Robert Yates to retire, Kvapil to replace Rudd

UPDATE This Rumor is upgraded to 'fact' as reported in this That's Racin' article.

09/07/07 Yates Racing is expected to announce a management structure change Friday night that, according to multiple sources close to the situation, will include team owner Robert Yates' retirement. Those same sources say that Travis Kvapil, current driver of Roush Fenway Racing's #6 Ford in the Craftsman Truck Series, will replace Ricky Rudd in the #88 Ford for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Sources said Doug Yates, Robert's son and the president of the team, will assume the ownership role and preside over the company. Sources also said that Roush Fenway Racing will provide full support to Yates, including licensing, marketing and engineering. It was unknown how this might affect the recently-announced partnership between open wheel team Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing and Yates. Robert Yates has been a Cup Series owner since 1989. During that time he has established himself as the premier engine builder at NASCAR's highest level and has collected 57 victories. ESPN.com