[vincesanity82]

Ricky Rudd has 897 career starts, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will have 911 at the end of this season. He might never get to 912.
Rudd said Sunday he will leave Yates/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing at the end of this year. After taking virtually all of 2006 off, Rudd came back this season in a one-year deal to help the team improve its program.
He won't compete full time again.
"I've always raced for fun," Rudd said Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. "I've been fortunate that I've had something that I've loved to do, had fun doing it and made a good living doing it.
"I wasn't sure if I was ready to retire at the end of '05 or not. I took a year off and I ended up coming back. It's clear to me what I want to do now. I've enjoyed the sport, but it's time for me to do something different. It's time for me to step aside."
The 50-year-old Rudd, who owns the NASCAR record for consecutive starts with 788, said he could see himself fill in for a driver if needed in the future. He said he is not pursuing a limited schedule, but he could look at one if approached.


Rudd, perhaps ready to retire, won't return to Yates

[PettyBlue]

Either stay in or get out Ricky.Don't end up like Neil Bonnett.So sad what happend to a fine person.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by PettyBlue

Either stay in or get out Ricky.Don't end up like Neil Bonnett.So sad what happend to a fine person.

Tragedy it was indeed