Jeremy Mayfield may have a temporary job with Robert Yates Racing. Credit: Autostock

Yates talking to Mayfield about fill-in role

Gilliland expected to take helm of No. 38 Ford at Fontana

As David Gilliland contemplates his immediate future with Robert Yates Racing -- namely whether or not to lose his rookie status in 2007 by taking a Nextel Cup ride now -- sources close to RYR told NASCAR.COM the organization is also in discussion with Jeremy Mayfield about a potential fill-in role in the No. 38 Ford.

QUITE A DAY All in the space of a day, owner Ray Evernham declared driver Jeremy Mayfield had been terminated, Mayfield sought a preliminary injunction against his firing, and the parties apparently reached a resolution.  •   Complete story,  click here

Mayfield, released by Evernham Motorsports earlier this week, would only be a temporary fill-in for Yates, and would not sign a multi-year deal.

Sources said Gilliland is expected to man the No. 38 Ford for the final 12 races, but his participation in the fall race at Talladega remains in doubt. He has not yet been approved for racing on NASCAR's superspeedways.

Mayfield's termination from Evernham Motorsports earlier this week opens the seat of the No. 19 Dodge for the current driver of the No. 38 Ford, Elliott Sadler. Sadler may be in the No. 19 before season's end, depending largely on the resolutions of various contractual agreements, sources said.