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/Monte Dutton )
