news-record.com

RICHMOND, Va. -- Calling this his time, Doug Yates said he's ready to lead his father's team, Robert Yates Racing, to greater success. Roush Fenway Racing will provide technical support, chassis and marketing help.

Doug Yates is taking over ownership of his father's team and renaming it Yates Racing. His drivers will be David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil. No sponsors have been signed for next season.

"Ford Motor Company has helped me personally,'' Yates said. "With Jack (Roush's) support, I think we can make it work."

DEALING: ESPN.com reported that Petty Enterprises is having discussions with car owner George Gillett about a merger with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The union would form a four-car team. That might require Gillett Evernham to drop one team because it fields three cars and the Pettys field two. Even in a merger, the Petty Enterprises name would survive.

NEW DRIVER: Citing an unidentified source, The Associated Press reported that Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti will join Chip Ganassi's Nextel Cup team next season, replacing David Stremme. Franchitti would join a team with Juan Pablo Montoya and Reed Sorenson.