NASCAR NEXTEL: Ford Steps Down as #88 Team Crew Chief

CHARLOTTE, N.C., (May 16, 2005) ----- Robert Yates Racing (RYR) announced today that Mike Ford has elected to step down as crew chief for the #88 UPS/Robert Yates Racing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team and driver Dale Jarrett. Ford joined RYR in November 2003.

“Mike made this decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family,” said Eddie D’Hondt, general manager for RYR. “We obviously wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

“We are actively pursuing someone to replace him,” D’Hondt continued. “Until we find the right individual for the job, we will fill the role in-house on an interim basis.”

The #88 Team is currently 14th in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series point standings with one pole, one top-five and two top-10 finishes. The team’s best finish in 2005 to date is a fifth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway in April.