating seven-member crew completed one stationary, four-tire stop, then raced across the finish line to stop the clock. The #28 team's winning time of 19.81 seconds was 2.31 seconds faster than the second-place #44 Hot Wheels team. Dale Jarrett's #88 Quality Care Ford team placed third. Caught up in the excitement of the event, Kenny Irwin sweetened the prize for his pit crew by pledging an additional $5,000 if they won. In addition to Irwin, Dale Jarrett, Steve Park and Kyle Petty were on hand to support their pit teams. The competitors included crew chiefs and pit members from the Coca-Cola Racing Family race teams, including: defending champion Steve Park's #1 Pennzoil crew; Dale Earnhardt's #3 GM Goodwrench crew; Ricky Rudd's #10 Tide crew; Jeremy Mayfield's #12 Mobil crew; Bobby Labonte's #18 Interstate Batteries crew; Jeff Burton's #99 Exide Batteries crew; Kyle Petty's #44 Hot Wheels crew; Kenny Irwin's #28 Texaco Havoline crew; Bill Elliott's #94 McDonald's crew; Dale Jarrett's #88 Quality Care crew; and Tony Stewart's #20 Home Depot crew(Coca Cola PR)(5-28-1999)

  • Yates Sell, No: Robert Yates says he isn't considering selling his famous #28 Texaco team, though he confirms he has had offers(PitNow)(5-17-1999)

  • Yates and Texaco: #28 Team owner Robert Yates says in the latest Winston Cup Scene that he was close to signing with Texaco ad that the contract could be finalized within the next two weeks(WC Scene)(4-23-1999)

  • Yates 3rd Team? Speedwords, while checking rumors of McDonalds going to the Yates operation is hearing that a third team could be formed for the 2000 season. Texaco does not appear to be ready to leave what has been a very good relationship and Yates has the space in his new facility to house a third team there. Remember, Kenny Irwin's #28 team moved to Harrisburg, NC earlier this season. At this point it does not appear that McDonalds will go to Yates (probably to the #25 car) but we have long heard the Yates organization has been courted by other major sponsors looking to get into a stable, competitive organization(Speedwords). Jayski Notes: 1) In the next news note here, Sponsorships and restructuring, it mentions Yates doesn't plan on a third team and 2) with the #24 having Pepsi as an associate, would McDonald's go to Hendrick when McDonald's has an exclusive contract woth Coke?? Could be intersting or nothing at all(4-18-1999)

  • Sponsorships and restructuring: article at PitNow talks about Bill Elliott, one-car and mutli-car teams, sponsorship with McDonald's, Yates/Texaco and the Hendrick #25 team, check it out at RESTRUCTURING: Walls closing in on Elliott, other owner-drivers(PitNow)(4-18-1999)

  • Raybestos and #28: It's a week or so old, but saw this in last weeks Winston Cup Scene - Raybestos Brakes has signed on for three more years as an associate sponsor with Robert Yates Racing and the #28 Texaco Ford of Kenny Irwin(WC Scene)(3-27-1999)

  • Yates and Chevy? #28/88 team owner Robert Yates has been a longtime Ford man. Supposedly GM officials are wooing Yates to switch to Chevrolets and may finally have his ear with the promise of the new Monte Carlo(PitNow) - Jayski Note: A few readers have emailed me on this, wondering how I could post it, once again, I am just letting you know what I see and hear out there. This rumor makes no sense to me either, what about Quality Care Service/Ford Credit(on a Chevy??)(2-22-1999)

  • Pit Road at Daytona: Since there are only 42 pit stalls at Daytona, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Mike Wallace were forced to share their pit stall at the start of the Daytona 500. When John Andretti dropped out of the race, Irwins Texaco Havoline Ford race team moved all of their equipment to the opp'osite end of pit row in Andretti's slot so they wouldn't have to schedule their pit stops around Wallace.(Alabama Online) Jayski Note: I had no idea they only had 42 spots, seems odd(2-17-1999)

  • #28 Team Moves: The RYR #28 Texaco team will be moving closer to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. After considering several places team owner Robert Yates has settled on buying Stacey Compton's old NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series shop. The shop has a total of 12,000 square feet, which will provide room for about eight cars one team member estimates. The shop does not have a paint booth so the team will have to send cars down I-85 to the main Yates shop to have any repair work or painting done(MRN)(12-18-98)

  • New RYR Crewchief: From That's Racin' - A source close to the situation said Robert Yates Racing will name Doug Richert as the new crew chief for the #28 Fords driven by Winston Cup 1998 rookie of the year Kenny Irwin. Irwin's former chief, Richard "Slugger" Labbe, was released following the season finale at Atlanta. An official announcement of Richert's hiring is expected by early next week. Richert has been the chief for Joe Falk's #91 Chevrolets since December 1997, also in Thursday's NASCAR Online Banquet Notebook.(12-3-98) -- mentioned on Raceday(TNN), that the announcement would come early this week(12-6-98) -- Officially announced in this weeks Winston Cup Scene(12-11-98)

  • DW and Yates: Have heard NOTHING to confirm any rumors that Darrell Waltrip would a third Yates car in 1999 or replace Kenny Irwin in the #28. As far as everything I hear, is that Irwin returns to the #28 in 1999 and the DW news is in a note on this page from the 22nd(11-24-98)

