#10/#44 Team Past News and Rumors
2009 News

  • The team changed the car number from #10 to #44 for the 2009 season, using a Petty number that was on loan to Michael Waltrip Racing for Dale Jarrett in 2007/2008

    2008 News

    Races [?] that Valvoline is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Daytona - 2/17
    Las Vegas - 3/2
    Texas - 4/6
    Sonoma - 6/22
    Bristol - 8/23
    Richmond - 9/6
    Homestead - 11/16

    Races [?] that Charter Communications is scheduled/or ran to be the primary sponsor:
     California - 2/24
    Bristol 3/16
    Martinsville 3/30
    Sprint All Star Race 5/17
    Pocono 6/8
    Pocono 8/3 with Terry Labonte
    Watkins Glen 8/10
    Charlotte 10/11

    Races [1] that Cintas is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Atlanta - 3/9

    Races [2] that Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Dover - 6/1 [Bumper to Bumper]
    Daytona - 7/5 [Auto Value]

    Races [8] that LifeLock is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Phoenix - 4/12
    Talladega - 4/27
    Richmond - 5/3
    Darlington - 5/10
    Charlotte - 5/25 [plus Sprint Shootout]
    Michigan - 6/15
    Chicagoland - 7/12
    Kansas - 9/28

    Races [?] that Sears Automotive is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Indy - 7/27
    California - 8/31

    Races [2] that Tow Truck in a Box is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Michigan - 8/17
    Talladega - 10/7

    Races [2] that Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     Dover - 6/1 [Bumper to Bumper]
    Daytona - 7/5 [Auto Value]

    Races [2] that Berlin City Auto Group is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
     New Hampshire 6/29
    New Hampshire 9/14

  • Petty-GEM merger done deal? UPDATE: Multiple sources have confirmed that Petty Enterprises racing will shut its doors and merge with the team currently known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports. A deal was inked between Petty Enterprises and team owner George Gillett on Christmas Eve, but the terms of that agreement have yet to be divulged. The venerable #43 Dodge covered with the trademarked Petty blue glaze will become part of the Gillett stable with Reed Sorenson expected to be behind the wheel. A formal announcement is expected early next week. Most of the remaining 39 employees at Petty Enterprises will conclude their duties at the Mooresville-based shop on Wednesday. The company moved from its original shop adjacent to the Petty homestead in Level Cross, N.C., in January to what was formerly the Yates Racing complex. Robbie Loomis, Petty Executive VP of Racing Operations, is expected to assume a managerial role under the new partnership, which will likely be rebranded under the Petty banner. Former car chief Ray Fox Jr. will assume a similar role at JTG-Daugherty Racing with the #47 team. David Zucker, who was named CEO of the team when private equity firm Boston Ventures purchased controlling interest in June, is expected to be reassigned to the Petty Driving Experience.(FoxSports), no word on what happend to the #10 ride which Sorenson was supposed to drive.(12-31-2008)
    UPDATE: Although neither GEM nor Petty officials said an announcement was forthcoming, sources indicated that the organizations were ironing out final details. The merger would entail GEM absorbing Petty's #43 car, which according to sources would be driven by Reed Sorenson and sponsored by the Air Force next season. Chris McKee, marketing director of the Richard Petty Driving Experience, confirmed that David Zucker, current chief operating officer of Petty Enterprises and the Richard Petty Driving Experience, will oversee only the driving experience once the merger is complete. Zucker was installed as Petty's CEO after team owner Richard Petty earlier this year sold majority interest in his organization to the private equity firm Boston Ventures in a bid to raise capital and improve performance. McKee added that further details of the merger will come next week. Indications are that the name of the merged organization will be altered to reflect Richard Petty's involvement. Richard's father, Lee, founded Petty Enterprises in 1949. The merger would place four cars under the GEM stable -- the #43, as well as the Nos. 9, 10, and 19 currently in the Gillett-Evernham fleet. Kasey Kahne drives the #9, with A.J. Allmendinger replacing Elliott Sadler in the #19 for next season. No driver has been announced for the #10 car for 2009.(NASCAR.com)(12-31-2008)

  • GEM announces new director of sales: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced the hiring of John Cowart as the NASCAR Sprint Cup team’s director of sales. Cowart, 43, will begin his duties with the Statesville, N.C. team effective immediately. “John brings a wealth of motorsports sales experience that will enhance Gillett Evernham Motorsports’ value to our current and future partners,” said De Cordell, GEM chief sales and marketing officer. “We are happy to welcome John and believe he will play a major role in the team’s quest to become the marquee team in motorsports.” Cowart, a Huntersville resident and University of Alabama graduate, said he looks forward to a new challenge. “Gillett Evernham Motorsports offers an opportunity that is challenging and ultimately will be rewarding,” he said. “NASCAR and Gillett Evernham Motorsports allow great brands the opportunity to market their product or service in a unique and interactive environment that connects with its passionate fans and provides a win-win for everyone involved.” Cowart has served in various sales and management capacities throughout the NASCAR industry since the start of the 2000 season. Cowart fills the seat left vacant by the departure of former GEM sales staff member Jim Tucker.(GEM)(12-30-2008)

  • Sadler replaced by Allmendinger? UPDATE 2: AJ Allmendinger is set to replace Elliott Sadler in the #19 Dodge in 2009, multiple Gillett Evernham Motorsports team sources told ESPN.com on Saturday. GEM CEO Tom Reddin told team employees and sponsors the news just before Christmas, causing some sponsors to consider leaving, according to team sources. Reached for comment Saturday, GEM spokesman Drew Brown chose not to comment. Sources also said Ray Evernham, who founded the team and sold majority ownership to George Gillett, cleared out all personal possessions from the team's shop, including the 2002 Brickyard 400 trophy he won as owner of Bill Elliott's #9 Dodge. Calls placed to Evernham and Sadler's representation were not immediately returned.(ESPN.com)(12-27-2008)
    UPDATE: Allmendinger will join Kasey Kahne in the flagship #9 GEM Dodge and newcomer Reed Sorenson, who will pilot the #43 Dodge following the imminent announcement of the merger between owner George Gillett and Richard Petty.
    AND Sadler? Sadler's possibilities are rumored to include the #41 Chevy at Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing or the #77 Dodge at Penske Racing should Sam Hornish Jr. replace Helio Castroneves in the IRL IndyCar Series [who faces a trial and possible jail over IRS charges].(FoxSports), no word on who would drive the #10 Dodge of GEM in 2009.(12-28-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Sadler signed a two-year contract extension with GEM in May, and sources say team owner George Gillett will now be forced to buy out those additional two years. Sadler has already begun making calls to try and find a ride for next season. Sources tell Sirius Speedway that Gillett is heavily leveraged from the original Evernham buyout, as well as from a number of automobile dealerships he purchased earlier this year. He reportedly faces a major payment on his Liverpool Football Club, which plays in the English Premier League, as well. A deal that would have merged GEM with Bill Davis Racing fell by the wayside a few weeks ago, reportedly after Gillett was unable to obtain financing to complete the transaction. Gillett has recently been involved in negotiations to merge GEM with Petty Enterprises. Sirius Speedway reported two weeks ago that the merger had stalled, and while that report was immediately denied by a GEM spokesman, Sadler’s release appears to indicate that the deal is indeed in jeopardy. A combined GEM/Petty operation was expected to field four cars in 2009; enough to retain Kasey Kahne, Reed Sorenson, Sadler and Allmendinger. (Sirius Speedway)(12-29-2008)

