Rudd

	Sadler

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Robert Yates hired Elliott Sadler to replace Ricky Rudd in 2003 with new sponsor M&M's.

Sadler will drive a No. 38 Ford, ending Yates' 14-year association with No. 28. That number probably will stay with Chevron-Texaco, which has backed Robert Yates Racing since 1988.

Chevron-Texaco already has canceled two news conferences in the past month to announce its Winston Cup plans for next season. Those might include Rudd.

The 27-year-old Sadler has one victory in three seasons, and finished second in this year's Daytona 500. He had a contract for next season with the Wood Brothers, but was granted his release.

Yates' drivers have won 52 races, including two in 2002, and consistently challenge for the championship.

''This the biggest honor and privilege I've ever had,'' Sadler said. ''To me, this a career opportunity.

''When I get in this car, we need to win races and run good every week. They'll be more pressure on me than ever before.''

Yates wouldn't discuss the decision not to keep the 45-year-old Rudd, who was thinking about retirement this year but now appears to want to drive at least one more season.

Yates said the drivers' ages ''wasn't a factor'' in the change.

Crew chief Michael McSwain, who came to the team with Rudd before the 2001 season, will stay and work with Sadler.

''You can tell when he's running good, you can tell when he's running bad, and that's the type of crew chief I want,'' Sadler said. ''Somebody that looks like they'll go to war for you each and every week.''