  • Yates looking?? UPDATE 2: Robert Yates, who owns the #28 and #88 teams, is in the market for a crew chief, according to sources close to his operation. Yates wouldn't confirm/deny. Donnie Wingo, the crew chief for Jimmy Spencer and Travis Carter, may be one man under consideration. Richard Labbe, Irwin's crew chief and a rookie at the job, says he's heard the talk too, but has been told his job is safe.(JournalNow)(11-9-98) -- Ut oh, hearing that this is true and that Labbe and Yates have parted.(11-12-98) -- Richard Labbe, who took over crew chief duties on the #28 Robert Yates Racing Texaco Havoline Ford driven by Raybestos Rookie of the Year Kenny Irwin after the third race of the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup season, has parted ways with the team, according to team spokesperson Pam Colbert. According to Colbert, Yates is on vacation until early next week, and the team will not have an announcement on a possible replacement for Labbe until after Yates returns(NASCAR Online)(11-13-98)

    RUDD PERFORMANCE RACING PAST NEWS

  • Rudd Auction UPDATE TODAY and a story: Ricky Rudd is putting one of the most consistently successful racing teams in motorsports history on the auction block beginning Wednesday, December 1, and continuing until every part and piece is gone. That will definitely include Thursday, December 2, and probably part of Friday, December 3 as well. Rudd's team has won every year of its existence but the loss of sponsorship for next season, which Rudd found out late in the fiscal year for most corporations, cost the team a chance to compete next season. Rudd and some team members are moving to Robert Yates Racing, the NASCAR Winston Cup championship team, beginning next year. The auction will begin at Rudd Performance Motorsports at 8 a.m., Wednesday, December 1, and will continue until everything is sold. A preview day is scheduled Tuesday, November 30, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The shop is located in Lakeside Park, just off of Exit 36 on I-77 in Mooresville. The address is 292 Rolling Hills Road, which is the main thoroughfare through Lakeside Park(Williams Company)(11-16-1999) -- UPDATE: while the Ricky Rudd website, www.rickyrudd.com is under construction, they do have a list available for download(in Excel) of the items up for Auction(11-17/12-1-1999) -- AND Rudd Auction Attracts Hundreds first item sold: reinforced air hose..(Racer Magazine)(12-1-1999) -- AUCTION NEWS: the list of items for sale can be seen at: CSA Auctions - RPM(12-2-1999)

  • Rudd to Auction: Ricky Rudd, who will shut down the team he owns at season's end to go drive the #28 Fords for Yates next season, has decided to auction off his equipment. Rudd said the auction will likely be held the week after Thanksgiving, just a day or two(Dec. 1-2) before the Winston Cup awards banquet in New York City. Rudd sold the shop and the land surrounding it to Yates. The #28 team will be headquartered there next season(That's Racin')(11-7-1999)

  • Rudd Engines: hearing that Ricky Rudd will have Yates power (engines) in his #10 Tide Ford for the final Cup races of 1999(11-2-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates/Engine: Ricky Rudd won't have a Robert Yates-built engine in his #10 Tide Ford this weekend at Rockingham. He may have a Yates engine at Phoenix(That's Racin')(10-21-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates UPDATE: Ricky Rudd will have a Yates engine in the #10 Tide Ford for today's race at Talladega, but it won't be the same one with which he qualified. Yates has given Rudd a new motor to use Sunday(That's Racin') -- UPDATE: Rudd got his best finish of 1999 at Talladega......a third(10-17-1999)

  • Rudd sells? Hearing Ricky Rudd has a buyer for his team/equipment(10-12-1999) -- UPDATE: Ricky Rudd said that he has an auction scheduled for near Thanksgiving to sell his equipment if he doesn't have a buyer by then. Rudd said he has a few buyers interested, including one who would like to have Rudd have some percentage of ownership in the team(Roanoke Times)(10-16-1999)

  • Rudd sells? Hearing Ricky Rudd has a buyer for his team/equipment(10-12-1999)

  • McSwain to the #28? UPDATE: Current #10 crew chief, Michael 'Fatback' McSwain has not signed with Robert Yates to follow driver Ricky Rudd over to the #28 Texaco ride, sourcres tell me this will happen, but nothing is official at this point(9-22-1999) -- UPDATE: Mike McSwaim has officially been named crew chief for Ricky Rudd next season when Rudd moves to the #28 Fords owned by Robert Yates Racing. McSwaim will replace Doug Richert, who joined the #28 team at the beginning of the season(That's Racin')(10-9-1999)

  • Rudd Auction? Today's Winston Cup Scene Magazine reports that Ricky Rudd is preparing to auction off the equipment from his own team to make room for the #28 RYR team that will move into the shop after the 1999 season. If Rudd can't find a buyer for his equipment or a partner to take over his team, Rudd plans to auction off his equipment by the end of the season(WC Scene)(10-8-1999)

