Rudd-Yates a perfect match for future

Dick Brinster

Thursday, Sept. 23, 1999 | 12:07 p.m.

Although Ricky Rudd and Robert Yates are among the brightest people in NASCAR, they say not much intelligence was needed to determine they'd be a perfect match.

"Hey, this was sort of a no-brainer," said Rudd, quitting his role as an owner-driver after this year to take a job with Yates, owner of one of the most coveted rides in NASCAR history. "I'm looking forward to a little rest."

Rudd has had some success as an owner and driver for six years in the Winston Cup series. But he loses his longtime sponsor at the end of this year, and at 44 wants to give up the struggle.

Worrying about a tire bill and the first turn at Dover Downs International Speedway, where on Sunday he hopes to extend a hallowed NASCAR record, became too much. Time constraints and junk food were no help, either.

"It can take a toll on you physically, and mentally it can wear you down," Rudd said. "Before this situation, I was in a gym almost every day."

But he plans to work out, saying he needs to get in better shape next year. Virtually every driver on the circuit is an outstanding physical specimen, particularly those at the top.

And Rudd, who moves next year to the famous No. 28 car driven by a slew of Hall of Famers, thinks he still has a chance to get there.

"I don't think it's an unrealistic goal," he said when asked about winning his first title next year. "You've got a motor program out there that is second to none."

Robert Yates Racing's Ford engines are known for horsepower and reliability. Dale Jarrett, well on his way to giving Yates his first championship as a car owner, is proving that every week.

Rudd, who replaces the fired Kenny Irwin, knows he will be under pressure to produce. Texaco-Havoline, which came aboard shortly after Yates bought the 28 car in 1987, has seen the 4-year-old No. 88 Ford Credit car of Jarrett become the big gun in the garage.

"A top-five or top-10 in the points," Rudd said when asked what would be an acceptable start for him. "I think a lot of people would be upset if you didn't come away with that."

Rudd has won 20 races in a quarter-century on the circuit in cars far less formidable than the 28. So, he counts his blessings.

"Really, to have the opportunity to drive for Robert and the history that goes with the Texaco-Havoline car, there probably isn't a driver in the garage area that doesn't envy my position," he said.

Counting himself, Rudd will be driving for his 10th different car owner. Although his wants and needs have changed since he broke in at age 19, Rudd has always hoped to land an elite ride.

And Yates, who in the last few seasons has endured the death of Davey Allison, the near-death of Ernie Irvan and the immaturity of Irwin, was looking for stability. He got it when Jarrett came aboard, and figures the move to Rudd was an easy decision.

"I had experiences with young drivers that were not so pleasant from a learning standpoint and much more pleasant ones with veteran drivers," Yates said. "I always sort of learned from Junior Johnson: 'Let someone else train them and we'll take them after that.' "

Despite Irwin's lack of success, it isn't always that way. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are proof that a lot of talent can overcome inexperience.

But Yates remembered the tough early times - even though Allison became a superstar - and felt comfortable with Rudd. If he had any doubts, they were erased the first time he surfaced after announcing his decision last month.

"When I walked through the tunnel at Bristol everybody was screaming for Ricky," Yates said. "It's not only popular from the grandstands, it's popular within our shops."

But before Rudd reports to work for Yates, he has some unfinished business in his own car. He's trying to extend his Winston Cup record of winning at least once each season to 17 years in a row.

The MBNA Gold 400 will provide one of the final realistic opportunities for that. Rudd has won four times on The Monster Mile.

"I think one thing is it would show that the people we've got assembled are not rolling over and giving up," he said. "The ownership role didn't take the course I anticipated, but I'm still fighting it right down to the end to produce results."