[vincesanity82]

At 65, Robert Yates has seen NASCAR grow from a fledgling southern regional sport to one that's recognized as one of the top motorsports entities in the world. Time, change and age have fueled thoughts of his departure for quite some time. "This is the perfect time to step away," Yates says. "A few weeks ago, I decided that it's time for me to actually go find something that's fun to do that I could do well. I think that scenario is going to work out much better. I just want to go try to enjoy a few years of my life." -- The Dispatch

Robert Yates reflects on his decision to retire - The Lexington Dispatch

[MIKE28]

Good to see Robert go, but he sure left a mess behind for Doug to fix. If Doug doesnt fix it, I see RYR coming to an shameful end. Hope he can bring them back, with the help of RFR, to being very competitive. His lineup of drivers really have the pressure on them next season and will be the main reason if RYR makes gains or goes backward. GOOD LUCK RYR!

[jks812]

Don't mean to offend anyone, but since he has basically let it run into the ground, yes now is a good time for him to get out of it. Hopefully Doug can get it turned back around. But I'm not sure Kvapil and Gilliland are the drivers that can do that. If Kvapil does as good as he's doing in the trucks, he'll be okay. Not to sure about the other one though.

[LSC9901]

I won't try to defend Robert but we really don't know why RYR spiraled downhill the way it did. It could be sponsorship dollars didn't allow him to keep up with technology. D.J. started going downhill at the same time RYR did so maybe the sponsors gave up at the same time. No money, no technology. There is always the possibility that he just didn't see it happening and didn't have the correct people in the organization to advise him that the ship was sinking.

Hopefully the new blood will be able to re-ignite the team and make something good happen.

[Team Yates]

Steve, I will defend him!! The beginning of the problem was Texaco!! They wouldn't step up to the plate and give him more money throughout the years. He should've possible told them "to pound sand" and get somebody that would give more money. But the fact that he is a loyal guy, he stuck by them and did what he was able to do with what "little" money they gave him to work with for the team. So now, here we are!! You know the saying; "you can't get better until you hit rock bottom." That is exactly where we are, rock bottom!! Yes, Doug has a "big mess" to fix, but I think he will get it done!! I think that we are in store for many big changes at Yates Racing. I have confidence in Robert's decision to turn it all over to Doug.

GO YATES RACING!!

[jks812]

I hope they get major sponsors and not some piddley ones. I would like to see them work their way back up to the top again.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Team Yates

Steve, I will defend him!!
GO YATES RACING!!

I'm sure, or at least hope, you know that in my statement saying that I won't try to defend him you also know that I won't crap on this guy either. The reason I wouldn't at this point defend him is for a very valid reason ... "I" really don't know when, why or where the downfall began. For me RYR is a proven team, they are just in a down cycle at this point and hopefully with the infusion of new blood good things can happen.

[Racer Duck]

whatever the reason, the Yates teams need help. they are not the force they were in the past.

in every evolution there's a point where things change to adapt to new circumstances. that Yates may be lagging at the moment in the change department only means their change will be more drastic and exciting than others that have "kept up." for that reason alone, you'll see Yates getting lots of new fans jumping on the Yates bandwagon. how long they stay there will be strictly dependent on Yates' future success.

if/when Yates is successful, several things will happen: good drivers will come calling; good sponsors will come calling; other teams will come calling; no more having to beat the bushes. net result is they will have even more difficult choices to make; a tough, but good problem to have.

I wish them mega-success!

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I'm sure, or at least hope, you know that in my statement saying that I won't try to defend him you also know that I won't crap on this guy either. The reason I wouldn't at this point defend him is for a very valid reason ... "I" really don't know when, why or where the downfall began. For me RYR is a proven team, they are just in a down cycle at this point and hopefully with the infusion of new blood good things can happen.

I know that Steve!! I didn't take what you said out of context, I was just stating that I will defend him!! I've now been chatting with for over a year. In our many conversations I've found you to basically not be biased or judgmatic and to be fair. When I posted that, it was very quickly as I was getting ready for work, I need some time to sit down in front of the computer to put down everything that I want to say.

[MIKE28]

Has anyone heard of any potential sponsors coming to Yates? That would be the first thing they need to start a turnaround, really good sponsors. I just hope they can get back where they belong. I am a loyal Yates fan and really hate what I have been seeing the last 5 or so years.

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by LSC9901
I'm sure, or at least hope, you know that in my statement saying that I won't try to defend him you also know that I won't crap on this guy either. The reason I wouldn't at this point defend him is for a very valid reason ... "I" really don't know when, why or where the downfall began. For me RYR is a proven team, they are just in a down cycle at this point and hopefully with the infusion of new blood good things can happen.

Originally Posted by Team Yates

I know that Steve!! I didn't take what you said out of context, I was just stating that I will defend him!! I've now been chatting with you for over a year. In our many conversations I've found you to basically not be biased or judgmatic and to be fair. When I posted that, it was very quickly as I was getting ready for work, I need some time to sit down in front of the computer to put down everything that I want to say.

Sometime this weekend, I will have some time to elaborate.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by MIKE28

Has anyone heard of any potential sponsors coming to Yates? That would be the first thing they need to start a turnaround, really good sponsors. I just hope they can get back where they belong. I am a loyal Yates fan and really hate what I have been seeing the last 5 or so years.

I'd agree. From my point of view Yates has been a great team owner. I don't recall a lot of controversy about him and for a while he had some great drivers that won him races. It's never good to see someone slowly sink. For whatever reason they have just fallen behind in technology and getting back up to speed will take time and funds. They can do it.

[PettyBlue]

How long has and still, will take the Petty's to do the same as Yates just starting to try and do?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PettyBlue

How long has and still, will take the Petty's to do the same as Yates just starting to try and do?

How long before there is a change in management ??? I believe Richard knows they are behind in technology but they just aren't getting done what they need to do.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I believe Richard knows they are behind in technology but they just aren't getting done what they need to do.

I think Richard just needs to step on Kyle as I believe Kyle is actually runnin the show. I think it was last year Kyle was quoted as saying something to the effect of Gettin out of the 45 if he couldn't step it up. I think they can't find a good driver to step in. Atleast not one willin to step in and help bring the organization back.