  • Press Conference: A special press conference with NASCAR’s Ricky Rudd and Tide Racing will announce the launch of a charitable fundraising program for Give Kids The World, an organization that aids children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The #10 Tide Ford Taurus will race bearing a paint scheme designed by Tiffany Rich, a 10-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis. Beginning with trackside sales at the NAPA Autocare 500, collectible die-cast replicas of the car donated by Action Performance Companies, Inc. and Hasbro, Inc. will generate funds for the charity. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World. Immediately following the press conference, there will be a ribbon cutting in front of the car. Takes place at Martinsville on Saturday at 10:40am(Martinsville Speedway Site)(9-29-1999)

  • Yates Power: Ricky Rudd won't have a Robert Yates engine for his final #10 runs for another few weeks or so(SpeedVision)(9-25-1999)

  • McSwain to the #28? Current #10 crew chief, Michael 'Fatback' McSwain has not signed with Robert Yates to follow driver Ricky Rudd over to the #28 Texaco ride, sourcres tell me this will happen, but nothing is official at this point(9-22-1999)

  • Crew Chief Shuffle: "With the late-season swaps under way, it’s not just drivers changing teams. Sammy Johns is moving with Ken Schrader to the Tom Beard-owned Pontiac, and Michael McSwain is reportedly heading to Robert Yates team with Ricky Rudd for the 2000 season. With Ray Evernham likely leaving as Jeff Gordon‘s crew chief, another opening will be created. Unlike the current trend of drivers changing cars in midseason, these changes should not happen until after this season is completed"(Times-Dispatch)(9-21-1999)

  • #10 Yates Power CORRECTION: Ricky Rudd will use Robert Yates engines for the rest of the 1999 season in the #10 Tide Ford, CORRECTION this was reported on WC Today Radio, not RPM2Nite(9-14-1999)

  • More Rudd: Ricky Rudd has not decided exactly what he’ll do with his existing team, and is considering everything from selling it outright to auctioning it off. “I don’t think I could do my team justice and do the #28 team justice if I continued to own a team on the side,” Rudd confessed. “I don’t see how Dale Earnhardt drives for the 3 and owns the 1. It’s just too much going on.”. Also, it is a three-year deal to drive the #28 Fords(That's Racin') also Victory Lane Online is reporting that Yates has also purchased Rudd's RPM operation for $10 Million(9-14-1999)

  • Tide dyed UPDATE: Hearing Ricky Rudd will have a special Give Kids the World paint scheme on the #10 Tide Ford at Martinsville(8-30-1999) -- YEP: the car was shown on Sunday's RPM2Nite show and it's pretty cool looking. The car was designed by 9-year old Tiffany Rich during her vacation at the Give The Kids The World Village in Orlando, FL. Give The Kids The World is a non-profit organization that creates colorful memories for terminally ill children.(SpeedMall)(9-13-1999)

  • Bickle in the #10? UPDATEs Rudd Better: I hear Rich Bickle will drive the #10 Tide Ford in place of ill Ricky Rudd. Not sure why it's not Trickle who qualified the car. Also if Rudd can't make the race, his streak of 564 consecutive races which is 3rd longest, would come to an end -- UPDATE: Ricky Rudd was feeling better and back at the track Saturday morning after spending the night in a Richmond hospital. While Rudd plans to drive his #10 Ford in Saturday night's Exide 400, a relief driver will be standing by in case Rudd is unable to complete the race. Rudd did not qualify his car in Friday night's time trials at Richmond International Raceway after taking ill overnight. Rudd visited the track's infield care center Friday morning and received treatment for a possible case of food poisoning. Just after noon, he left to the track to go the hospital(That's Racin') -- UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd is doing much better, practiced the car in the early Saturday test and the team does not intend to have a relief driver standing by on Saturday night. The #10 did not run in Happy Hour(NOL)(9-11-1999)

  • Rudd Sick UPDATE and YATES no?: I hear Ricky Rudd has food poisioning and may miss out on practicing the #10, unsure if he'll qualify the car -- UPDATE: Ricky Rudd, whom everyone hoped to question Friday about his pending deal to drive Robert Yates’ #28 next year, took sick overnight and did not participate in Winston Cup practice Friday. Elton Sawyer practiced Rudd’s #10 in the morning session. Team spokesman Kirby Boone said Rudd had food poisoning and had visited the infield care center, but that he planned to practice in the second session and qualify in the evening. Rudd later was seen being loaded into a car as if to leave the track. Later, however, team manager Jeff Kirk said Rudd would not return the rest of the day and said the team’s situation for the rest of practice and qualifying had not been determined(Racer.com) ALSO That's Racin' reports, Rudd has been approached by a sponsor that could keep his team viable and complicate any deal with Robert Yates, see the story at: Rudd in hospital; Yates deal in doubt. Dick Trickle will qualify the #10 Ford this evening, Sawyer had a sponsor conflict and cannot do it(9-10-1999)

