[Team Yates]

Today, the 18th of November 2007, is a very sad day for me. Today is the very last day that we will see Ricky Rudd driving a race car in Nascar Cup. Today is the very last race to be run as Robert Yates Racing. Today also marks the very last day that M&M's will be sponsoring the Yates race teams of Rudd and Gilliland.
It breaks my heart that Robert is leaving the sport. I've been a Robert Yates supporter for as long as I can remember. He has been there week after week, year after year, pouring his blood, sweat and tears into the operation.
Some years have been great, some not so great, and then the just total awful years. But every single time, there he was, picking up the pieces and putting them back together. He had never given up regardless of what was thrown his way, he always tried to make the best out what was left. Even when there seemed that nothing was left, he found hope to continue despite the faces of adversity.
There has been many heartaches felt by this team and its fans throughout the years, but there have been many great times shared by all. I will truly miss Robert Yates Racing, it has been a part of me for a very long time.
I carry alot of respect for Robert, in my opinion he is a class act!! He has been fair, honest, respectful to others, helpful, generous, patient also above and beyond loyal. A very stand up guy!! I've learned alot from him throughout the years and I'm proud to say that I was, still am, and always will be a Robert Yates supporter!!
Robert, I will miss you week after week at the track!! It sure has been one wild roller coaster of a ride!!

Thanks for all the memories Robert!!
Good and bad, I was right there with you.

[bears9]

Hey, its okay. Are still rooting for the Yates guys next year under Doug?

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by bears9

Hey, its okay. Are still rooting for the Yates guys next year under Doug?

Yes. I don't believe that I have an option, in my mind.

[Souporscotty]

That was a very nice tribute TY. A class post for a class guy.

[LSC9901]

I think while Doug has taken some flack over the years, next year could prove everyone wrong. Keep in mind that Yates racing next year won't be in it alone. Just another team that could come out on or near the top. We'll see.

[Bob Tanner]

I agree with Yates, a sad day. Most have no idea the effort, the blood, sweat and tears Robert put into the team he bought from Harry Ranier, and turned it into a successful operation. It's too bad so many key people left Robert over the years. If they had stayed who knows how successful RYR would have been.

Robert has given a lot to NASCAR and its fans. May he have a long and happy retirement.

I still have no faith in Doug. I hope I'm proven wrong. Plus, this intertwining with Roush leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It smacks of yet another way the megateam owners have found to circumvent NA__AR rules.

[Nevadastars]

It wasnt that long ago, RYR was at the top of the food chain. Like Bob said, losing key people has been their downfall. Very sad indeed, and hats off to Vicky for posting this. I have always been a fan of Robert Yates, especially when he put Ernie Irvin in the 28 car.

[Quality88]

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Quality88

C'mon "Q" ... Buck up son. Doug may surprise us all.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

C'mon "Q" ... Buck up son. Doug may surprise us all.

I hope so, the organization needs a lift badly.

[PenelopePitStop]

I had no idea Robert Yates was retiring. He was actually one of the first owners I knew way back when ...

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

C'mon "Q" ... Buck up son. Doug may surprise us all.

I think that he'll be a figurehead, a power in name only. I think RYR has, in effect, become Roush's 5th, 6th and 7th teams.

I know that was an offensive statement, TeamYates. Believe it, it was nothing personal. I'm just a realist and I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

[lilsexy08]

It is sad. Earlier in the year they had a story about Yates in Nascar Illustrated excited about the year, but he must have had a change of heart. Too bad too. I forget what month that story was, but I remember it was a really good one.

[MIKE28]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I think that he'll be a figurehead, a power in name only. I think RYR has, in effect, become Roush's 5th, 6th and 7th teams.

I know that was an offensive statement, TeamYates. Believe it, it was nothing personal. I'm just a realist and I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

That is true, but who are the sponsors for the Yates cars? If they are so-called Roush cars, why hasnt Roush come up with sponsors for those cars?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by MIKE28

That is true, but who are the sponsors for the Yates cars? If they are so-called Roush cars, why hasnt Roush come up with sponsors for those cars?

83 days to go before Daytona ... Plenty of time and I'm sure there are some sponsors that are knocking on his door already.