Ricky Rudd-Elliott Sadler Timeline
May 2	Elliott Sadler confirms that he requested to be released from his contract with Wood Brothers Racing at the end of the 2003 season.
May 6	Ricky Rudd, who's contract with Robert Yates Racing expires at the end of the season, says he's considering retirement. Rumors surface that Sadler will replace Rudd.
May 9	Eddie and Len Wood say they weren't caught off guard by Sadler's release request, but admit they are uncertain about the future of their race team.
May 26	Rudd breaks Terry Labonte's Iron Man record with his 656th consecutive start at the Coca-Cola 600.
May 31	Eddie Wood announces that Sadler will be granted his release at the end of the season, and Wood Brothers Racing will begin its search for a new driver.
June 7	Rudd says he is still weighing his options for the 2003 season and will make a decision on his future by mid-July.
June 23	Rudd wins the Dodge-Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
July 15	Yates says chances are 'slim' that Rudd will return to his team in 2003.
July 19	Yates reveals that Rudd and crew chief Michael "Fatback" McSwain had a confrontation over Rudd's absence from a team victory party hosted by McSwain following the win at Sonoma.
Aug. 2	Rudd confirms that he's had discussions with Chip Ganassi about driving a third car for the owner but says no deal has been finalized.
Aug. 8	Though Yates has one year left on his sponsorship contract with Texaco-Havoline, Rudd claims the owner doesn't want it because a deal with Sadler and new sponsor M&M's has been completed.
Aug. 9	After winning the pole for the Sirius Satellite Radio at the Glen, Rudd says "there's not a place for me at Robert Yates Racing next year."
Aug. 13	Texaco-Havoline cancels a scheduled news conference at Lowe's Motor Speedway to announce its future sponsorship plans.
Aug. 16	With Rudd and Ganassi unable to finalize a deal, speculations shifts to Rudd joining the Wood Brothers.
Aug. 18	Yates formally announces that Sadler will join his team in 2003 as the driver of a No. 38 Ford sponsored by M&M's.
Aug. 20	Rudd signs a three-year contract to drive the Wood Brothers' No. 21 Ford.
Sept. 7	After finishing seventh in the Monte Carlo 400, Rudd and a team member engage in an altercation in the garage area after the race.
Sept. 10	NASCAR fines Rudd and Robert Yates Racing employee Larry Lackey for their post-race fight at Richmond.
Oct. 30	Michael McSwain is released from his contract with Robert Yates Racing and immediately hired as Bobby Labonte's new crew chief.
Nov. 1	Rudd voices his displeasure with McSwain's departure, saying his team's shot at a top-10 points finish is all but over.