Yates retires 88, passes number to Earnhardt Jr

No. 88 RETIRES WITH ROBERT YATES

MOORESVILLE, NC (September 19, 2007) --- Robert Yates confirmed today he is retiring the No. 88 from Robert Yates Racing (RYR) following the last race of the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. He is requesting NASCAR transfer the number to Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for use in competition for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"Ralph Earnhardt drove the No. 88 Olds in 1957 and because of this number's history with the Earnhardt family; I felt car number 88 should continue with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.," Yates said.

"Younger fans don't realize I built cars and raced against Ralph. I also had a very close relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Sr. I'm proud to transfer this number to Dale Jr. and let him know how much I appreciate the friendship and competitive racing I've always enjoyed with his family," Yates continued.

Dale Jarrett began driving the No. 88 Ford Quality Care/Ford Credit Racing Ford in 1996 and promptly won the Daytona 500 in the team's first race. UPS assumed the role of primary sponsorship in 2001 with Ford Credit staying on as an associate sponsor. Jarrett had 29 victories and won, what was then, the Winston Cup championship in 1999. He also finished in the top 10 in points seven consecutive seasons from 1996 through 2002. Ricky Rudd assumed driving duties in 2007, with sponsorship from Snickers.

Doug Yates announced two weeks ago, David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil will be the team's drivers in 2008 with sponsorship and car numbers to be announced.

-credit: ryr