Yates: No. 38 car could be Gilliland's next week

Driver would lose '07 rookie-of-the-year eligibility if move happens

By Ryan Smithson, NASCAR.COM
August 11, 2006
12:05 PM EDT (16:05 GMT)
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- With Jeremy Mayfield officially out of the No. 19 Dodge, it could clear the way for Elliott Sadler to take his seat. It might also mean the Robert Yates Racing debut of David Gilliland as soon as next week.
Team co-owner Doug Yates said on Friday at Watkins Glen that it will be up to Gilliland whether he wants to lose his 2007 rookie status by stepping into the seat early. Carl Edwards lost his rookie status in 2004 by competing in the final 13 races.
Gilliland has been in the mix to replace Sadler in the No. 38 Ford, and an announcement on his hiring is expected later this month. Gilliland, 30, has just one Nextel Cup start but entered the Silly Season mix after a shocking Busch Series win at Kentucky in June.
"David and I talked about that. It is really up to him," said Yates. "He feels right now that he wants to be in the car as much as he could. That is the most important thing."
Yates said he did not speak with No. 19 owner Ray Evernham on Friday but did acknowledge that his team's outlook was coming into shape quickly.
"I have not met with Ray, but I think that things will unfold," said Yates. "If that's going to happen, it will happen. That is not something we are focused on this week."
Robert Yates Racing has not revealed a full driver or a sponsor lineup for 2007, but Yates said that announcements were pending.
"We are getting really close on both and should know something in the next week or so," said Yates.
A major piece of the puzzle was filled this week when longtime Robert Yates Racing employee Todd Parrott left Petty Enterprises to return to RYR. It is Parrott's third tenure with RYR; in the past, he had served both as a crew chief and competition director.
"I think we are going to announce next week exactly where he is going to fit into the company," said Yates. "We need to make sure he is part of our future for a long time to come. He gives people confidence."

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Very interesting.

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Just read that Yates might have Mayfield drive the #38 car at Talledega due to the fact that Gilliland is not approved at that track.

Things are sure getting sticky a'int they.

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Sadler out at RYR as of Monday? Gilliland in at MIS?: Elliott Sadler cleaned out his locker Monday at Robert Yates Racing, clearing the way for David Gilliland to take over the #38 M&M's Ford. Gilliland, 30, will make his second Nextel Cup start, his first for RYR, Sunday in the GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Gilliland's name has been painted on the #38 M&M's Ford Fusion, and all signs point to a formal announcement within days. Gilliland will be in the car as early as Tuesday for testing at Kentucky Speedway. Sadler most likely will be released from his contract with RYR this week, and he is expected to take over the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge at Evernham Motorsports, which became open when Jeremy Mayfield was released last week.(Sporting News/Greg Engle), Todd Parrott is expected to take over #38 crew chief duties at MIS. An announcement was expected on Monday, August 14th, but it didn't happen.(8-15-2006

I think that Sadler didn't give Robert enough time to make the necessary changes, Sadler will see that old saying is true: The grass is always greener on the other side..... ,I think that Gilliland will do a good job for Robert, can't wait to see his performance!!

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