Rudd frustrated about now, upbeat about later

INDIANAPOLIS -- Ricky Rudd was quite vocal Friday regarding his current standing at Robert Yates Racing, and offered insight into where he might wind up in 2003.

	Ricky Rudd has eight top-10 finishes in 2002. Credit: Autostock

Rudd has been a fixture in the rumor mill for months, but said he only recently gave up on a chance at returning to RYR after the 2002 campaign.

"Certainly I'm not real happy with what's gone on with the team I'm in," said Rudd, 45. "But the bottom line story is my obligation with this Havoline Robert Yates race team. My contract was going to end at the end of this year. So technically, from that standpoint, (Yates) really didn't owe me anything.

"It would have been nice to have a clear-cut understanding of what his intentions were. But I'm hearing sort of a series of half-truths from Robert, and I'm having to really piece this thing together from the media pieces I've been reading about what's going on.

"I think what we do know is that Robert, or some family member of his, probably signed Elliott Sadler as far back as late May, as I suspected. But what I didn't understand fully was whether Robert would run two teams or three teams.

"I didn't really understand that fully until a week or two ago, that it would only be a two-team effort."

Yates, who hadn't yet heard Rudd's statements, didn't have much to say on the issue.

"There's not really that much to say. I can sit here and tell you stuff all day long, but people are going to assume what they want to," Yates said. "He knows his side very well and I know my side well, and there's not a lot of difference. There's really nothing to be upset or mad about."

Rudd said he's still considering some "six or seven teams," all of whom he deems capable of contending for a championship from day one. He's still interested in signing a one-year contract with an upper-tier team, and could do so quite soon.

RICKY RUDD • Driver Page • Season Stats • Photo Gallery • Video Highlights • Last Six Races: 6th

"Well to be honest with you, the Yates deal probably hasn't been an option for me since, probably, late May," Rudd said. "As much as I was trying to hold on to it, I think, seeing other pieces of the puzzle come together, I don't think that was ever an option for me.

"So I'm having to look at the best opportunity I can go to, the best team situation, to come out of the box and be competitive right away. That's what I've done. I guess somewhat out of greed, out of self-concern, what race team is the best operation I could possibly go to and win races and challenge for a championship right out in year one.

"There's a lot of great opportunities out there, so it's been a tough process to go though and figure out which one would be the best. The trouble is, with me, I need to go with a team that can come out of the box right away. I don't have three years. If it's going to be a two or three-year building process, I don't have that (time)."

Rudd wouldn't specify where he might end up, but he's been rumored to be talking with everyone from Jerry Jones to Chip Ganassi.

"I wouldn't say it changes daily, but it's under construction as we speak," Rudd said. "It's not a done deal. Nothing's been signed. But we're moving forward, trying to get things worked out for next year. The ball's pretty much in my court to decide which team is the best for me."

One thing is for certain -- Rudd is disgruntled with Yates.

"Like I said, my contract's ending and won't be renewed at Robert Yates Racing. Robert didn't owe me anything other than why are you breaking up a team that's successful on the racetrack," Rudd said. "At least give me an off-the-record explanation of why is he destroying this race team.

	Robert Yates said there isn't much to be upset about when it comes to Ricky Rudd. Credit: Autostock

"So, again, I think he wanted to make it look like I was going to walk, like I was going to leave. Again, I held in there until the latest possible time I could, and it's pretty obvious that Yates Racing will consist of two teams next year.

"The things I get tired of reading is all the (distractions) that's been said about this race team. All Robert's got to do is keep his mouth shut and let us go out there and run this race team and try to win him a championship. But all this stuff about crew chiefs fighting with drivers is all nonsense to take the heat off him."

Rumors have also surfaced regarding sponsor Havoline, and whether or not they'll return to RYR. They have been rumored to be moving to Ganassi.

"He has another year with Havoline Racing. It's his call," Rudd said. "I can't speak for the sponsor, but there is no option year. Havoline has another year on their contract. So I don't know the legalities, but I think it's a legal issue, is what it's about."