Robert Yates Racing is expected to announce a management structure change Friday night that, according to multiple sources close to the situation, will include team owner Robert Yates’ retirement. Those same sources say that Travis Kvapil, current driver of Roush Fenway Racing’s #6 Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series, will replace Ricky Rudd in the #88 Ford for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Sources said Doug Yates, Robert’s son and the president of the team, will assume the ownership role and preside over the company. Sources also said that Roush Fenway Racing will provide full support to Yates, including licensing, marketing and engineering. It was unknown how this might affect the recently-announced partnership between open wheel team Newman/Haas/Lannigan Racing and Yates. Robert Yates has been a Cup Series owner since 1989. During that time he has established himself as the premier engine builder at NASCAR’s highest level and has collected 57 victories.(ESPN.com)(9-7-2007) UPDATE: Doug Yates announced he will field two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) teams in 2008 with drivers #38-David Gilliland and #88-Travis Kvapil. These teams will be operated under a company called “Yates Racing” which has agreed to acquire operating assets from Robert Yates Racing, including the transfer of car numbers and owner points. The transaction will be effective December 1, 2007. “With this announcement it’s clear that the letter of intent with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing will not proceed. We’re thankful for their support and would welcome the opportunity to work with them in the future,” said Yates Racing CEO Doug Yates. “I am very excited to carry the Yates Racing heritage into the future. I believe I have the experience and understanding of the competition and business requirements that are necessary to be an effective team owner. My first order of business is to revamp our infrastructure into one that can field race teams that can compete successfully with the pre-eminent teams in the sport. I personally think the best business and competitive model in the sport to emulate for long-term success is that of Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing, I have gotten to know Jack and his organization very well through our joint engine company and before I undertook this commitment I asked Jack for advice. I am pleased to announce that Yates Racing will have full support from Roush Fenway Racing, including hardware, engineering, marketing and operational practices, by the 2008 Daytona 500, Yates Racing wants to be in an elevated position where we are competing successfully against any race team in the sport. With David, Travis and Roush Fenway Racing, we will continue to work on finding the right sponsor partners to join our programs.” Neither Jack Roush, Roush Fenway Racing, John Henry or Fenway Sports Group will have any ownership interest in Yates Racing.(Robert Yates Racing PR)(9-8-2007)