  • Petty-GEM Deal Off? UPDATE denied: Sirius Speedway has learned that the much-discussed merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises has run aground. Anonymous sources say that GEM laid off approximately 50 employees today, and that its Nationwide Series team will either be eliminated or cut back dramatically. In addition, multiple sources say that GEM’s #10 Sprint Cup team and driver Reed Sorenson will also run only a partial schedule. While not commenting on the reported demise of the Petty deal, Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO Tom Reddin confirmed today that major changes are underway. "We are a Sprint Cup team first and foremost, and winning in that series needs to be our primary focus,” he said. “The Nationwide Series is a fantastic series and we certainly look forward to racing a partial schedule in 2009, but we will not run the full season next year. We will remained focused on putting all of our effort behind the Cup program in 2009. GEM is very fortunate to have nearly all of our Cup sponsors returning in 2009 in addition to the new arrival of others." Reddin said that GEM will also restructure its engine department for 2009, to align with a reduced number of engine leasing customers next season.(Sirius Speedway/Motorsports Soapbox)
    AND Over the last week, Gillett Evernham Motorsports released 65 employees between its Nationwide Series team and engine shop. Due to a downturn in the economy and the inability to secure sponsorship, GEM was forced to cease operation of its NNS team on Tuesday. GEM is still in open discussions with Petty Enterprises regarding a possible merger. However, the option of Petty Enterprises not leasing engines in the future led to the company's decision to downsize its engine department by nearly half. The organization will continue to employ nearly 300 workers at its Statesville, N.C. facility and field three teams in the Sprint Cup Series with drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Reed Sorenson, who will join the team from Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009.(FoxSports)(12-16-2008)
    UPDATE: been told by GEM that the #10 car will run the full Sprint Cup season and that the GEM-Petty merger talks are going well and the deal is NOT off.(12-17-2008)

  • Petty-GEM merger? UPDATE 4: hearing there could be an announcement as soon as today that Gillett Evernham Motorsports [#9,10,#19] and Petty Enterprises [#43,#45] has merged.(12-4-2008)
    UPDATE: SI.com has learned that Petty Enterprises' top operation will not return in 2009. The organization will merge with George Gillett, giving that team its fourth car. No word on the future association with Petty Enterprises and Boston Ventures, although Boston Ventures may maintain some involvement in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Official announcement of the news could come as early as this afternoon. No word on whether Richard Petty will have an ownership stake as part of the merger agreement.(Sports Illustrated)(12-4-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Petty Enterprises is in discussions to merge its storied franchise with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Multiple people familiar with the talks told the AP that the two teams are discussing a deal that would merge Petty's #43 Dodge with GEM to become a four-car operation. They requested anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing. SI.com first reported Thursday that Petty Enterprises' top operation will not return in 2009. But David Zucker, CEO of Petty Enterprises, said the report was "not accurate." He would not discuss a potential merger. "We're not going to comment on rumors and speculation," he said. Petty has no full-time sponsorship lined up for next season. The team fields cars for Bobby Labonte, Chad McCumbee and Kyle Petty. Robbie Loomis, vice president of Petty Enterprises, told the AP nothing has changed with the organization, and the team is continuing to talk to potential partners. Drew Brown, a spokesman for GEM, did not immediately return a call for comment.(Associated Press)(12-4-2008)
    UPDATE 3: Petty Enterprises remains in discussions with Gillett Evernham Motorsports to merge into a four-car operation, sources told ESPN.com on Thursday. A report by SI.com that the merger would happen and that Petty Enterprises would not return in 2009, according to multiple sources, is premature. Drew Brown, the director of communications at GEM, said the status of the company has not changed and there are no impending announcements. Officials at the office of GEM majority owner George Gillett were surprised by the report. "We're just not going to comment on speculation," Brown said. Should such a merger happen it would shrink the garage by another car, the 45 driven by Kyle Petty, Chad McCumbee and Terry Labonte last season. The #43 of Bobby Labonte would combine with GEM's #9 of Kasey Kahne, #19 of Elliott Sadler and #10 of Reed Sorenson. A merger could also mean the end of NASCAR's most storied organization as it has been known since 1969. Owner and seven-time champion Richard Petty sold majority interest in Petty Enterprises earlier this year to Boston Ventures but maintained the Petty name. It is unclear if a potential merger with GEM would incorporate both parties or if the Petty Driving Experience would be included. News of the SI.com report spread rapidly through the Manhattan banquet room that hosted a Thursday awards luncheon featuring the top 12 drivers from this past season. GEM has already benefited from the merger of DEI and Ganassi, which will run under General Motors -- Ganassi was a Dodge team -- and use engines prepared by Earnhardt-Childress Racing. The #10 car that was 37th in points will move into the top 35 guaranteed a spot in the field because the two DEI cars lost in the merger have been eliminated from the top 35. The #47 car that will be driven by Marcos Ambrose for JTG-Daugherty moved from 36 to 35. "Everybody will just shift up," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. "We will use the top 35 at the track."(ESPN)(12-4-2008)
    UPDATE 4: Petty Enterprises released 39 employees on Monday, bringing the total to 65 since the end of the season. A source close to the situation said Petty Enterprises has about 54 employees anxiously waiting to hear whether there will be a merger with Gillett-Evernham Motorsports. "Everybody is still looking for marching orders in what direction we're going in," the source said. The Pettys have been in negotiations to merge with several teams for months. Two were eliminated when Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates merged last month. The possible merger with GEM would have the famous #43 joining the #9 (Kasey Kahne), #19 (Elliott Sadler) and #10 (Reed Sorenson) of GEM to become a four-car operation. Whether 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte, the current driver of the unsponsored #43, would be a part of that deal remains unclear. Labonte, who signed a long-term deal that included partial ownership with Petty Enterprises earlier this year, has reportedly had talks with DEI-Ganassi about driving the Target-sponsored #41. That could clear the way for AJ Allmendinger, released by Red Bull Racing late this season, to move into the #43. Officials at Petty Enterprises and GEM were not available for comment. Should the merger occur it would be the first time NASCAR has been without Petty Enterprises as it is known today since 1969. Richard Petty sold majority ownership to Boston Ventures earlier this year, but the name of the company and driving school remained the same.(ESPN.com)(12-8-2008)

