Sadler, M&M's confirm deal with Yates for '03

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- As expected, NASCAR Winston Cup team owners Robert Yates, driver Elliott Sadler and sponsor Mars, Incorporated announced a deal Sunday morning at Michigan International Speedway that will join the trio for the 2003 season.

	Elliott Sadler will join Robert Yates Racing in 2003. Credit: Autostock

Sadler, 27, who currently drives the Wood Brothers' No. 21 Motorcraft Ford, will drive the No. 38 M&M's Ford for Robert Yates Racing, with Michael McSwain as his crew chief.

"He's the type of crew chief I want," Sadler said. "(He's) somebody that looks like they'll go to war for you each and every week, so I'm looking forward to starting that relationship up in 2003, also."

The deal between Yates and M&M's, which is for three years, has been a source of speculation for nearly three months, since Sadler let it be known he was seeking a release from his contract with Eddie and Len Wood's team.

"This is the biggest honor and privilege I've ever had -- it's a career opportunity," Sadler said. "You don't replace a veteran or a legend (current Yates driver Ricky Rudd). I'm just going to do the best I can."

	Robert Yates will have a No. 38 Ford in his stable beginning next season. Credit: Autostock

Yates, who purchased his original No. 28 race team from Harry Ranier for the 1987 season -- when the late Davey Allison drove Yates' Havoline Ford -- downplayed the number switch for next season. Yates also fields the No. 88 UPS Ford for driver Dale Jarrett and has 52 victories as an owner.

"My first reaction to do something different (with numbers) was positive," Yates said. "It's a new deal. We're teaming up together and we're putting our identity on a different number."

Ricky Rudd drives Yates' No. 28 Ford and was in seventh position in the Winston Cup standings heading into Sunday's Pepsi 400 at MIS.

Havoline is attempting to continue its brand identity in Winston Cup racing by maintaining the No. 28, wherever it takes its sponsorship. Havoline had scheduled two news conferences in the last two weeks but canceled them, reportedly when Rudd could not come to terms with owner Chip Ganassi.

On Saturday, Rudd said he had no comment on his plans for 2003.

"It seems like I find out more about what I am doing by reading about it in the media," Rudd said.

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Sadler, a four-year Winston Cup veteran, scored his lone Winston Cup victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, in his 75th career start.

"I've never had a teammate in Winston Cup racing and I think teammates are well underrated in Winston Cup racing," Sadler said. "Everybody who's interviewed me in the past years knows how highly I speak and think of Dale Jarrett, (so) to be able to work with him for a common goal at Robert Yates Racing is a big honor for me."