Latest on McSwain to the #18 UPDATE released – Fox to crew chief #28: Expect an announcement within a day or so that Michael McSwain has left Robert Yates Racing to become #18-Bobby Labonte’ crew chief in 2003. Apparently, a deal has been struck between Yates and Joe Gibbs to get McSwain out of his contract.(Gaston Gazette)(10-30-2002) UPDATE: Michael “Fatback” McSwain has been released from Robert Yates Racing. McSwain, who had been the crew chief for Ricky Rudd and the #28 Havoline Ford since 1999, was released from his contract on Wednesday. The move, the latest by Yates in a progression that has included purging himself of driver Ricky Rudd and Yates’ longtime sponsor Chevron/Texaco, frees McSwain to pursue other career options. Yates had previously said that, due to McSwain’s contract, which ran through next season, he did not anticipate him leaving. “We’ve negotiated a release for Michael from his contract,” said team owner Robert Yates. “This will allow him to pursue other opportunities and allow us to look at our options for the future. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.” For this weekend’s race at North Carolina Speedway, car chief Raymond Fox will take over the crew chief duties for the #28 Ford.(NASCAR.com)(10-30-2002)