  • Evernham quitting NASCAR to buy a track? UPDATE 2: NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham announced Thursday night in Lincolnton [NC] that he is in advanced negotiations to purchase the East Lincoln Speedway and plans to retire from NASCAR. Evernham and partner Bob Mack of Cornelius-based RPM Group Holdings said they had hoped to have the keys to the speedway in their hands when they appeared at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s Business After-Hours event to make the announcement, but were prevented from doing so as negotiations continued. Evernham said he has already sold off most of his interest in the Gillett-Evernham Motorsports race team and is ending his career with NASCAR. “I want to get back into grassroots racing,” he told the gathering of area community leaders and businesspeople. Contacted by the Times-News Friday morning, current track owner Ralph Nantz said he couldn’t “talk much about it right now,” but confirmed that “serious” negotiations with Evernham were under way. “You might say he is showing some interest,” Nantz said. The East Lincoln Speedway has been in operation since 1991 and is a 3/8 mile clay oval track.(Lincoln Times-News), no word if Evernham will be back with ESPN in 2009.(11-22-2008)
    UPDATE: Cup team co-owner Ray Evernham has completed his deal to purchase East Lincoln Speedway and said that might not be the last track he buys. “I will try to save race tracks to keep them from becoming shopping malls,” Evernham said on Sirius NASCAR Radio.(Charlotte Observer)(12-1-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Ray Evernham has announced that he has acquired the assets of the East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, NC from founders Ralph and Joanne Nantz. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The East Lincoln Speedway is a 3/8 mile dirt track located on Mariposa Road in Lincoln County, NC. The facility was built by the Nantzes and opened for racing in 1990. The 2009 season will mark its 19th consecutive year of racing. The Speedway runs various classes of cars ranging from Micro-sprints to Late Model Modified-Sportsman. Evernham, whom motorsports media voted "The Greatest Crew Chief of All Time", won three Sprint Cup championships as Jeff Gordon's crew chief and led Dodge in its re-entry into NASCAR. He remains a minority owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports and is a motorsports analyst for ESPN. "When I sold the majority interest in Evernham Motorsports to George Gilllett in 2007, one of my goals was to find ways to give back to the sport and help up-and-coming drivers find a safe, low-cost way to race," said Evernham. "Unfortunately, rising property values and land development have taken away many of the great dirt tracks around the country. With the acquisition of the East Lincoln Speedway, I can make sure that racers in the Charlotte area will have access to a safe, low-cost, family friendly racing facility for many years to come." The transaction was negotiated by Bob Mack, who will also be a minority owner of the speedway. About The East Lincoln Speedway: The East Lincoln Speedway is a 3/8 mile red clay track located off Mariposa Road in Lincoln County, NC. The track typically operates from April through September and racing is held on Saturday evenings. Admission is typically $10 for adults, children under 10 are free. Pit admission is $20. The track is available for rental during the week and has been used in the filming of several movies and commercials. For more information, see the track website at www.elspeedway.com.(Victory Management Group PR)(12-3-2008)

  • Allmendinger steps up for Make A Wish: As driver who has rapidly emerged as a talent to keep an eye on, and a personality to match, it wasn't anything new to hear Sprint Cup racer AJ Allmendinger being interviewed on the radio Thursday morning, but this time his message was a little bit different from just talking racing. Speaking with Dave Smiley on 99.5/WZPL's Smiley Morning Show on Thursday morning, AJ called in to donate over $6,000 to the Make A Wish Foundation. The donation will fund two different wishes for 2 children and their families, including one for Ellie, who will be heading on a Disney Cruise Vacation thanks to AJ's gift. This is an important thing to do and I'm pretty excited about it. Even though I don't live in Indianapolis, my manager is based there and of course we race at the Brickyard so this is a good opportunity for me to do some good outside of my backyard." AJ is a competitive guy, even when it comes to charity work. "Now that I've done this, I'd like to challenge the guys who actually live in Indy-I know there are a lot of racers there-to step up and do the same thing!"(ajallmendinger.com)(11-21-2008)

  • #10 Crew Chief Suspended: Long-time Gillett Evernham Motorsports technical director Sammy Johns will step in as interim crew chief for the #10 Dodge and driver AJ Allmendinger this weekend. Crew chief Mike Shiplett was suspended from the team activities this week for missing the flight home from Phoenix last weekend.(FoxSports)(11-14-2008)

  • Air Force leaving Wood Brothers? UPDATE to GEM: hearing that the Air Force sponsorship will leave the #21 Wood Brothers Ford and could be headed to either one of the Roush Racing teams [#'s 6,16,17,26,99] or Yates Racing [#28, #38].(11-6-2008)
    UPDATE: Air Force officials announced Tuesday that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the #10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 Sprint Cup season. GSD&M Idea City, the Air Force's advertising agency, organized the sponsorship and will roll out a multimedia advertising campaign to support the partnership in early 2009. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the #10 car driven by Reed Sorenson, a 22-year-old three-time winner in the Nationwide Series. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 Sprint Cup races in 2009. For the 2009 season, the Air Force is changing their marketing strategy to rebalance their sponsorship and activation programs to increase public awareness of the Air Force and to attract more recruits. "Advertising and marketing that goes beyond the race track will help us connect with fans and emphasize the speed, power, precision, and team work that is common to both NASCAR and the Air Force," said Col. Timothy Hanson, Air Force Recruiting Service director of Strategic Communications. The Air Force has had a long-standing relationship with Wood Brothers Racing and the #21 car. "The Air Force is proud of the partnership we have had with the Wood Brothers Racing," Colonel Hanson said. "They are perhaps the most respected team in NASCAR and they have been strong supporters of the Air Force. While our sponsorship has changed we will always value the services they have provided us." The colonel added that he is excited about this new venture and confident that Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Reed Sorenson will provide new opportunities for the Air Force to achieve their sponsorship goals and inspire young Americans to consider the Air Force as a great career choice.(Air Force Recruiting Service PR)(11-13-2008)

  • Valvoline on the #10 at Homestead: #10-AJ Allmendinger will be sponsored by Valvoline at Homestead. Allmendinger has scored 439 points over the past four races – the 15th most of any driver. The California native has yet to start a Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami but has a best finish of 21st in the Nationwide Series. The Valvoline team looks to improve on its season best finish of 14th [Daytona, Atlanta]. Allmendinger said, “Homestead is a little bitter sweet for me and this Valvoline team. We’re looking forward to going down there and getting another strong run but it’s also our last race together. I’ve worked really well with this team and Gillett Evernham Motorsports and think we’ve had some good showings over the past couple weeks."(GEM PR), see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(11-12-2008)

  • Evernham selling interest in GEM: A fan approached Ray Evernham at the SEMA Show on Wednesday and asked what driver Reed Sorenson will bring to Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season. "I'm not getting a new driver," Evernham said. "Gillett Evernham is getting a new driver. I'm not really involved there." Evernham's role as the minority owner at GEM has been reduced to almost nothing since June. Soon his minority ownership will be reduced to almost nothing as plans are in the works to buy out most of his remaining 20% interest in the organization he formed in 2001. "We're working on that and hope to make some announcement shortly about where I'm going to be doing for the rest of my racing career," Evernham said. Evernham hesitates to use the word retirement. He still plans to be actively involved in racing, whether it's through his broadcast career with ESPN or other ventures he working on. He's opening a new shop in the Lake Norman area Charlotte, N.C., that will serve as his headquarters. Does his future include owning another race team? "Let me think about that ... uh, no," he said with a laugh. Does it include a management role, such as the one he was offered with Stewart-Haas Racing? "Let me think about that too . . . uh, no," Evernham said. Evernham doesn't want a role that consumes his life as being an owner and crew chief did. He's enjoying getting back to grassroots racing with the new fuel-injected cars he's building and spending more time with his 16-year-old son.(ESPN.com)(11-7-2008)

