DanicaRules

Wow! This came as a shock to me.

It seems that AJ Allmendinger will replace Elliott Sadler next year for Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Elliott drove the #19 Dodge for this team. GEM decided to replace Sadler since Allmendinger outplaced Sadler the last five races of the season. AJ had an average finish of 16.4 where Sadler was 31.8.

I know that GEM extended Sadler's contract so Im not sure how that plays out. It's unclear as to where Elliott Sadler will be next season.

Im glad to see Allmendinger get a full-time ride but I didnt expect it this way.

Lizardfolk

HOLY $^$@ @#^!@# @$&@# @&#!* $@ *@# *! $*@ * *!@ * @*$ @ *@$ &@ &!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is probably the biggest surprise to me this pre-season. I mean seriously, I told a friend recently that pigs would be more likely to start flying rather than GEM firing one of its drivers for Allmendinger...

Anyways NASCAR teams actually has a bad rep for doing this. I'll give two recent examples:

1. John Andretti with the #49 BAM. Out to make way for Schrader immediately after Andretti signed a year long contract.

2. Jacques Villeneuve out after a DQ (but this is sponsorship problems so it's a more understandable as Skinner/Benson brought a sponsor with him)

IMO Sadler didn't do as poorly as people thought. He had a lot of bad luck. For example, that Sonoma race, he had a flat tire with 2 laps to go and RACED HIS WAY HOME. NASCARs are hard to drive on circuits by itself. But with a flat tire, it is seriously a wonder as to how he didn't loose it.

He probably didn't deserse to be yanked from his ride, but IMO Sadler was a bit overdue. He's like Barrichello in F1.

Now, if only GEM would bring back Carpentier and Villeneuve replaces Gilliland Hey, if this happened anything is possible

DanicaRules

Yeah, I think the whole NASCAR world is shocked by this move. I really thought Allmendinger would of stepped into the #41 car at Earnhardt Ganassi but Labonte will be in that one.

DanicaRules

Well, now the latest news is that Elliott Sadler will remain in the #19 car next year. So he will not be replaced. It appears that AJ Allmendinger again is looking for full-time ride.

AJ did not or has not signed any contract with GEM.

Lizardfolk

*disappointed sigh* But honestly, what makes GEM think they can just do that?

I say because of this scuffle the GEM merger with Petty isn't looking well as GEM was suppose to get a 4th car from that merger. If GEM has 2 cars for 2 drivers I dont really see a reason for the mad dash to secure the 19 car...but...no official word on any of this....

Wow this is one of the more messier off season I have seen in a long time

EDIT: Wait nvm, GEM and Petty merged that means GEM gets the 43 car. Just put allmendinger in that and everything's solved

DanicaRules

Well the thing you have to remember Lizard is that Sadler signed a 2 year extension with GEM. Allmendinger has not signed any contract. So I really cant blame Sadler for pushing this issue. Nothing against Allmendinger but the right thing to do is keep Sadler in the #19 car.

It would be nice to see Allmendinger get in the #43 car but I think that will most likely be picked up by Reed Sorenson. I hope AJ Allmendinger gets a full-time ride somewhere, he deserves it.

Fidel

Just reading that : SADLER TO REMAIN WITH GEM IN 2009

Elliott Sadler and Gillett Evernham Motorsports have reportedly reached an agreement which will see Sadler remain with the team this season.
Sadler indicated he was prepared to file a breach of contract suit against GEM after reports surfaced that the Sprint Cup team was in talks with A.J. Allmendinger to replace him behind the wheel of the No. 19 Dodge.



"We are a family. Sometimes in a family you have differences," GEM CEO Tom Reddin said in a prepared statement. "We have resolved all differences. We are moving on and excited about heading to Daytona."

Pold Denis

hmmm do u believe a CEO that says that everything is resolved?

__________________
Light my Fire...

Lizardfolk

Are these guys being intentionally thick?

I honestly dont see what the problem is now since that Petty's 43 is under GEM.

Put Allmendinger in the 43. BOOM case solved. Unless they have always wanted to get rid of Sadler...but if so...why extend his contract???

So...Allmendinger can only drive the 19 and not the 43 even if the two cars are under the same team?

This is probably the more chaotic preseason I've ever seen in recent NASCAR history...

DanicaRules

Yeah, I agree. My head is spinning from all the scenarios and what-ifs...