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Sadler says decision on hold, waiting on Rudd
Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive July 9, 2002
CONCORD, N.C. - After winning the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Speedway earlier this month, Ricky Rudd commented that whatever decision he made regarding his racing career would produce a domino effect throughout the Winston Cup Series.
He couldn't have been more correct.
Elliott Sadler concurred with Rudd, saying that Rudd's decision -- whether it be to stay behind the wheel of the No. 28 Havoline Ford for another year, switch teams or hang his helmet up for good -- has everything to do with Sadler's future.
"Here's my update: I'm waiting to see what's up with (Rudd's No. 28) car. I've kind of put a lot of eggs in that basket and I'm willing to wait and see what happens there.
"It's a big chance, I know that, but it's something I'm willing to do. Other owners understand that. I see a lot of stuff floating through the media, but I'm really just waiting like you are to see what Ricky decides to do, how his situation works out. After that, many dominoes will fall. Not just mine."
Sadler makes no attempt to hide his affection for the No. 28 Ford -- a car and team he's admittedly admired since his youth. But he also said that if Rudd does opt to return to Robert Yates Racing, he has a backup plan.
He said that he has discussed options with other team owners, but has been up front with them in telling them his heart was with the 28.
"If that situation comes up (Rudd returns to RYR), I'll worry about it when it happens," Sadler said. "I know that car can run. Fatback (McSwain, crew chief) and Ricky have been unbelievable in it. That's why I'm hanging out just to see what happens.
"I know it might bite me real bad. But I'm willing to take that chance. I couldn't live with myself if I sold myself short, so I'm just kind of waiting it out."
One intriguing aspect of Sadler's situation is the formation of Doug Yates Racing. Yates, Robert's son and head engine man at RYR, has started the process of forming his own team. Might Sadler drive Doug Yates' ride?
"I saw that rumor in Daytona, where he had looked for a license or whatever," Sadler said. "I don't know about that, haven't gotten that far yet."
If all else failed, Sadler still has the option of returning to the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford and Wood Brothers Racing. Owner Eddie Wood made that clear Tuesday, as well.
"Oh yeah, sure," Wood said. "We're all friends. All grown people. If he wanted to stay, you'd be an idiot not to do it. No bridges are burned here."
Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive July 9, 2002
CONCORD, N.C. - After winning the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Speedway earlier this month, Ricky Rudd commented that whatever decision he made regarding his racing career would produce a domino effect throughout the Winston Cup Series.
He couldn't have been more correct.
Elliott Sadler concurred with Rudd, saying that Rudd's decision -- whether it be to stay behind the wheel of the No. 28 Havoline Ford for another year, switch teams or hang his helmet up for good -- has everything to do with Sadler's future.
"Here's my update: I'm waiting to see what's up with (Rudd's No. 28) car. I've kind of put a lot of eggs in that basket and I'm willing to wait and see what happens there.
"It's a big chance, I know that, but it's something I'm willing to do. Other owners understand that. I see a lot of stuff floating through the media, but I'm really just waiting like you are to see what Ricky decides to do, how his situation works out. After that, many dominoes will fall. Not just mine."
Sadler makes no attempt to hide his affection for the No. 28 Ford -- a car and team he's admittedly admired since his youth. But he also said that if Rudd does opt to return to Robert Yates Racing, he has a backup plan.
He said that he has discussed options with other team owners, but has been up front with them in telling them his heart was with the 28.
"If that situation comes up (Rudd returns to RYR), I'll worry about it when it happens," Sadler said. "I know that car can run. Fatback (McSwain, crew chief) and Ricky have been unbelievable in it. That's why I'm hanging out just to see what happens.
"I know it might bite me real bad. But I'm willing to take that chance. I couldn't live with myself if I sold myself short, so I'm just kind of waiting it out."
One intriguing aspect of Sadler's situation is the formation of Doug Yates Racing. Yates, Robert's son and head engine man at RYR, has started the process of forming his own team. Might Sadler drive Doug Yates' ride?
"I saw that rumor in Daytona, where he had looked for a license or whatever," Sadler said. "I don't know about that, haven't gotten that far yet."
If all else failed, Sadler still has the option of returning to the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford and Wood Brothers Racing. Owner Eddie Wood made that clear Tuesday, as well.
"Oh yeah, sure," Wood said. "We're all friends. All grown people. If he wanted to stay, you'd be an idiot not to do it. No bridges are burned here."
