Rudd may wait until end of season to make decision: #28-Ricky Rudd said Sunday afternoon a decision on his future at Robert Yates Racing may not come until the end of the season. Rudd said he has tried to remain quiet this weekend preferring not to engage in what he described as the “mudslinging” that has been going on regarding his situation at Yates Racing since the series arrived at New Hampshire this weekend. On Friday, team owner Robert Yates said he was trying to stay out of infighting between Rudd and crew chief Michael McSwain over issues Yates termed “ridiculous.” Rudd said such issues, including a disagreement between Rudd and McSwain over a victory party following Rudd’s win at Sonoma, Calif., had nothing to do with his future with the team. Rudd said Texaco/Havoline’s decision to pick up an option to remain with Yates Racing has put Yates in a position he did not foresee. “The bottom line is Robert, or Robert and Doug (Yates, Robert’s son), never planned to field more than two cars next season.” Rudd said Yates’ decision to hire driver Elliott Sadler and attract another sponsor may have put him in the position of being contractually obligated to field three teams next season. Rudd said he would not quit and leave, giving Yates an out if his sponsor were to decide to follow Rudd to another team. On Saturday, Rudd said the only thing standing between Rudd and a return to the No. 28 Fords next year is an assurance from Yates the team will be kept relatively intact. So far, Rudd has not received any such assurances.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-21-2002)
