Yates still seeking elusive sponsor for 88

By Mark Ashenfelter
Saturday, September 30, 2006

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - With an ongoing sponsorship search that's been "tougher than expected," Robert Yates Racing co-owner Doug Yates said it's "time to go" where RYR's No. 88 team is concerned.

Yates hopes to have something locked down within several weeks, but can't begin serious talks with a driver to replace Dale Jarrett until securing a sponsor to replace outgoing UPS.

"We all know it's tough; $15 million sponsors aren't just laying around every corner," Yates said Friday at Kansas Speedway. "We see how some teams have to piece things together to get to a full season. That's not our first wish, of course, but we'll see how it goes."

While a sponsor will look to the team for input, Yates said the sponsor will have the greatest role in choosing the team's next driver. A veteran would be preferable to pair with David Gilliland but Yates said a younger driver could also work if it goes that way.

"We would prefer a veteran because we need that balance," Yates said. " But on the other hand, you look at it and say you need to build on something, too. It's really a tough call. You want to build for your future, but you also want to get your program back to where it needs to be. There's a lot of things up in the air and it's been tough."

Gilliland has struggled since replacing Elliott Sadler in the No. 38 car last month at Michigan.

Yates, though, knew patience would be required for a driver with only limited Busch Series experience.

"The bright part is he is very fast and qualifies well and you can see the speed. The downside is we don't need to tear up equipment," Yates said. "That's tough. When you wreck cars it's hard to build on it. You kind of know that going in with somebody and we've got a steep learning curve.

"We knew when we got together and made this that we're going to have our challenges. But the part that keeps me very excited is you see the speed in him and you see the potential there and you look at the other guys that have come before him and where they're at today.

"You look at Greg Biffle and how many cars he wrecked. And you look at Jeff Gordon and guys like that. We have to give him cars that he's comfortable to drive and he has to go out and finish these races and that's what we're up against right now."

Mentioned Drivers: David Gilliland

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 8, 2009 at 2:45 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6248
2 Mark Martin -184
3 Jeff Gordon -192
4 Juan Pablo Montoya -239
5 Tony Stewart -279
6 Kurt Busch -312
7 Greg Biffle -340
8 Ryan Newman -402
9 Kasey Kahne -414
10 Carl Edwards -437
11 Denny Hamlin -448
12 Brian Vickers -556

More by this Author

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Dickies 500

Texas Motor Speedway
03:31 PM, 11/08/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the next three races?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Cast your vote for the NASCAR Illustrated 2009 Person of the Year, presented by Old Spice.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account