  • Rudd News UPDATE 2 no press conference: Ricky Rudd has meetings planned for Monday and Tuesday with two potential sponsors, at least one of which he hopes will provide him a good enough deal to continue running his own team for the next several years, according to sources. Rudd has tentatively scheduled a news conference Friday at Richmond International Raceway to announce his future plans. Sources say should Rudd's effort fail, he will likely move into the #28 Fords owned by Robert Yates Racing(That's Racin')(9-6-1999) -- UPDATE: I hear the announcement will be Rudd going to the #28. Had heard that he was talking to a few sponsors: Dell, Georgia-Pacific and UPS but they must have fell through. I guess we'll find out on Friday for sure(9-8-1999) -- UPDATE 2: hearing that Rudd will announce he will drive the #28 BUT is also looking for a 'good' driver to drive his #10 Ford in 2000, maybe found a sponsor? AND from the Times-Dispatch today - Ricky Rudd will not make an announcement this weekend concerning his team. The owner-driver has spent the week meeting with team owners and potential sponsors. Rudd has said that if he does not find a sponsor this month, he will sell the team. Rudd reportedly is the leading candidate to replace Kenny Irwin on Robert Yates’ team(9-9-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates: Ricky Rudd has another 10 days or so to get a sponsor lined up to keep his Cup team running. Rudd is one of the top two men in the running for Robert Yates' ride, along with Joe Nemechek, according to sources close to the situation(PitNow)(9-5-1999)

  • AJ/Irwin/Rudd: AJ Foyt's car will be green with the #14, the number Foyt made famous as an Indy-car. Foyt said he's talked to a couple of drivers. Kenny Irwin, who leaves Robert Yates Racing after this season, said he has talked with Foyt. The car owner is looking for a particular type of driver. Foyt said he was interested in purchasing Ricky Rudd's team but couldn't wait for Rudd to decide what to do. Rudd has set a Sept. 15 deadline on finding a sponsor. If he doesn't find a sponsor by that date, he will allow his employees to look elsewhere for other jobs. Rudd is looking for a sponsor after Tide announced in June it would not stay with the team after this season(News and Record) Jayski Note: Looks like Rudd is close to sponsorship, see earlier story(9-4-1999)

  • Rudd's sponsor UPDATE: hearing one of Ricky Rudd's possible sponsors is Georgia-Pacific, the other rumored is Dell Computers and it looks like Nations Rent who was rumored will go to the #7 Mattei Motorsports team(8-31-1999) -- UPDATE: hearing Georgia-Pacific is the front runner(9-1-1999)

  • Rudd Sponsor: Ricky Rudd says there are two sponsors left in his hunt. One has been talking with the driver for quite some time, and the other just expressed interest in the team. But the owner did learn late last week that NationsRent had opted to go with another team. The owner/driver is trying to work out a sponsor deal for his team, Rudd Performance Motorsports, before mid-September. If he cannot find a sponsor, the owner plans to allow his team members the opportunity to find work elsewhere. At that point, Rudd would have several options. Even if the popular driver was forced to sell his team, Rudd’s proven ability to win would lead to a number of driving offers in the Winston Cup garage. Still, he is staying focused on finding a sponsor and working out a deal to remain as an owner next season(Times-Dispatch)(8-31-1999)

  • Rudd Scheme: Hearing Ricky Rudd will have a special Give Kids the World paint scheme on the #10 Tide Ford at Martinsville(8-30-1999)

  • Rudd Sponsor? UPDATE 4: hearing NationsRent, who sponsored Dick Trickle in the #13 Elliott Racing Daytona 500 attempt, will be Ricky Rudd's new sponsor for 2000 and beyond -- UPDATE: Actually hearing NationsRent is talking to Rudd, the #41 Larry Hedrick team and the #7 Mattei Motorsports team(didn't know Philips/Klaussner was leaving)(8-9-1999) -- UPDATE: I know hear that NationsRent has not approached the #41 team but I hear they are talking to the #50 Midwest Transit team with driver Ricky Craven(8-11-1999) -- UPDATE 3: Hearing NAtions Rent may be one of the two sponsor Rudd is talking to and the other....Dell Computers(hey I got one! it's great)(8-25-1999) -- UPDATE 4: Over heard in the garage area: Most are betting that the new sponsor for Ricky Rudd will be "NationRents", a national rental company(Ron Felix/StockCarFans Correspondent)

  • Rudd: no rumor, a fact - Ricky Rudd is scheduled to make his 650th Cup start(not consecutive, oops) at Bristol(8-27-1999)

  • Four Choices for Rudd: Owner-driver Ricky Rudd has said he’ll know in 30 days or so whether he will a) find new sponsorship and continue as he has; b) find a partner to help run his No. 10 team; c) sell out; or d) close down and go drive for someone else. Team members, however, indicate (a) is the likeliest, and probably sooner than in 30 days. The team feels they are close and that Rudd is to more than one company. Partnerships with the likes of A.J. Foyt and Chip Ganassi have been mentioned, but a partnering is unlikely before next season, possibly with an eye toward a second RPM team(Racer Magazine)(8-23-1999)

  • AJ and Rudd: A.J. Foyt says that he doesn't know where the story came from that he might be interested in buying Ricky Rudd's team, because he says that he hasn't talked with Rudd. But Foyt says that he does have tentative plans to set up a new Winston Cup team for next season, an operation to be based near Mooresville. Who might Foyt's driver be? Well, Robby Gordon wants to get back into Winston Cup racing, and Gordon drove for Foyt in Indy cars several years ago, although their split wasn't necessarily all that amicable(PitNow)(8-23-1999)

