Hermie Sadler to sub for Mast this weekend

RICHMOND, Va. - Long-time NASCAR Winston Cup team owner W.C. "Junie" Donlavey Wednesday announced he would continue the home state flavor of his team by using Hermie Sadler of Emporia, Va., in Sunday's Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

	Rick Mast

The change occurred when Donlavey's regular driver, veteran Rick Mast of Rockbridge Baths, Va., was advised by his doctor to sit out this weekend.

Donlavey's team manager Jason Hedlesky said Mast has been losing weight and feeling fatigued for the past several weeks so he is undergoing tests to determine the cause.

Mast, 45, called Donlavey Tuesday evening and gave him the news and they considered Sadler to be the best available replacement, given that he is a Virginia native.

Sadler, 33, had entered his own Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the event -- which would be his fourth start this season, but it was withdrawn Wednesday when Donlavey made his change.

	Hermie Sadler

Hermie Sadler has out-run his more highly regarded brother, Elliott Sadler, in two of the three starts he's made, including his best finish in seven career starts, 18th at Richmond International Raceway.

Mast drove in the Winston Open and No Bull Sprint last weekend at Lowe's. He qualified 11th for the 23-car Winston Open and finished 15th. He moved up one spot to 14th -- one spot ahead of Hermie Sadler -- after the 16-lap Sprint and won $32,026.

Hedlesky said the team anticipates Mast returning for the June 2 MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover International Speedway.

"Our main concern is getting Rick well and getting him back at the track with us," Hedlesky said.

Donlavey said Sadler was a natural choice to drive the car this weekend. The team is billed as an all-Virginia project, as Donlavey's Winston Cup team has called Richmond home for six decades and sponsor the C.F. Sauer Company is also located here.