Rumored sale of RYR called 'erroneous'
A report that Robby Gordon Motorsports has purchased Robert Yates Racing's Cup and Busch Series teams was denied by officials with RGM Tuesday. But John Story, CEO of Robby Gordon Motorsports, said the two teams have spoken about a possible merger of some sort.
"As Robby stated several months ago, we have talked to a number of people both in and out of NASCAR about expanding, with the ultimate goal of fielding a championship-caliber team," Story said. "To be competitive in NASCAR's Cup series today, you've got to have multiple teams. So, yes, we've spoken [to RYR officials], but we've spoken with other people also. "That any sort of deal has been completed between the two teams is completely erroneous."
According to the Internet story posted by the LTN Radio Network, the purchase of RYR by Robby Gordon Motorsports would be "effective this week."
Story said the need to expand to multiple teams has led to discussions with a number of organizations currently competing in the series, including Hall of Fame Racing and PPI Motorsports among others.
"Not surprisingly, a number of teams have contacted us as well," Story said. "But you can't just take two single-car teams and put them together and say you are now a multicar team. It's just not that easy. There are a number of issues that come into play."
Those issues, he said, include concerns such as shop space, manufacturer representation, sponsorships and driver selection.
"If you make a move like that," he said, "you have to make sure you're in lock step with one another. If anything changes, you have to agree on what the new path will look like."
Gordon, who began fielding his own NASCAR Nextel Cup team in 2005, is currently 26th in owner points, highest among single-car teams.