  • More AJ: Tommy LaMance, team manager for A.J. Foyt's Indy Racing League operation, said reports of a Foyt entry in NASCAR's Winston Cup series in 2000 are premature. LaMance said Foyt has talked to several groups about the possibility of getting into Winston Cup next season, but that nothing is close to being finalized. He said the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and owner of the defending IRL champion Foyt Racing team isn't even sure if he wants to start a new team or buy into an existing team. LaMance also said no sponsor has been lined up yet(Tennessean)(8-23-1999)

  • Rudd Update: during Happy Hour, Rudd said he was still hoping to get a sponsor to keep his own team going with him driving. He mentioned he is having contractual talks with a sponsor at present. A That's Racin' article addresses the Rudd to the #28 rumor and the AJ Foyt rumor, Rudd's name also comes up in discussions about A.J. Foyt's anticipated entry into the Winston Cup circuit. "The deals with A.J. are strictly rumors," Rudd said, but he'd like to talk to Foyt if his deal falls thru. See the full story at: Speculation about Rudd thrives in garage by David Poole(8-22-1999)

  • AJ Foyt in Cup UPDATE 4: I had heard this rumor, but didn't think it would happen, so.....From TNN's Motorsports site: Will A.J. Foyt return to Stock car racing in 2000? Apparently not, at least according to A.J. Foyt Enterprises team manager Tommy Lamance. Informed speculation reached country.com Motorsports at the Amoco Knoxville Nationals saying the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and all-around racing legend was considering a NASCAR Winston Cup team next year. According to the track buzz, the 64-year-old Texan reportedly had put a money deal together with Conseco as the sponsor, a well-known former Winston Cup team manager had been contacted to spearhead the effort, and several drivers were under consideration for the ride. That's just the sort of information to flare the nostrils of any motorsports journalist, so we went right to the source. "Nah, it's just rumors," Lamance said when contacted by us Monday from the team's Houston, Texas shop. "We have no plans to do that." Remember this statement. Earlier in the season, Foyt was reportedly interested in a deal to buy into Ricky Rudd's team before Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. car owner Chip Ganassi stepped in. Rudd and Ganassi are talking about a pact in which Ganassi would focus on the business side of the operation and Rudd the technical aspects, but all indications are the two are nowhere near a deal as yet(TNN), I hear Foyt seriously considered getting into Cup, but decided he didn't need 'the headache'(8-17-1999) -- UPDATE: hmmm....sources tell me that Foyt has signed Conseco as a sponsor and is supposedly talking to Ricky Rudd with Foyt hiring all RPM employees(Conseco used to sponsor his IRL cars but left after last season) -- UPDATE: Just saw this: Indianapolis 500-winning car owner A.J. Foyt will apparently move into the Winston Cup Series next year with a four-year agreement to race Ford Tauruses. Formation of the team will likely be announced at Darlington on Labor Day weekend. Sources said that Foyt’s team will have its engines provided by Robert Yates Racing. Foyt, perhaps the greatest driver in the history of American motorsports, is one of three men to win the Indy 500 four times. He is also the only driver ever to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and 24 Hours of LeMans. Kenny Brack drove a Foyt-owned car to victory in this year’s 500. No driver has been hired, but Foyt will likely announce a sponsor at Darlington(Gaston Gazette/Monte Dutton/AJ Foyt plans Winston Cup team starting in 2000) -- UPDATE 4: On the TV news in the Charlotte area, on Channel 9 WSOC(ABC affiliate) was a story that AJ Foyt was in the process of working out a deal to partner Rudd Performance(8-18-1999)

  • Rudd/Ganassi: Ricky Rudd said that he's talked with Chip Ganassi, the CART Indy-car team owner, about becoming a business partner in his Winston Cup operation. Rudd would like to keep running the technical side of the team, and let Ganassi run the business side. Ganassi, however, apparently wants more control than Rudd is willing to give up(PitNow)(8-16-1999)

  • More Rudd: Ricky Rudd, one of the last of the owner-drivers, denied a report on Charlotte television Thursday which said Rudd had sold his team to CART owner Chip Ganassi and would drive next year for Robert Yates. Rudd’s future became cloudy when sponsor Tide announced it would leave his team after this season to back a new group being formed by CART owner Cal Wells. Rudd has said he has other opportunities and will make up his mind whether to sell, partner or fold by mid-September. Rudd also insists he doesn’t want to sell outright but would rather acquire a partner, in the manner of Penske-Kranefuss or Carter-Haas. That likely is a subject he has discussed with Ganassi(Racer Mag Site)(8-14-1999)

  • Rudd/Yates? UPDATE 2: as reported here in different stories in the past - The CBS affiliate in Charlotte(WBTV ch 3) reported on their 11pm sportscast that it is "official" that Ricky Rudd will drive for Robert Yates in the #28 car in 2000. Rudd, according to their report, will sell his team to CART owner, Chip Gannasi(many readers) -- UPDATE: Robert Yates denied any deal with Ricky Rudd during a press conference this afternoon at Watkins Glen -- UPDATE 2: see the full story at That's Racin' - Yates denies any deal with Rudd(8-14-1999)

