Rudd thinks deal's done for Sadler to take seat.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

DOVER, Del. _ Elliott Sadler says he doesn't know for whom he'll race next season, but Ricky Rudd believes he does _ the No. 28 Fords Rudd now drives.

"I understand they have signed Elliott," Rudd said Saturday at Dover International Speedway. "I don't really know. That's just kind of the rumor mill but you're hearing too much of it to disregard it. I've got a good feeling that it's true."

Sadler, 27, who last week was granted a release at season's end from the Wood Brothers, denied he has signed for 2003.

"I am talking to actually three different teams right now," Sadler said. " I'm more close with one than I am the other ones but have not signed."

Sadler said he'd like a deal for 2003 as soon as possible, perhaps as early as next week. But Rudd seems convinced car owner Robert Yates and Sadler have a deal.

Efforts to reach Yates on Saturday afternoon were unsuccessful.

Rudd, 45, is in the final year of a three-year contract with Yates. He said last month he would sign one-year contracts until he decides to retire.