Rudd looks for success in 2001.

The 2001 Winston Cup season marks a new era for Ricky Rudd, driver of the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Ford.

With a racing career that spans over 20 years, Rudd knows what it is like to succeed, to struggle and to work hard in the world of racing. And for the first time, Rudd feels like he can be a contender for the win each race.

According to Rudd, the #28 team has many factors working in their favour this year. One is that the team has a year of experience working together under its belt and all the members of the pit crew are returning from last year.

"I've got the best crew I've had in my entire career," said Rudd. "I can say with confidence that we have no weak links. Each guy is excellent at what they do."

"This year we're going to be able to focus on fine tuning our program, as opposed to last year when we were dealing with a major overhaul. Our performance last year was phenomenal considering all the changes that had been made," he added.

The formula to a successful NASCAR team requires several key ingredients: a talented driver, a sponsor that puts a lot of stock into its racing program, hardworking employees and an experienced, knowledgeable owner. The #28 team has all of these and more, which is why Rudd has a good outlook on the upcoming season.

"Our team is lucky to be working with a first-class owner and a first-class sponsor," said Rudd. "Robert Yates runs a top-notch program and it's the support of Texaco/Havoline that allows him to do that.

"Everyone knows that Yates' engines have always been strong and they will continue to be," continued the 44 year old. "What I admire about Robert is how he understands that these days you can't win races with just a good motor."

Rudd explained, "Robert recognizes the importance of hiring the best people, giving them support, using the best equipment and then just standing back and letting those people do their jobs."

The #28 team finished 2000 with 12 top-fives and 19 top-10's. As the record indicates, the team certainly has the skills to perform well at every track.

"Our flat track program is exceptional and we're good on the road courses," said Rudd, before admitting: "We do need some work on the intermediate tracks. We weren't as good at Atlanta and Texas, but we understand them better after last year."

The 2001 season looks bright for the No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Ford team, but only time will tell if the championship is within their grasp.