Post by dalejrfan on Nov 8, 2005 12:37:23 GMT -5
Rudd to step back from racing, but not 'retiring'
CONCORD, N.C. -- Ricky Rudd on Tuesday clarified his position -- and future -- and announced that he will step back from the sport after the 2005 season, but stopped short of calling his decision a retirement.
Rudd said that he and Roger Penske had been in talks to take over the No. 2 Dodge upon the retirement of Rusty Wallace at the end of the year.
"First, let me say that discussions between me and the Penske organization about driving the No. 2 car next year came up very recently and after I already had decided to take a break from racing for a time," Rudd said. "I had previously turned down several other opportunities to drive for teams and owners I respect, but the Penske opportunity was unique, and maybe the only offer that would have made me consider changing my plans to step back for a time."
However, Penske, Chip Ganassi and Jack Roush announced moves Monday that ended all discussions with Rudd and Penske.
Defending Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch will move from Roush Racing to Penske; Jamie McMurray will join Roush from Ganassi; and Casey Mears, already under contract with Ganassi, will take over for McMurray in the No. 42 Dodge
www.nascar.com/2005/news/headlines/cup/11/08/rrudd.retiring/index.html
CONCORD, N.C. -- Ricky Rudd on Tuesday clarified his position -- and future -- and announced that he will step back from the sport after the 2005 season, but stopped short of calling his decision a retirement.
Rudd said that he and Roger Penske had been in talks to take over the No. 2 Dodge upon the retirement of Rusty Wallace at the end of the year.
"First, let me say that discussions between me and the Penske organization about driving the No. 2 car next year came up very recently and after I already had decided to take a break from racing for a time," Rudd said. "I had previously turned down several other opportunities to drive for teams and owners I respect, but the Penske opportunity was unique, and maybe the only offer that would have made me consider changing my plans to step back for a time."
However, Penske, Chip Ganassi and Jack Roush announced moves Monday that ended all discussions with Rudd and Penske.
Defending Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch will move from Roush Racing to Penske; Jamie McMurray will join Roush from Ganassi; and Casey Mears, already under contract with Ganassi, will take over for McMurray in the No. 42 Dodge
www.nascar.com/2005/news/headlines/cup/11/08/rrudd.retiring/index.html