Rudd’s Decision Today? Ricky Rudd hopes to be able to say something more definitive today, and it appears his top two options are the Chip Ganassi Dodge team and the future Andy Petree-Jerry Jones Ford team.(Winston Salem Journal) AND If details can be concluded, Rudd could announce within the next week that he has re-signed with owner Robert Yates at least through next year. Rudd, 45, had hinted he might retire if a) he did not receive a firm commitment from Yates, and b) that his pay be made commensurate with that of other top-team drivers. Yates has been typically obfuscatory about his plans, although he has declared he would like to have Rudd back. Yates also has said that he has encouraged his son, Doug, to set up a team of his own instead of taking over Robert Yates Racing, with concern over long-term tax situations. Doug Yates recently filed incorporation papers in North Carolina, forming Doug Yates Racing. Elliott Sadler, who announced in May his intention to leave the Wood Brothers at the end of his contract this year, appears likely to cast in with Doug Yates. If all goes as predicted, Rudd will re-sign with Robert Yates, with Sadler going with Doug Yates and a sponsor to be named, possibly something connected with Ford.(Speed Channel)(7-15-2002)