  • McDonald’s Partners With #10 GEM Team at Phoenix: It will be a weekend of firsts for the #10 Dodge of A.J. Allmendinger at Phoenix International Raceway. For the first time since its partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports began, McDonald’s will be aboard the #10 Dodge. Allmendinger hasn’t started a Cup race at Phoenix in his 42-race career. He does have a 13th-place finish in his single Nationwide Series start at PIR last year. Sunday marks Allmendinger’s fourth race with GEM. In the first three races he’s posted the 16th most points of any driver. Only a late-race pit lane violation kept Allmendinger from moving even higher.(GEM PR)(11-6-2008)

  • NASCAR nixes GEM's move to Toyota? UPDATE: George Gillett, who bought into Ray Evernham's Dodge-anchor operation last year [now GEM], has made strong overtures to switch to Toyota. But NASCAR officials have apparently nixed any such move, and that could leave the Bill Davis Toyota team in limbo. Davis has talked for more than a year now about looking for a business partner. The Gillett-Evernham operation has been Dodge's chief engineering arm in NASCAR, but Penske may now get that nod, and become the engine supplier to teams like the Pettys. Penske already leases Dodge engines to Robby Gordon. Sources say that Penske, who runs one of the country's largest Toyota dealerships, in Los Angeles, has made overtures about Toyota, and may push for the launch of a satellite Toyota operation next year in order to be prepared for a possible changeover to Toyota in 2010.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-27-2008)
    UPDATE: Gillett-Evernham Motorsports has been in talks with nearly every possible team in the garage area looking to merge including Bill Davis Racing, which is down to a one car, non-sponsored team since Caterpillar is leaving the #22 for Richard Childress Racing. From what I [Pete Pistone] have been able to gather, the report that NASCAR vetoed a GEM-BDR merger and a complete switch to Toyota is false. The stumbling block in all of this is the status of Dodge and Chrysler and the future of the struggling company. If the manufacturer can't live up to its promise of supplying engines and support to GEM, its flagship Cup organization, the team needs to know that and make a move ASAP. But whether Toyota wants to support another team and a possible additional three cars is another question. Regardless, NASCAR has no say in what the teams and manufacturers decide to do.(CBS Sports)(10-31-2008)

  • Country Crock scheme on the #10 at Texas: The #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge will sport the familiar Country Crock colors this weekend. It marks the first time the margarine alternative has adorned a GEM Cup car. Previously Country Crock was with GEM in the Nationwide Series.(GEM PR)(10-30-2008)

  • GEM on the verge..to Toyota? George Gillett [GEM], who with minority owner Ray Evernham (20%, perhaps to shrink to 10) has been Dodge’s anchor in NASCAR, is on the verge of making a deal to run Toyotas next season. That would put #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Reed Sorensen in the Toyota camp.(Winston Salem Journal)
    AND could an announcement of a Gillett/Bill Davis Racing [#22-Dave Blaney] deal be imminent?(Yahoo Sports)(10-20-2008)

  • Evernham thinking about leaving GEM? UPDATE: Ray Evernham, who has a minority share in Gillett Evernham Motorsports [#9, #10, and #19], said he was not involved in the decision to release rookie Patrick Carpentier. Evernham stressed he's a minority partner in the team and hinted maybe that role could change to not being a part of the team. "That's largely up to the Gillettes,'' Evernham said if he would remain with the team. "I want to help Mr. Gillette, and I'll do whatever I can to help him be successful, but I also want to pursue ... I'm enjoying my life at ESPN. I'm enjoying a little bit of semi-retirement. I want to help as much as I can, but I also want to make sure I have creditability with the viewers and that's important to me.''(Roanoke Times)(10-13-2008)
    UPDATE: Tuesday [Oct 14th] on “SIRIUS Speedway” on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, host Dave Moody spoke with Gillett Evernham Motorsports co-owner Ray Evernham. Evernham talked about the rumor that he is considering reducing his stake in the race team and reports that Gillett Evernham Motorsports is contemplating a manufacturer switch from Dodge to Toyota. On the rumor that he is considering selling part of his stake in Gillett Evernham Motorsports:
    Host, Dave Moody: “Randy Lajoie said on Sirius NASCAR Radio last week that you told him you’re considering selling your remaining 20% stake in Gillett Evernham Motorsports to the Gilletts. True?”
    Ray Evernham: “We’ve talked about some things with some stuff that they have going on. I do have a percentage stake that Mr. Gillett and I could talk about but a lot of it depends on what his future is and where he’s headed. But that offer is on the table, yes. Not the complete. Just to make me a smaller partner. It was not the complete buyout.”
    Moody: “So you’re not going to disappear. You’ll just go from one-fifth to a fraction smaller than one-fifth?”
    Evernham: “Correct.”
    On reports that Gillett Evernham Motorsports will switch from Dodge to Toyota:
    Moody: “There are published reports out there this week that say George Gillett is “99 percent certain” that he’s going to move from Dodge to Toyota next season. To your knowledge, is there truth to that?”
    Evernham: “To my knowledge George is talking about several different things and to his credit, as I’ve said before, he’s going to do what he believes it takes to win a championship. And that’s why he purchased the race team. Again, I’m removed from the business side. There are things going on there that I don’t really need to be involved in nor want to be involved in. I try to help George with the competition stuff but George has made it very clear to me and to Dodge and to everybody else that he wants to win a championship. He’s got a good plan for growing this team. The man knows how to win championships if you look at the history with his hockey team. He’s going to do what it takes. I’ve heard a lot of those things just like everybody else but I don’t really have the answer for that.”
    Moody: “You are still 20 percent owner of that team. Could something as important as a manufacturer change be done without your knowledge?”
    Evernham: “No, it cannot be done without my knowledge. Any kind of business proposition, until it comes time to put something on paper, anybody can talk about anything. But certainly it could not be done without my knowledge.”(SIRIUS Speedway PR)(10-16-2008)

  • Latest Ganassi merger rumor? Petty; GEM to Toyota?Trying to pin down the state of Petty Enterprises, under its new Boston Ventures' management, and the future of the Chip Ganassi operation has been tough enough the last few weeks, but now the speculation of a GM-Chrysler corporate merger has thrown things into a real tizzy. Insiders at both the Petty and Ganassi Dodge camps say there is speculation that the two struggling teams may somehow merge, and that that speculation is fueled by the sense that fellow Dodge owner George Gillett, who has majority interest in Gillett-Evernham-Motorsports, is "99 percent" certain to jump to Toyota. Ray Evernham was Dodge's mainstay in NASCAR racing, making such a move highly unusual. Dodge officials a few weeks ago denied such a change might be coming. One major complication for Dodge teams like Petty's and Ganassi's is that Gillett-Evernham has been a major Dodge engine operation. If Gillett moves to Toyota, then Dodge loses a very big player.(Winston-Salem Journal)(10-12-2008)

