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)
