PLUS SPORTS

Irwin to replace Irvan Short-track star Kenny Irwin Jr. was selected today by Robert YatesRacing as the 1998 replacement for Ernie Irvan. Irwin, last year'sUSAC midget champion and the leading rookie in the NASCAR CraftsmanTruck Series, was generally believed to be the one who would takeover the ride in the vaunted No. 28 Ford since Yates announced lastmonth that Irvan's contract would not be renewed. "It was around thefirst of May when I first tried contacting Robert," the 27-year-oldIrwin said. "I had heard there might be something happening with the28 car and I just wanted to put my name on the list and see if therewas any chance at all." Kemp's rented Jaguar hits hydrant …