  • Allmendinger still working on ride for 2009: AJ Allmendinger says that while he knows what he’ll be doing for the remainder of 2008, he still doesn’t have anything finalized for next year. Allmendinger is driving the #00 Michael Waltrip Racing car this weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and then will drive the #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports car for the final five races of the 2008 Sprint Cup season. He has talked with Chip Ganassi Racing about its #41 car opening but he said he hasn’t heard too much the last couple of weeks. "That’s kind of been a little bit quiet, but until the seat is taken, I hope I’m always a candidate," he said. "I’ve got no contracts, no obligations to anybody except for these six races, and that’s kind of the way I’m taking it."(Scene Daily)(10-11-2008)

  • Latest on Indy's Tire Test: UPDATE: Goodyear Tire and NASCAR officials, along with Sprint Cup Series drivers Kasey Kahne and Mark Martin [tested the #5 Hendrick Chevy], expressed optimism at the progress made in tire testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A total of 14 Sprint Cup Series drivers tested Oct. 6-7 at IMS as Goodyear developed a tire for the 16th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2009. The final day of the three-day test, Wednesday, Oct. 8, was canceled due to rain. This was the second Goodyear test at IMS in three weeks and, according to Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general manager of worldwide racing, the effort is paying dividends. “We tested with Kyle Petty a couple weeks ago, saw some very, very encouraging results out of that test,” he said. “Now, of course, we’re here with a lot more cars. We’ve got what we believe to be a good start toward a 2009 race recommendation. Just look at the racetrack, you can see there’s a groove in the racetrack where the cars are going around, just kind of looking normal. We’ve got rubber debris on the outside of the groove, and we’re seeing some significant improvements in wear.” Goodyear also plans to test again with multiple cars in April 2009 at IMS, Grant said. Detailed laboratory analysis after the 2008 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, which was slowed by frequent competition cautions, identified the causes of excessive tire wear during that event, Grant said. The 2008 event was the first for NASCAR’s “Car of Tomorrow” at IMS. “We saw that the additional load and additional slip that the right rear tire saw was considerably more than it was in 2007,” Grant said. “Then we started to do some laboratory analysis to try to figure out, ‘OK, why did we see that kind of wear debris, why did the track not rubber in?’ To make a long story short, what we found out was that the additional load and slip that the right rear tire saw changed the particle size of the wear debris.” Goodyear brought tires to this test that lasted longer and will produce better racing next year at IMS, Sprint Cup stars Mark Martin and Kasey Kahne said.
    UPDATE: "We are extremely pleased that the efforts of all of our engineers and research team has paid off," said Stu Grant, Goodyear's general manager of worldwide racing. "Our test program has been built on the knowledge that the team has gained over the last several months and the results indicate that we will be able to provide an excellent tire for next years race at Indy. We had several tire set-ups that ran full fuel stops and provided good grip and good wear." Another important element to this week's test was measuring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track surface throughout the test in an effort to quantify how the surface changes during the "rubbering in" process. But while Goodyear has seen many gains, the work is far from over. "Right now we plan to go back to re-test some of our results on a 'green' race track this coming Monday," added Grant. "Then, of course we will return to Indianapolis next spring to determine the tire that we will provide for the race, but we are very pleased with the results of our track testing programs so far this fall."This Monday's session will have the #10 Gillett-Evernham Motorsports team with driver A.J. Allmendinger participating.(IMS PR)(10-9-2008)

  • Carpentier blamed by crew chief UPDATE 2 released: After the Gillett Motorsports #10 Dodge failed to qualify on speed at Talladega Superspeedway, crew chief [or as GEM calls them, Team Director] Mike Shiplett decided to put good judgement aside and lash out at team driver Patrick Carpentier in the Tow Truck in a Box team trailer while the doors were open, allowing anyone in the paddock to witness the skirmish. This gesture was not appreciated by the canadian driver. "I think it's a complete lack of respect," said Carpentier. "I never was shy to take the blame when I thought it was my fault, but here, everybody knows that it's like driving in a straight line. The driver just has to keep the steering wheel straight. He should have taken a time out and calmed down before he spoke. " Shiplett accused Carpentier of going too low down on the last straight, which he claimed made the front of the car rub against the ground. "It's bulls**t," said Carpentier. "I've looked at the timing data and we were already three-tenths below the time we needed to qualify when I went below the line. I went low because i felt we had to try everything. I gave it all I had, but now he blames me? This is totally unacceptable. It's not as if my teammates were on the first row! They both ran slower than me! " #9-Kasey Kahne (41st) and #19-Elliott Sadler (43rd) posted times that were slower than the Carpentier (39th). It is their positions in the top 35 point standings that allowed them to be in the starting lineup of AMP 500. Sadler was using the new generation of the Dodge / GEM chassis. Kahne was also using the new chassis until when he damaged his primary car during practice. For Carpentier and the #10 Tow Truck in a Box Dodge, the only option given by GEM was to use an old generation Dodge Charger chassis. What most enraged Carpentier, is that Shiplett decided to scold him at Talladega, a track where the driver can do nothing to improve his fate if his car is not up to speed. "Even though I know his criticism didn't make any sense, what is worst is that he seems to have forgotten pretty quickly races like Dover or in Atlanta where I've qualified a car that he himself didn't think was fast enough to earn a place on the starting grid. I realize now that some people have a really short memory span in NASCAR, "said Carpentier". Shiplett was not available for comment after the non-qualification of his car.(patcarpentier.ca taken from a french article at canoe.com)(10-5-2008)
    UPDATE: Patrick Carpentier has been released from Gillett Evernham Motorsports, sources confirmed Tuesday. Carpentier, a Sprint Cup rookie and former open-wheel racer in Champ Car and the IndyCar Series, was the driver of the #10 Dodge for GEM. He could not be reached for comment. On his Web site, patcarpentier.ca, Carpentier wrote he got into an argument and skirmish Saturday with team director Mike Shiplett, who blamed him for failing to qualifying at Talladega. Dominique Fugere, motorsports writer for Le Journal de Montreal, reported Shiplett later apologized to Carpentier after the argument at Talladega. Carpentier already was a lame-duck at GEM, which announced earlier that Reed Sorenson [not Scott Riggs] would drive for the team in 2009. GEM officials have not said who will drive the car this weekend for the Sprint Cup race at Lowes Motor Speedway.(ESPN)
    UPDATE 2: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that Mike Wallace will drive the #10 Dodge at Charlotte this weekend and A.J. Allmendinger will take over driving duties at Martinsville on Oct. 19 and for the remainder of the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Wallace and Allmendinger replace Patrick Carpentier who drove the #10 in 24 races this season. Allmendinger, 26, is committed to driving the #00 this weekend at Charlotte. “I’m excited about this news,” said the California native. “GEM has great equipment and I’m confident we can take these final five races and get the #10 up in points. I know we have a lot of work to do, but we are going to give it our best shot. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Crew Chief Mike Shiplett and the guys starting at Martinsville.” Reed Sorenson will assume the driving duties of the #10 at the beginning of the 2009 season.(GEM PR)(10-7-2008)

