Yates Racing Pulls Rudd Out of Retirement

[Roswell]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 21) - Robert Yates is bringing Ricky Rudd out of retirement to keep his sinking race team afloat, signing him Thursday to drive the full Nextel Cup schedule in 2007

Masterfoods USA will sponsor the car, with its Snickers brand as the primary paint scheme. The car number was not immediately disclosed, but Yates needed a sponsor for his flagship No. 88 Ford.

Rudd spent three successful years with Yates driving the No. 28 Ford - a car not currently in use. The team combined for three victories and a fourth-place finish in the 2001 standings.

"We are excited to welcome Ricky back to the team," team owner Yates said. "We all realize Ricky's talent, and to have him return to the organization is a huge plus for us."

The team has been in a free fall almost all season. Former series champion Dale Jarrett left the No. 88 to drive a new Toyota, and sponsor UPS followed him. Elliott Sadler, the driver who replaced Rudd at Yates in 2003, used a clause in his contract to leave the team for Evernham Motorsports.

David Gilliland, who parlayed a fluke Busch Series victory in June into a Cup ride, replaced Sadler in the No. 38 Ford. That car is sponsored by Masterfoods' M&M's brand.

But until Masterfoods agreed to sponsor a second car, Yates was in danger of having to fold that team. Landing the sponsor was still only half the battle - Yates also needed a driver, preferably a veteran who could mentor Gilliland.

[Bryan Blanton]

Someone was telling me that the number on ricky's car will be 28 is there any truth to that?

[Chris]

Rudd to run full 2007 season with Snickers being the sponsor for 29 races and Pedigree and Combos sponsoring the other seven races. Hylton will supposedly return as the crew chief. Yates may switch from #88 to #28.