Roush Drivers Locked In thru 2003 UPDATE 3 But: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says all his drivers are under contract through next season. The only negotiations he’s involved in now are with Matt Kenseth’s sponsor, DeWalt. And those talks are proceeding without any outside interference – the two have a “good faith” negotiation policy in effect until May 31. After that, each becomes a free agent. Smith was involved in the original contract between Elliott Sadler and Wood Brothers Racing. He said that contract can only be dissolved if it is beneficial to both.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-5-2002) UPDATE: hearing a bit ‘out there’ rumor from many sources saying Jeff Burton currently driving the #99 CITGO Ford and his crew chief may move to the Hendrick #25 Chevy. BUT last I heard Burton is signed thru 2005 with Roush.(5-6-2002) UPDATE 2: Rumors had Jeff Burton possibly taking over in the #25 car after reports of Burton being spotted at Hendrick Motorsports. Burton told reporters Wednesday he’s confused about where he’s supposed to be because the day he was supposedly seen at Hendrick he was in Boca Raton, Florida. Burton says he’s 100% committed to Roush racing and sponsor CITGO. “Rick Hendrick and I have had no sit down conversation about me driving his cars nor anyone else. I’m committed to where I am. I have a true dedication for Roush Racing which I’ve shown over the period of time, and to give all that away would be stupid. Where I am is where I need to be and that’s where I intend to stay”. Noting that all of the Roush cars are currently top-10 in the point standings, Burton said “For me to say that I need to go some place else and race doesn’t make any sense”. Burton spent part of Wednesday pumping gas and giving away Coca-Cola at a Citgo station near Lowes Motor Speedway as drivers lined up around the block waiting for Burton to fill-up their cars.(PRN’s Garage Pass)(5-8-2002) UPDATE 2: When the Winston Cup Series arrived at Richmond, Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth were part of a rumor mill that has cranked up just 10 races into the season. According to garage-area gossip, both drivers are talking to Hendrick Motorsports about replacing Jerry Nadeau on the #25 team, with each taking their crew chiefs with them. Both were also mentioned as possible replacements for Ricky Rudd at Robert Yates Racing if Rudd retires. Like Smith, Burton and crew chief Frank Stoddard shrugged off the rumors as nothing more than gossip. The truth is, Ive had absolutely no conversation about driving the 25, Burton says. I have not been to Hendrick Motorsports to sit down and talk. That’ what I heard yesterday, that I was over there the other night. None of that’ true. According to Kenseth, neither has he. That’ the first time I heard that one, he said. I dont really pay too much attention to all that stuff to tell you the truth. The same thing happened to me last year and Im still in the same place that I was last year, so I dont really get too concerned over it. For the record, Kenseth has a contract with Roush through 2004. Burton, meanwhile, has a long-term contract that was just extended two years ago, Smith said. Burton’ sponsor, Citgo, is signed through 2003, but the agreement for DeWalt Tools to sponsor Kenseth ends after this season. Smith says, however, that he is in negotiations with DeWalt on a new deal.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(5-9-2002)