  • Rudd Sponsor? UPDATE 2: hearing NationsRent, who sponsored Dick Trickle in the #13 Elliott Racing Daytona 500 attempt, will be Ricky Rudd's new sponsor for 2000 and beyond -- UPDATE: Actually hearing NationsRent is talking to Rudd, the #41 Larry Hedrick team and the #7 Mattei Motorsports team(didn't know Philips/Klaussner was leaving)(8-9-1999) -- UPDATE: I know hear that NationsRent has not appraoched the #41 team but I hear they are talking to the #50 Midwest Transeit team with driver Ricky Craven(8-11-1999)

  • Rudd Top 10 UPDATE engine: Ricky Rudd got his first Top 10 of the 1999 season in the #10 Tide Ford(8-7-1999) -- UPDATE: Rudd ran a Pro Motor in the car at the Brickyard and will supposedly switch back to Pro Motors for the rest of the 1999 season. Rudd used Pro Motor in 1998 and had switched to Penske Motors for 1999. A quote from Rudd in a Pro-Motor/Cox PR: "We had a Pro-Motor Engineering engine in the car today and it was really great. We've been lacking all year on that deal and that really helped us. The Pro-Motor guys did a great job for us. From where we've been, we made big gains today. This was the first time I used Pro-Motor engine all year and it was the best motor I've had all year. I don't want to look at any negatives on the Penske engines. But the motors we were getting (from Penske) wouldn't run on our chassis dyno. We had to do something. We'll run a Pro-Motor engine the rest of the year."(8-8-1999)

  • Andretti/Rudd/Yates: Cal Wells is interested in John Andretti(for his Tide? Cup team), who drives for Richard Petty, but sources say that Robert Yates is, too. Part of Wells' interest could be the prospect of an Indy 500 ride too. Ricky Rudd is also under consideration for the ride with Yates, and according to sources, Rudd has discussed options with Yates(PitNow)(8-6-1999)

  • Rudd Deadline UPDATE: Ricky Rudd has set a deadline to find a sponsor at September 15th or he plans to shut down his RPM #10 Team and find jobs for his employees(WC Today Radio)(8-5-1999) -- UPDATE: Ricky Rudd says that if he doesn't find a sponsor to replace Tide, he will have to close his shop or sell his team and drive for someone else next season. Rudd has set a deadline of Sept. 15 on making that decision. Rudd's deadline is so his employees have time to apply for other jobs if the team ceases. But, he noted that the team has "some really good companies interested in us." Rudd's decision to close his shop or sell it would only be a last resort(News and Record)(8-6-1999)

  • Rudd rumor: I hear the 7/26 issue of AutoWeek magazine has a story about IRL team owner John Barnes and Panther Racing (driver:Scott Goodyear). "Barnes says he is in serious negotiations to buy a high profile Winston Cup team. He and soon-to-be-sponsorless Rick Rudd are friends."(7-27-1999)

  • Rudd UPDATE: Ricky Rudd, driver,owner of the #10 Tide Ford, is not eliminating the idea of driving for another team and having someone else drive his car next season. He prefers to stay with his own team but said Tuesday that he has some calls about driving for other teams(News and Record) - see Yates story below, and I hear Target is a possible sponsor for the #10 and UPDATE: Winston Cup Today radio reports that CART owner Chip Ganassi(sponsor is Target) was in the garage area at Indy during Ford testing talking to Rudd....he says he was just visiting(7-14-1999)

  • Whirlpool too: I hear via a company newsletter that the Whirlpool brand will end its four-year involvement with Ricky Rudd and his #10 Cup team at the end of this year's racing season. The company is reviewing it's involvement with NASCAR in light of their Brand-Focused Value Creation strategy(?). In other words, they may continue their involvement with NASCAR or not(7-13-1999)

  • Rudd to Yates? Now comes word that Robert Yates might be interested in hiring Ricky Rudd. Rudd said Yates hasn't talked to him, but he finds the idea intriguing. Yates has moved the Texaco team out of Charlotte up to a shop leased near the speedway, but he has looked at putting a shop in the Mooresville sports complex where Rudd has his own shop and another six acres of prime undeveloped land. Rudd talked with Yates last year about doing an engine program(PitNow)(7-12-1999)

  • Fans Ticked: as most readers know, I don't run campaigns on this site(TV, Track issues etc), many have expressed their displeasure in Tides dropping of Ricky Rudd and going with a new team and new owner in Cal Wells. Many readers have sent email to Tide letting them know of their displeasure of the situation, here is the 'form' letter Tide is sending out: "We're sorry to disappoint you but we're not renewing our contract with Rudd Performance Motorsports. We made a proposal to Ricky Rudd asking him to remain as driver of the Tide car for the 2000 season. He decided this arrangement doesn't meet his future objectives. Ricky will continue as driver/owner of the #10 Tide Ford Taurus for the remainder of the 1999 season. He's been an excellent driver and spokesperson for Tide. We certainly wish him the best in the future. We're planning to continue our sponsorship of NASCAR racing. In fact, we're negotiating with Precision Preparation, Inc., for a future sponsorship. We plan to announce a new driver for the Tide car within the next couple months". To email/leave feedback yourself, go to P&G Feedback or Tide - Tell Us(7-3-1999)

