With sponsor UPS suddenly NASCAR’s top free agent, at least two teams’ immediate futures appear to hang in the balance. Robert Yates Racing, which loses Jarrett’s services at season’s end, can’t pick a replacement until it learns if UPS will remain. And if UPS opts to follow Jarrett to Michael Waltrip Racing, that operation would field three Toyotas instead of two next season. The one certainty is that Jarrett’s move, formally announced May 13, leaves owner Robert Yates facing a scenario he thought was two years off. Expecting Jarrett to finish his career with the team in 2008, RYR began grooming Stephen Leicht and Matt McCall as possible replacements this season.
While the sponsor, be it UPS, Busch Series sponsor CitiFinancial or another entity, will play a role in selecting Jarrett’s replacement, Yates says a veteran could figure in the mix. The question is whether the veteran would drive the full year or split time with one or two younger drivers as Yates works toward a permanent replacement. Team Manager Eddie D’Hondt said Bill Elliott could be the veteran if that plan is followed. Waltrip said he has sponsorship secured for two cars and has talked with UPS. If the company comes aboard, he’d gladly field three teams next year. In a statement, Peggy Gardner, UPS Spokesperson, said the company “is excited about its continuing role in NASCAR,” but that its policy is not to comment about “our future plans or sponsorships.”(SceneDaily,com)(5-17-2006)