  • Robby and investment company headed to court? UPDATE: #7-Robby Gordon claims he's been defrauded in a failed deal with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and wants a judge to excuse a million dollar bill. Gordon's company made a deal to merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. According to legal documents, an investment company was hired to make the deal. But Gordon claims the deal went south because it was "fraudulently induced." As a result, Gordon and Co. want the judge to excuse an obligation to pay a $1,013,656 investment fee.(TMZ.com see the documents posted there)(10-2-2008)
    UPDATE: Robby Gordon Motorsports and Gillett Evernham Motorsports issued a joint statement today confirming that all issues between them are resolved. As previously announced, the two auto racing firms acknowledged that they acted in good faith in connection with their former merger plans. Recent news reports concerning a lawsuit between RGM and a business broker have suggested that RGM and GEM are in a continuing legal dispute. Those news reports are incorrect. GEM is not a party to RGM's lawsuit, and no claims are being asserted against GEM.(RGM/GEM PR)(10-4-2008)

  • Robby and investment company headed to court? #7-Robby Gordon claims he's been defrauded in a failed deal with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and wants a judge to excuse a million dollar bill. Gordon's company made a deal to merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. According to legal documents, an investment company was hired to make the deal. But Gordon claims the deal went south because it was "fraudulently induced." As a result, Gordon and Co. want the judge to excuse an obligation to pay a $1,013,656 investment fee.(TMZ.com see the documents posted there)(10-2-2008)

  • Carpentier could move to Nationwide Series full time next year: #10-Patrick Carpentier, a former race winner on the defunct Champ Car circuit who came to NASCAR last year, is in a squeeze. With Reed Sorenson moving over to GEM for next season and sponsors in short supply, his chances of remaining with his #10 team appear slim. Although he said the door isn't completely closed on a return to GEM, he may wind up running full time in the Nationwide Series next season. Carpentier has competed in eight Nationwide events this year, with a top finish of second Montreal. "I think I've got something for the full season in Nationwide for next year, and I'm going to run it," he said, adding that the ride isn't with GEM. As for his prospects of staying with the No. 10? "They're still trying hard, and if it works out, we'll be here next year. That's what I hope, because I like the guys. We made a lot of races this year. It's tough. For guys coming from open-wheel to here, you'd better park your ego at the entrance." (NASCAR.com)(9-27-2008)

  • Gordon-GEM Lawsuit dropped - no merger: Robby Gordon Motorsports and Gillett Evernham Motorsports today announced that they have agreed on terms for the resolution of the issues growing out of their former plan to merge the two teams. Disagreements over the merger led to the recent filing of a lawsuit to have the court determine the parties’ rights under the merger agreement. As part of the resolution, the lawsuit will be dismissed and the merger will not proceed. Management personnel for the two teams acknowledge that there were misunderstandings, but both sides acted in good faith throughout, and in the end it was circumstances beyond their control that caused the merger not to proceed.(RGM/GEM PR)(9-19-2008)

  • Next merger rumor - Ganassi and GEM? Since early July, Ganassi's future existence has been linked to a merger with virtually every multi-car team left in the sport. The car owner had lunch with Michael Waltrip at Daytona; immediately, rumors sprouted up the two were joining forces. Since then, rumors have swirled that anyone from Roger Penske to Robby Gordon was buying Ganassi out, or that the owner was looking to get out of the business altogether. Like Gordon's team, CGRFS is a prime target for any interested owner due to his organization's "locked in" qualifying spots (both are in the Top 35) as well as his race shop's prime real estate. Built in 2004, the top-notch facility was built right next to the Concord airport, and is just a heartbeat away from Charlotte for teams looking to move closer to racing's central hub.
    Speculation peaked on Thursday, when multiple sources told SI.com Ganassi was planning to join forces with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Gillett has been looking to add a fourth car since buying a 50% share in Evernham Motorsports last season. Rumored to be brokering a deal to buy Bill Davis Racing this week, negotiations on that side have fallen through. Bill Davis Racing officials had no comment on the process, but all indications are their organization is still up for sale -- just not to GEM. (A spokesman for Gillett Evernham Motorsports said the team won't comment on any merger speculation). That prompted a strong response from Ganassi, who told SI.com he adamantly denies anything's going on with Gillett. Ensuring SI.com he's here to stay in NASCAR for the long haul, Ganassi claimed in an exclusive interview he has no plans to merge with any organization at this moment -- with plans to run his two cars full-time in 2009.(Sports Illustrated)(9-19-2008)

  • Carpentier says he's a free agent UPDATE: Canadian #10-Patrick Carpentier says “It’s over,” at the end of the year, after his one season with Dodge car owners Ray Evernham and George Gillett. “They hired Reed Sorenson for next year, so it’s over,” Carpentier says. “They’re working on a fourth team and looking for sponsorship, but you know how that goes.” So Carpentier says he’s a free agent. “I’m talking with other teams to see what’s out there,” the Montreal native says.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-29-2008)
    UPDATE: Patrick Carpentier is officially a free agent as the driver says that Gillett Evernham Motorsports has told him it does not have a sponsor for him for next season. Carpentier had been free to talk to other teams, but GEM had first right of refusal until Tuesday. GEM could still find a sponsor for Carpentier, but the former open-wheel driver believes that likely will not happen. GEM already has three drivers under contract for next year – current drivers #9-Kasey Kahne and #19-Elliott Sadler as well as Chip Ganassi Racing’s Reed Sorenson. “We’re talking to a couple of teams, and some of them seem to have a good interest,” Carpentier said. “Hopefully we do [find something], but you never know in racing.” Carpentier’s business partner, Robert Desrosiers, said he was optimistic that Carpentier could find a ride with another team. “There are still some good rides [that] are available,” Desrosiers said. “We’re talking to all these guys. … Now that Patrick is free, I believe one of these teams will be interested in sitting down with us.”(SceneDaily)(9-17-2008)

  • GEM to buy BDR? UPDATE denied: According to multiple sources, a deal is in the works for George Gillett, majority owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, to buy out Bill Davis' Sprint Cup operation — including the #22 team, the Toyota affiliation, Triad Racing Development and their engine shop. While Gillett could not be reached for confirmation, Gillett Evernham Motorsports Vice President and Managing Director of Competition Mark McArdle told FOXSports.com on Sunday that GEM was searching for a fourth car with a spot inside the top 35 in the owners standings. McArdle would not elaborate on which team or any possible terms, but Bill Davis has made it no secret in the garage that he is open to offers. "We're looking forward to having a fourth car next year to help us with our current business plans," said McArdle. "That's where we stand. To get a sponsor, they want to know that you're going to be there to race on Sunday." Although a deal has not yet been finalized, sources say Toyota has approved the plan. Davis will continue to field a Craftsman Truck Series team and add a Nationwide Series program to his High Point, N.C., operation. Davis, who was attending the debut NHRA event at zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C., could not be reached for comment. Sources in the garage said that Davis' current Cup driver, Dave Blaney, inquired last week about rides for next season.(FoxSports)(9-15-2008)
    UPDATE: from a Dodge Motorsports PR:
    Q: IN SPITE OF RECENT PUBLISHED REPORTS, CAN YOU PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON DODGE’S DIRECTION IN MOTORSPORTS – IN PARTICULAR NASCAR AND GILLETT EVERNHAM MOTORSPORTS?
    Mike Delahanty, Sr. Manager – Dodge Motorsports: I just want to respond to these recent reports regarding Gillett Evernham Motorsports – specifically regarding Bill Davis Racing and speculation that GEM would leave Dodge. It’s nothing but pure speculation. Dodge and Gillett Evernham have a long history that dates to our return to Sprint Cup racing (2001). Dodge and GEM have a long-term contract in place. We plan to continue as partners in NASCAR. We’re aware and have had discussion about GEM’s interest in adding a fourth car, but there’s never been discussion about running anything but a Dodge. Anything beyond that, we classify as pure speculation. We’re pleased to see the turnabout in the competition side at GEM and absolutely look forward to many more Victory Lane celebrations together.”
    Q: WHAT ABOUT DODGE’S COMMITMENT TO MOTORSPORTS…HAS IT CHANGED?
    MD: I don’t know how many times we have to keep saying it, but we are committed….we have long-term contracts in place…not only with Gillett Evernham, but with Penske Racing…with Petty (Enterprises) and with Chip Ganassi Racing. We’re committed to the sport. We’re committed to these guys…I don’t know how many times we have to repeat it.(Dodge Motorsports PR)(9-17-2008)

