UPDATE 3: Rick Mast is set to become Larry Hedrick’s new driver of the #41 Chevy. Mast, who has been driving Fords for Cale Yarborough and a new partner from Orlando, has signed a letter of intent with Hedrick. Universal, which is sponsoring the #98 for which Mast currently drives, may come over to Hedrick’s next season( PitNow ) What? no Exxon? AND If owner Cale Yarborough really is closing his shop after this season, his team doesnt know it. Driver Rick Mast continues to weigh his options, which could include Yarborough Motorsports. The teams sale to Bob Lane hasnt failed yet, but Mast isnt counting on that. He plans to make a decision about where to drive next season sometime this week( Times-Dispatch ) — UPDATE: Rick Mast tested Larry Hedrick’s #41 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Monday, and it appears likely Mast, and possibly the Woody Woodpecker sponsorship, will migrate from Cale Yarborough’s team to Hedrick’s for 2000. Team sources say Hedrick and Mast had met and that Mast had refused to participate in the test without a commitment. The fact that Mast was at the test indicates that a deal has been made. Mast also likely will drive the car in the season-ending race this week at Atlanta. Mast was in Atlanta and could not be reached( Racer Magazine ) — UPDATE 2: From what I hear and what this weeks Winston Cup Scene reports, Mast tested the #41 chevy as a favor to team owner Larry Hedrick and engine builder David Evans. Also hear that Universal Studios is signed with the #98 team and is not moving even if Mast were to leave — UPDATE 3: Rick Mast, driver this season of Cale Yarborough’s #98 Fords, will know by Saturday morning whether he has a deal to drive Larry Hedrick’s #41 Chevrolets next season, Hedrick team members confirmed Friday( Racer Magazine )