  • More Tide Stuff: Procter & Gamble is in final negotiations to take its sponsorship to Precision Preparation Inc., a racing company owned by Cal Wells. Wells owns a two-car team in the open-wheel CART series and is starting a BGN team with McDonald's sponsorship next year. The Indy-car owner is building a shop for his NASCAR team in Hickory, N.C. P&G offered Rudd an opportunity to drive the PPI car if a deal is worked out, but he declined. Wells and Jack Roush were courting P&G, and that was the part of the deal that seemed to upset Rudd(Times-Dispatch)(7-2-1999)

  • Tide leaves Rudd: Procter & Gamble, Tide Brand informed Rudd Performance Motorsports (RPM) today that they have pursued other sponsorship opportunities for the year 2000. RPM has several options regarding sponsorship for the future that may encompass a multi-car situation. An expected announcement is scheduled to be released within the next month(RPM PR), hearing that Tide may be the sponsor for Larry McReynolds Cup team if that all works out(see TV story below)(6-30-1999) -- UPDATE: RPM2Nite says a new Cup team owned by Cal Wells will have Tide as the sponsor which is interesting as Wells is starting a BGN team with McDonald's as the sponsor in 2000(7-1-1999)

  • Rudd/Ganassi?? A few weeks ago I reported on the possibility of CART team owner Chip Ganassi buying or buying into Ricky Rudd's #10 team. All reports were that this was false. Well, today on TNN's Raceday, it was reported that Tide should announce their 2000 sponsorship plans within the next week, and whatever that decision is will decide Rudd's plans for his team, whether to sell it, bring in a partner, merge with an existing team or start a 2nd team. It was also noted that Ganassi was a possible buyer(Raceday)(6-27-1999)

  • Rudd News UPDATE: During qualifying today Eli Gold noted that Tide will let Ricky Rudd know by June 30th if they will stay with the team next year. Ricky says if they decide to leave he has a "contingency plan" lined up(MM)(6-18-1999) -- UPDATE His team is behind schedule, but Ricky Rudd said he still is working to secure a business deal that will allow him to start up a second team. Rudd hopes to have his plans finalized by June 30 to get a head start on the new venture(Times-Dispatch)(6-20-1999)

  • Rudd news: NASCAR Today radio reports that Ricky Rudd hopes to announce something by the end of the month concerning a sponsor, a partner and a possible 2nd team(6-16-1999)

  • Rudd/Tide: Inside NASCAR reports that Ricky Rudd and Tide are negotiating for the future, their contract runs out at the end of 1999. Rudd hopes the TV rights and increase in revenue will help out smaller teams. Also discussed the franchising options that are being supposedly being discussed(6-13-1999)

  • Rudd News UPDATE 1: According to sources of PitNow, Ricky Rudd's new business could be Heilig-Meyers' Bill Derusha. Rudd just hired Jeff Kirk, the man who ran Junie Donlavey's Heilig-Meyers-sponsored team(#90) so well for several years. Rudd, owner/driver of the #10 Tide Ford, doesn't want to sell the team but wants to add a business partner and has two offers on the table(PitNow)(6-7-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Sources say one offer is from Stoops Freightliner(SpeedNet) NOTE: Sources tell me that Stoops Freightliner is not involved at all(6-8-1999)

  • Tide Paint: At the Sears Point race on June 27th, the #10 Tide Taurus paint scheme will showcase the introduction of New Tide with Activated Hydrogen Peroxide. New Tide takes a quantum leap forward in removing tough stain and dingy buildup and helps keep colors bright(6-4-1999)

  • Rudd Helps Out: Ricky Rudd lent a 30 foot trailer to the Salvation Army in their efforts to help out the folks in the Midwest struck by the killer tornado's(RPM2Nite)(5-7-1999)

  • New Rudd Crew Chief? UPDATE 1 it's official: I hear that Michael McSwain, crew cheif of the #98 Yarborough-Burdette Motorsports #98 Ford team will be named Ricky Rudd's(#10 Tide Ford) crew chief in the next few days(5-3-1999) -- UPDATE 1: From the www.rickyrudd.com site: RPM Welcomes Michael McSwain New Crew Chief for Ricky Rudd(5-4-1999)

  • Rudd to sell? Ricky Rudd says he's close to selling a portion of his team, Rudd Performance Motorsports. Although Rudd, 42, wouldn't reveal the name of the investor, he did say the potential partner has a "strong big-business background." Rudd says the venture will allow him to add a second team next season. He denied speculation that he's talking with owner/driver Bill Elliott of Dawsonville about forming a multi-car team. Rudd also said he's in negotiations with Tide to renew their sponsorship, which expires at the end of this season(icFlorida)(5-1-1999)

  • Another Milestone: Ricky Rudd makes his 550 consecutive Cup start at California(4-29-1999)

  • Whirlpool: Executives at Whirlpool have been [around] the Winston Cup garage for the past month, and appear to be ready to announce which team they would like to sponsor. The sponsorship would be tied into a television home repair program(PitNow), Whirlpool currently is an associate sponsor on the #10 Tide Ford team of Ricky Rudd(4-27-1999)