  • RGM-GEM Proposed merger may be in jeopardy #7-Robby Gordon said he still wants to merge with Gillett-Evernham Motorsports, despite a suit just filed against him by Gillett-Evernham. Gordon, who has been using engines supplied by Gillett-Evernham this season, said he expects to have a legal response in the next few days to the lawsuit filed against him by the Ray Evernham-George Gillett operation that claims a breach of contract on a proposed sale of Gordon's NASCAR operation to Evernham-Gillett. But already there are rumblings in the NASCAR garage over what might be the real story behind the suit: whether Evernham and Gillett don't really want to do that deal with Gordon any more, perhaps because they have a better proposal, or for some other reason.
    One key part of the entire situation is Gillett's plan to move his team from its relatively isolated Statesville airport location down much closer to the Charlotte-Concord heart of the sport. Evernham and Gillett haven't been here to explain the situation from their viewpoint, but Gordon said he still wants to do the deal with them. One key to the proposed $20 million deal apparently is a sale of Gordon's shop and real estate -- some prime racing real estate -- to Evernham and Gillett.
    There is increasing speculation that Chip Ganassi -- a Dodge team owner like Evernham, Gillett and Gordon -- might also be a potential merger partner with Evernham and Gillett. And Ganassi has prime real estate too, right next to the Concord airport. "Unfortunately I guess you'll have to learn more about all that in our answers to their complaint," Gordon said. "But we have a deal with them, we have a contract that is still in effect. What they have asked -- I wouldn't say it's so much against Robby Gordon, but they have asked for release from the contract. But we've already done so many things together that I don't know if that's possible." Might Evernham and Gillett want to drop the Gordon deal so they can do a deal with someone else? "Maybe that's what the case is, but I'm not privy to that information, so I don't know," Gordon said.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-8-2008)

  • Carpentier to the #21? Len and Eddie Wood may be looking at signing Canadian Patrick Carpentier as their Cup driver next year. Carpentier is apparently out at Ray Evernham’s, and he’s looking for a new ride. “I haven’t talked to anyone and I don’t plan on talking to anyone until I get my cars working better,” Eddie Wood insisted. “But I do like Patrick.”(Winston Salem Journal)(9-6-2008)

  • GEM sues Robby Gordon: Gillett Evernham Motorsports [#9-Kahne, #10-Carpentier, #19-Sadler] has filed suit against #7-Robby Gordon saying the owner/driver of Robby Gordon Motorsports violated terms of a tentative agreement that would have sold his team to GEM for $23.5 million earlier this year. The deal, agreed to Jan. 29, was pending an audit and other due diligence from GEM, which could have adjusted the price. If the deal had gone through, Gordon would have had a four-year driving contract with GEM that would have paid him $3 million annually plus 45 percent of race winnings as well as insurance and other provisions customary for NASCAR driver agreements – a package likely worth at least $5 million annually. Gordon also could have had a spot on the team’s board of directors. GEM would have acquired Gordon’s shop and property in Charlotte. As part of the agreement, GEM pledged to provide Gordon with all “racing infrastructure” and to support the Gordon’s car “in substantially the same manner in which GEM supports its most supported car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup” for the 2008 season.
    Three days after the agreement was signed, GEM and Gordon announced a technical, manufacturing and marketing partnership. At that time, GEM owner George Gillett, in an interview with NASCAR Scene, stated that he did not buy Gordon’s operation and was more likely to add a fourth car to his stable and hoped Gordon would add a second or third car to his. According to the lawsuit, GEM was pursuing efforts to close the deal. The contract includes an exclusivity clause, which GEM claims would not allow Gordon to entertain talks with other teams about possible mergers. In May, Gordon asked out of the deal, according to the lawsuit, in exchange for an engine deal for the remainder of the season.
    The exclusivity clause is the primary basis for the lawsuit, filed Aug. 25 in North Carolina Superior Court in Charlotte. GEM claims in court documents that Gordon has talked to other teams about merging. It also claims that Gordon made disparaging remarks that he wasn’t getting comparable engines to the other GEM drivers during a DirecTV telecast last month at Watkins Glen. The lawsuit also claims that Gordon ignored the advice of GEM and terminated his previous deal with Ford prematurely, before GEM could get a sponsorship deal from Dodge for Gordon’s car. Dodge and GEM couldn’t agree on a manufacturer’s deal for Gordon’s car. GEM, which has supplied engines and other services for Gordon throughout the season, is asking for unspecified damages for Gordon’s breach of the agreement and for the agreement to be declared null and void, according to the complaint.
    “We categorically reject the allegations that are contained in the complaint, and the truth will come out if the case proceeds,” Gordon said in a statement released through his race team. “In the meantime, we think it is best to allow that to happen in the court proceedings rather than in the media. Therefore, although we have much to say, we won’t be making a further statement about it at this time.”
    Other highlights of the purchase agreement:
    • Gordon would have been allowed to compete in other motorsports events as long as they did not conflict with NASCAR or any sponsors of GEM.
    • Gordon and GEM agreed to do their best to retain the employees Gordon wanted.
    GEM spokesman Drew Brown said the team would not comment on the lawsuit.(SceneDaily)(9-4-2008)

  • Berlin City returns to sponsor the #10 at NHMS: Berlin City Auto Group – serving consumer automotive needs in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont – will sponsor Patrick Carpentier’s #10 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge at the Sept. 14 Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Carpentier drove the Berlin City Dodge to the pole position at the Loudon, N.H. track in June becoming only the second Canadian to win a Sprint Cup pole. The Berlin City Auto Group, with dealerships throughout New England, specializes in the sales, service and parts for eighteen automotive manufacturers and pre-owned vehicles. The Berlin City Auto Group ensures their excellence in customer service with their Over the Top Care by Down to Earth People.(GEM PR)(9-4-2008)

