Rudd Returns To RYR To Run In 2007 NEXTEL Cup
Lee Spencer - Sporting News
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Ricky Rudd's self-imposed vacation from racing is over.
After nearly a year off from NASCAR Nextel Cup racing, Rudd and Robert Yates have agreed to join forces once again in what will prove to be more than just a nostalgic joyride down memory lane. Rudd, 50, replaces Dale Jarrett, his former teammate at Robert Yates Racing for three seasons starting in 2000. Jarrett has since joined Michael Waltrip Racing. Butch Hylton will continue in his role as the Yates team's crew chief.
Yates introduced the No. 88 in 1995, but in what could be a strange, yet positive, turn of events, it's likely Rudd will be reviving his former car number -- the 28 -- one of the most popular numbers in NASCAR. RYR first carried the No. 28 when the team was purchased from Ranier Racing in 1988. Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan and Kenny Irwin drove the No. 28 Texaco Havoline Ford, but after the sponsor moved to Ganassi Racing and Rudd left Yates at the end of 2002, the number hasn't been used.
The candy giant Mars, which already sponsors Yates' No. 38 M&M's Ford, also will back Rudd's effort.
During Rudd's earlier tenure at RYR, he scored three wins, 34 top fives, 53 top 10s and four poles. Rudd finished in the top five in the point standings the first two years and wound up in 10th place after a tumultuous 2002 season.
more on Ricky Rudd's return
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Ricky Rudd's self-imposed vacation from racing is over.
After nearly a year off from NASCAR Nextel Cup racing, Rudd and Robert Yates have agreed to join forces once again in what will prove to be more than just a nostalgic joyride down memory lane. Rudd, 50, replaces Dale Jarrett, his former teammate at Robert Yates Racing for three seasons starting in 2000. Jarrett has since joined Michael Waltrip Racing. Butch Hylton will continue in his role as the Yates team's crew chief.
Yates introduced the No. 88 in 1995, but in what could be a strange, yet positive, turn of events, it's likely Rudd will be reviving his former car number -- the 28 -- one of the most popular numbers in NASCAR. RYR first carried the No. 28 when the team was purchased from Ranier Racing in 1988. Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan and Kenny Irwin drove the No. 28 Texaco Havoline Ford, but after the sponsor moved to Ganassi Racing and Rudd left Yates at the end of 2002, the number hasn't been used.
The candy giant Mars, which already sponsors Yates' No. 38 M&M's Ford, also will back Rudd's effort.
During Rudd's earlier tenure at RYR, he scored three wins, 34 top fives, 53 top 10s and four poles. Rudd finished in the top five in the point standings the first two years and wound up in 10th place after a tumultuous 2002 season.
more on Ricky Rudd's return
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