Just say no.(NASCAR)

Two cars are sitting in the top 17 in points, so it's premature to write an obituary for Robert Yates Racing. But after general manager Eddie D'Hondt's departure last week, Doug Yates needs to take his own words to heart.

In his opening statement to the media last Thursday, Yates, a second-generation engine builder and team owner, said, "We need to be more involved."

The family has been involved since Robert Yates, Doug's father, bought the company from Harry Ranier in 1988. Except for his four years at North Carolina State, Doug, 38, has worked alongside his father since he was old enough to turn a wrench.

In the early years, matriarch Carolyn was instrumental in the souvenir and collectibles end of the company. Robert's twin brother, Richard, has handled the finances from Day 1. This always has been a family business.

And it feels like a big extended family inside of the walls of RYR. Just ask any of the employees.

Robert Yates is one of the kindest, most generous people in the sport. And that's part of the problem. He has a difficult time saying no.

If Doug Yates is going to stand a chance of managing the company back to the level of its glory days, the word no must be incorporated into his daily vocabulary. He has to take control--and that includes authority over the drivers and crew chiefs.