David Gilliland could have a new job next week. Credit: Autostock

Yates: No. 38 car could be Gilliland's next week

Driver would lose '07 rookie-of-the-year eligibility if move happens

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- With Jeremy Mayfield officially out of the No. 19 Dodge, it could clear the way for Elliott Sadler to take his seat. It might also mean the Robert Yates Racing debut of David Gilliland as soon as next week.

	Jeremy Mayfield is looking for work. Credit: Autostock
	'TERMINATED' Owner Ray Evernham made it clear Friday at Watkins Glen: Jeremy Mayfield will not be back in the No. 19, but he didn't say who would replace him.  •   Full story,  click here

Team co-owner Doug Yates said on Friday at Watkins Glen that it will be up to Gilliland whether he wants to lose his 2007 rookie status by stepping into the seat early. Carl Edwards lost his rookie status in 2004 by competing in the final 13 races.

Gilliland has been in the mix to replace Sadler in the No. 38 Ford, and an announcement on his hiring is expected later this month. Gilliland, 30, has just one Nextel Cup start but entered the Silly Season mix after a shocking Busch Series win at Kentucky in June.

"David and I talked about that. It is really up to him," said Yates. "He feels right now that he wants to be in the car as much as he could. That is the most important thing."

Yates said he did not speak with No. 19 owner Ray Evernham on Friday but did acknowledge that his team's outlook was coming into shape quickly.

"I have not met with Ray, but I think that things will unfold," said Yates. "If that's going to happen, it will happen. That is not something we are focused on this week."

Robert Yates Racing has not revealed a full driver or a sponsor lineup for 2007, but Yates said that announcements were pending.

"We are getting really close on both and should know something in the next week or so," said Yates.

A major piece of the puzzle was filled this week when longtime Robert Yates Racing employee Todd Parrott left Petty Enterprises to return to RYR. It is Parrott's third tenure with RYR; in the past, he had served both as a crew chief and competition director.

"I think we are going to announce next week exactly where he is going to fit into the company," said Yates. "We need to make sure he is part of our future for a long time to come. He gives people confidence."