Yates: Chances are `slim' that Rudd will be back i

Elwood · July 16, 2002

Yates: Chances are `slim' that Rudd will be back in No. 28

By JENNA FRYER

AP Sports Writer

July 15, 2002

Ricky Rudd's options for his future were shortened Monday when his car owner indicated it was unlikely the veteran racer would be back in the No. 28 Ford. ADVERTISEMENT

While the team tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, car owner Robert Yates said chances were ``slim'' that Rudd would be back in the car next season.

``I won't say none, but I'd say slim because I think his best situation would be if he goes somewhere that will be very competitive and pay very well,'' Yates said. ``In a way it's sad, but I've looked at the numbers and they haven't lied to me.''

Rudd had set Monday as his deadline to figure out what he's going to do next year, with returning to the No. 28, leaving for another team and retirement as his options.

His decision is expected to start a domino-effect on NASCAR's free agent season, with Elliott Sadler already coveting Rudd's ride.

But Monday came and went without a firm decision, only indications that Rudd's days with Yates are numbered.

``You'll understand when we get done that a lot of it's not my decision, I'm not sitting here holding everybody up,'' Rudd said. ``It's a two part deal -- where I stand with Yates Racing and then what are your options if Yates Racing doesn't work out and a lot of the things that go on at Yates Racing are beyond my control.''

In recent weeks, Rudd has said he'd like to stay in the No. 28 but only on one-year contracts. His current three-year deal expires at the end of the season.

He's been clear that he'd like a pay raise to make a base salary consistent with what drivers who run in the Top 10 each week earn. But Rudd said the money is not a major concern and that his main issue is keeping most of his crew intact.

``There is a stumbling point and that is that I want to make sure that if I come back to the 28 that it is indeed the 28 team as we know it today and not all the people have been moved off my team to a third team,'' he said. ``So that's a sticking point.''

There's been speculation that Yates could field three teams next season, with Sadler driving a car owned by Yates' son, Doug. For that to happen, key members from both Rudd and teammate Dale Jarrett's crew could be shifted to launch that team.

``If I'm going to come back and start with a brand new team again, it might be time to look around,'' Rudd said. ``I don't even know who the people are who are going to be working on the car next year, so how can I agree to sign?

``And that's what it's about -- it's about people ... I identified key people who I felt was the heart of Yates Racing in my paperwork and Robert said, 'I cannot agree to the terms of that. I can't guarantee that you're going to have those people.'''

Rudd said crew chief Michael ``Fatback'' McSwain will not be back next season, but did not indicate where McSwain is going.

Yates admits he wants Sadler to drive for him, but denied he has current plans to field a third team.

``Certainly he's a guy that I wanted to put on my list to compete against so I could sit down and make a deal,'' Yates said, ''... but it was never our desire to do three teams.''

I have to say, I hope he leaves and doesn't get another ride, although I'm sure he will. I used to like Rudd, but all he does anymore is whine and complain. And after his little tap to Jr. under caution for not letting him back on the lead lap Sunday I like him less. He constantly cpmplains about people hitting him and driving rough, but as soon as he doesn't get what he wants he does the same thing. I hate to feel this way about him, but I hope he retires.

SilveradoWV · July 16, 2002

I'd like to see him leave yates and try to get another ride but dont!!!! LOL I dont care much for him either, every tv interview he is always crying about something!

July 16, 2002

I agree that it's time for Rudd to pack it in, but I really don't see him as a whiner or cry-baby. I just think he's slowed down a bit and needs to move on. I don't want to see him struggle the way DW did in his waning years. That was just embarrasing.

I also think that one of the reasons that the old guys slow down is an appreciation for life. The young guns like Harvick, Newman, and Dale Jr. just haven't been hurt bad enough in a crash. They don't realize how mortal they really are.

I look at Steve Park and think, "He hasn't forgotten how to drive all of a sudden, he almost died twice as a result of racecar crashes."

He has learned the hard way what taking that extra chance will cost.

General Lee 01 · July 17, 2002

The only time I remember him "Whining" was Dover last year, and I can see where he was coming from in that deal.

If I was winning with 20 to go, and a lapped guy spun me out I'd be pissed too!

I hope he stays in, just for one more year.

Elwood · July 17, 2002

He's always complaining saying the young guns get too much attentio and the older guys, don't. IMO the only reason he doesn't get much attention is because he doesn't win.

Last year he was whing about getting bumped by Harvick, yet I saw him bump people. And this is not the only time this has happened.

He always complains when people hit him, saying he doesn't drive like that. But then when Jr. wouldn't let him back on the lead lap he hits him under caution, things like that I don't like. If he said that stuff and didn't do it himself, or if he did that stuff and didn't complain all the time about others doing it, I would probably still like him.

SilveradoWV · July 17, 2002

Now all you hear him cry about is losing his crew!! Its not really his decision to make about the crew, he doesnt pay them, the only decision that concerns him is to stay or not!!