Rick Mast still isnt saying what hes planning to do next season, although he does admit he is close to making a decision. Mast has been talking with Larry Hedrick(#41) and with the new Misuraca-Yarborough #98 team. He also is considering a couple of other deals. Misuracas deal with Cale Yarborough(for buying most of the team) became final Friday. He is talking with Mast and with sponsor Universal, which has a contract with the driver, but nothing has been signed. Mast said an announcement should be made in early January( Times-Dispatch ) have heard two different scenios, Mast going to the #41 with Universal as a full or part sponsor(with Exxon) and Mast to the #41 and Universal staying on the #98 — UPDATE: sources tell me it’s the #41 and if Exxon comes aboard it’ll be a deal similar to the Universal deal with a heavy emphasis on merchandising paying the sponsor bill, it won’t be a ‘factory’ Exxon deal. Hearing some of the #98 crew are coming over to the #41 with Mast. As far as I have heard Donnie Disharoon will remain the crew chief. Also Team Manager Mike Hill and the #41 team have parted ways and Hill is looking for the right opportunity — UPDATE 2: hearing so far only one team member from the #98 has left and gone to the #41 with the others waiting on Mast’s decision. Also told again that the Universal contract is with the team not Mast but they want Mast as the driver
