Robby Gordon Motorsports is still looking for its first Nextel Cup Series victory. Credit: Autostock

R. Gordon Motorsports to grow to two teams

Possible alliance with Robert Yates Racing being discussed

JOLIET, Ill. -- Robby Gordon Motorsports will expand in 2007, possibly to a two-car operation in-house or by way of an alliance with an existing team. Among those on the radar: Robert Yates Racing.

	Credit: Autostock
	Inside the Numbers Robby Gordon Motorsports in the 2006 Nextel Cup Series Starts 17 Wins 0 Top-5s 0 Top-10s 1 Laps Led 6 Avg. Start 29.1 Avg. Finish 25.3 Lead-lap finishes 7

RGM and RYR executives said Saturday they're discussing the future with "a lot of people," and RGM CEO John Story confirmed that Yates is among the teams with which RGM has discussed a future partnership.

Whether or not the union comes to fruition, though, is up in the air

"We've spoken to [Yates]," Story said. "We've talked to them, had some general discussions. But we're not yet ready. We've got to get everything on the table, lay it out and see what's best for us.

"We will be making a lot of improvements to the program next year. We recognize we've got to grow. If you want to run for championships you've got to grow. So we've made it a strategy to grow. How we do it is yet to be determined."

Story said RGM has a contract offer from General Motors for 2007, and regardless the chosen direction Gordon would maintain an ownership role. Story said RGM would prefer to add a second Nextel Cup Series team, and has ongoing discussions regarding the second program with several potential sponsors.

"We have a lot going on as far as having a second car in our program," Story said. "That's the most exciting thing. That was the plan all along."

Asked about a potential alliance or partnership with RGM, Doug Yates said little, divulging only that RYR is looking at every possible avenue to improve performance. They recently announced a driver-development alliance with Team Rensi Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch Series.

If the organization can improve, Yates feels they'll be able to retain Elliott Sadler as driver of the M&Ms Ford. Sadler is outwardly frustrated with his team's performance this season and is weighing offers from other teams.

Story said Gordon was not in consideration to drive the No. 88 vacated by 1999 Cup Series champ Dale Jarrett.

"Robby will not drive the 88 car," Story said. "Robby will drive that 7 car until the end of his career. That much I know -- unless something changes that none of us are aware of."