In the ever-changing landscape of the Sprint Cup Series, Hall of Fame Racing announced Tuesday a new partnership with Yates Racing. Under the new partnership, Yates Racing will operate the No. 96 car for the full 2009 season. While the No. 96 team will now become a part of the Yates organization, Tom Garfinkle and Jeff Moorad will remain as co-owners of Hall of Fame Racing.

With the lease reportedly up at their shop, the No. 96 team will move to the Yates Racing facility located in Concord, N.C.  Moving to Yates Racing, the No. 96 car will also make the switch from Toyota to Fords.

"Jeff Moorad and I knew it would take time to construct the right model to improve our competitive position in the sport and we think we've come a long way to achieving that through our association with Yates Racing," Tom Garfinkel, co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing explained. "We're proud to be associated with Doug and Max and Ford Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series."

One of the more under-funded teams in the garage, Yates Racing was able to run competitively last season with limited resources and only partial sponsor support. The team announced towards the end of the 2008 season Paul Menard would join the team along with his father's sponsor.

"This partnership with Hall of Fame is a great stepping stone for the Yates organization," Max Jones, co-owner and General Manager of Yates Racing explained. "Through this partnership, we are able to continue the expansion of our shop and field another Sprint Cup entry. We, along with Ford Racing, welcome Hall of Fame Racing and look forward to a very successful season."

No driver was announced for the No. 96 Ford Fusion and sponsorship deals are still in the works. Various reports have Bobby Labonte linked to the ride - but these days he's been linked to just about every open seat. However, it appears this rumor just might be true. FoxSports.com quoted Garfinkel as saying, "With our new Yates partnership and having a true champion and class person in Bobby Labonte behind the wheel, we're expecting great things on the race track."

Texas Instruments DLP has reportedly agreed to come back as a sponsor on the No. 96 on a part-time basis, while other reports have Ask.com linked to the team as well.

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