  • More Rudd UPDATE 2: Ricky Rudd's NASCAR team is for sale, and Larry McReynolds, crew chief for the Richard Childress-Mike Skinner team, has made an offer to buy it, McReynolds has confirmed. Rudd could not be reached for comment(PitNow) -- UPDATE 1: Ricky Rudd said Friday he is not trying to find someone to buy out his team, despite the rash of rumors recently to the contrary. Rudd denied Friday he has talked to CART owner Chip Ganassi. Sources confirmed Friday, however, that Larry McReynolds had made Rudd an offer on his team. McReynolds has said that if he found proper funding and the right sponsor, that he would resign his position at Richard Childress Racing and form his own team for the 2000 season. But Rudd emphasized Friday what he is looking for is a partner who would run the day-to-day operations of the team, while Rudd would remain as the driver. See quotes and more at the That's Racin' story - Rudd denies rumors of team's sale(4-16-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Following qualifying on Friday, Larry McReynolds said Ricky Rudd had declined the offer to sell his team to McReynolds and John Dangler, McReynolds partner(NOL) and from PitNow: Ricky Rudd says he will definitely restructure his team this season, because he's finding it increasingly difficult as a small single-team owner-driver to compete against the giant teams dominating the Winston Cup tour today. But he says he won't sell more than 50 percent of his team to anyone(PitNow)(4-17-1999)

  • Rudd/Ganassi? UPDATE 2: WAVY-TV (NBC) in Norfolk, Va. reported last night that sources have told them that Ricky Rudd is talking with Cart owner Chip Ganassi about buying Rudd's team. The team would be sponsored by Target with Rudd staying on as driver. The announcement is expected to come Thursday in Long Beach, CA where the Cart tour has a stop this weekend. WAVY sports director Bruce Rader talked with Rudd spokesman Kirby Boone at 4:20pm est Tuesday. Boone said Rudd heard about WAVY's report and says he "dosent know a thing about it." But Rudd added, "If Chip is interested in buying the team, tell him to call me."(many readers) and on RPM2Nite, Dr Jerry Punch did his patented "House Call" with Ricky Rudd and they talked about last years Martinsville win with the heat and the cooling system failure, it was pretty interesting...but there was no mention on the 'Target rumor'.(4-13-1999) -- UPDATE 1: From Rudd Performance Racing - "These rumors are completely unfounded. There has been no communication with Chip or Target." -- UPDATE 2: Ganassi Racing could well be on its way to getting involved in NASCAR someday, the team owner confirmed Wednesday, but he denied rumors that he is negotiating to purchase the team of driver/owner Ricky Rudd. A Portsmouth, Va., television station reported Monday night that Ganassi Racing was interested in purchasing Rudd Performance Motorsports (RPM) from veteran Winston Cup campaigner Ricky Rudd, a native of Chesapeake, Va. Kirby Boone, public relations director for RPM, denied that the team was for sale. The Winston-Salem Journal reported Wednesday that Larry McReynolds, crew chief for the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing team, has made Rudd a legitimate offer(but it has not been accepted). McReynolds has said that if he found proper funding and a substantial sponsor, that he would resign his position at Childress and form his own team for the 2000 season(SpeedVision)(4-15-1999)

  • Garone, new gig UPDATE 2 - Maybe? Joe Garone, former crew chief for Bill Elliott Racing has accepted a position with Rudd Performance Motorsports as crew chief for Ricky Rudd. His duties begin Monday. Jerry Pitts, who was the crew chief for Elliott's #13 team will assume the crew chief role for the #94(4-8-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Ricky Rudd said Saturday that he has not hired a new crew chief, referring to reports that he has hired Joe Garone, who stepped down as Bill Elliott's crew chief last week. Dan Stillman is still acting as the chairman of Rudd's crew chief by committee(That's Racin')(4-11-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Garone was spotted helping Ricky Rudd's #10 Tide team in the pits at Bristol. Rudd confirmed that Garone is high on the list of candidates to become his team's permanent crew chief. Rudd is talking to Garone and a few other possibilties(Times-Dispatch)(4-13-1999)

  • Rudd/Wind Tunnel: from the Snowballs section of this weeks Speedway Scene(Apr 2) it mentions that Ricky Rudd took three #10 Tide Fords to the wind tunnel and found that the cars were not very aerodynamic(as a brick the article says) and that they need new noses on the cars among other changes(4-6-1999)

  • Ingle Gone UPDATE 2: Bill Ingle, crew chief, and Ricky Rudd, owner/driver of the #10 Tide Ford, have parted ways. No successor to Ingle has been named(NASCAR Today Radio)(3-15-1999) -- RPM2Nite reports that Dan Stillman will handle the crew chief chores at Darlington this weekend(3-16-1999) -- For this weekend´s TranSouth 400, Rudd, lead mechanic Dave Anthony, engineer Hoyt Overbaugh, mechanics Doug McGill, and Dan Stillman will jointly guide the Tide Team(www.rickyrudd.com)(3-17-1999)

  • Rudd and the Pole: Rockingham is Ricky Rudds first pole since Charlotte in October of 1995, 100 races(2-21-1999)

    Current #38 News Page
    Old #28 News Page
    Jayski's Silly Season Nextel Cup News Page
    Jayski's Silly Season Site Main Page

    Born on Date: Jan 6, 2002

    This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2009© All Rights Reserved.
    Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC
    Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.