  • Sorenson to GEM? UPDATE 3 confirmed: during the radio broadcast of qualifying for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, PRN's Doug Rice reported that there are reports that #41-Reed Sorenson could be headed to Gillett Evernham Motorsports. When asked, Sorenson was evasive but didn't deny the rumor. Later in the broadcast it was mentioned Sorenson could be headed to a 4th GEM team or could replace Patrick Carpentier in the #10 GEM Dodge.(8-22-2008)
    UPDATE: Reed Sorenson isn’t exactly pleased with how his Chip Ganassi Racing team is running but he said he is still deciding what to do in 2009. Sorenson reportedly is being wooed by Gillett Evernham Motorsports. “Nothing’s happened yet,” Sorenson said Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway. “I don’t really have anything to talk about right now. I don’t have anything [firm] right now. Stuff is going on but nothing has happened yet.” Sorenson said he expects things to get solidified for 2009 in the next month. “I’ve been here for five years, and obviously we’re not running where we should be – that goes for all of us, whether it be Chip [Ganassi], Juan [Pablo Montoya] or me or the crew chiefs,” said Sorenson, who has competed in Cup the last three seasons with Ganassi. “Everybody is kind of discouraged on how we are running. We’re testing every week just trying to get it better. We seem to be struggling trying to do that. I’ve got a lot of time built into this company. It means a lot to me. Target means a lot to me. I like everything. It’s just we’ve got to figure out how to run better.” If Sorenson went to GEM, he likely wouldn’t be guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500. “I don’t think anybody wants to go to Daytona outside the top 35,” Sorenson said. “That’s not something you want to do. I’ve never been in that position. I don’t think I want to be in that position.”(SceneDaily)
    AND Reed Sorenson is apparently moving to Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season, multiple sources at Bristol Motor Speedway said on Friday. But where that leaves rookie Patrick Carpentier is unclear, as the team may release him or add a fourth car. No word yet on Sorenson’s replacement at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, a team that like many in the garage is fighting sponsor woes with Texaco definitely gone and Target rumored to be leaving, too.(Ford Racing)(8-23-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Reed Sorenson appears headed to Gillett Evernham Motorsports to drive the #10 car next year, according to Chip Ganassi Racing co-owner Felix Sabates. Sorenson, in his third year in Sprint Cup with the Ganassi team, said Friday that he did not have anything done yet for 2009, and Chip Ganassi Racing President Steve Lauletta said in a phone interview earlier in the day that they were still in talks with Sorenson. “From my point of view, his contract is over,” Sabates said. “I think Reed is today as good as he’s ever going to be. If somebody else wants to put him in a car, fine with us. We have a pretty good idea that he’s going to drive the 10 car. I wish him good luck.” A spokesman for Gillett Evernham Motorsports said the team had no comment. Patrick Carpentier currently is the driver of the #10 Dodge.(SceneDaily)(8-24-2008)
    UPDATE 3: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that Reed Sorenson has signed a multi-year contract to join the team for the 2009 Sprint Cup season and beyond. "I'm pretty pumped up about this," said Sorenson who started racing at age six before winning 250 quarter midget races and 84 Legends races. I can't wait to get in their cars, I really believe in what they are doing with their program with all their wins and poles this year. Ray Evernham and the Gilletts are going to give us the equipment we need to go out and be a contender each weekend and eventually race for a championship."
    "We will announce Reed's sponsorships and car number in the near future," said Tom Reddin, CEO of GEM. "He is a highly marketable young driver who knows how to win races, and has a long career full of promise ahead of him."(GEM PR)(8-26-2008)

  • Carpentier hopes to know 2009 plans by mid-August UPDATE 2: Rookie #10-Patrick Carpentier said he should know by mid-August what car owner has planned for him for 2009. "And it all depends on sponsors, you know," said the popular Carpentier. "I expect to be back next year, yes…. but I'm sure Dario Franchitti expected to run the full season too."(Winston Salem Journal)(7-26-2008)
    UPDATE: Gillett Evernham will decide Aug. 15 if Carpentier will be with the team in 2009. A boost to Carpentier's contract renewal would be a top-35 finish in owner's points, guaranteeing his Dodge a starting spot in the first five races of next season. Carpentier is four spots behind that cutoff, still forced to qualify his way into each race. But he has only missed three races this year, two because rain canceled qualifying and the third for a blown tire. Qualifying, Carpentier says, is the easy part.(USA Today)(8-1-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Comments from #10-Patrick Carpentier about his future plans with GEM: “You know, I really wish I’d know because they haven’t told me. We talked and they said ‘We need a little bit more time’ so I said that’s fine. We’re going to start talking to other teams too and other guys. I know a couple of teams talked to Robert and we’ll see what happens. I like this team. I’d like to stay there. I think the #10 is getting better and better and the guys do such a great job. For me I’d be disappointed not to keep going on the work that we’ve been doing so hopefully it works well for us and I’m right here where I’m at for next year.” IS THERE A SENSE OF URGENCY? “For me, I would have signed myself in January for three years [laughs]. We’ll see. You know it’s their decision and I’m pretty confident it’s going to stay the way it is. I know a few sponsors seems to want to get back and we’ve got most of the season for next year so we’re waiting on a few things but if it works out we’ll be there. They told me it’s looking good right here. They said just be patient. We need to change a few things around and then we’re going to let you know but it’s most likely going to be positive. So hopefully that’s what it is and they said if not they’ll let me know so we’ll see what it is.” (Raybestos/Camp & Assoc PR)(8-16-2008)

  • New sponsor for the #10 at MIS & Talladega: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Tow Truck in a Box will sponsor Patrick Carpentier's #10 Dodge at the Michigan and Talladega Sprint Cup races. "We are honored to have Tow Truck in a Box join us on the #10 Dodge as well as our Nationwide car," said Carpentier who made the announcement Friday in Montreal. "Michigan, Talladega and Watkins Glen {Nationwide] are all very different tracks but I know we will represent Tow Truck in a Box well." Tow Truck in a Box is new automotive tool. It allows any driver stuck in snow, sand, mud, or ice to easily dislodge their auto without effort. The product comes with 3-patented traction plates made of aircraft quality alloy. It's easy to use and assembles in seconds. The tool is lightweight and comes in a carry case the size of a child's lunch box. The product works on all cars, SUVs, and small trucks. It's received critical acclaim winning numerous awards including being a 2-time MotorTrend/TruckTrend "Outstanding Product" winner". More info at towbox.com(GEM PR)(8-5-2008)

  • Carpentier out of the #10 for Pocono UPDATE 2: Patrick Carpentier will concentrate on racing in the Nationwide Series race at Montreal on August 2. The Sprint Cup Series will be in Pocono the same weekend and Gillett Evernham Motorsports has asked Carpentier to leave his seat in the # 10 Dodge for the race in order to ensure the best possible finish in Montreal. The replacement for Carpentier has not yet been determined, but Bill Elliott could be considered.(Translated thru Google from Canoe Sports)(6-22-2008)
    UPDATE: Gillett Evernham Motorsports has announced that SUBWAY restaurants will sponsor Patrick Carpentier's #9 Dodge in the Aug. 2 Nationwide race at Montreal. Tom Reddin, CEO of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, said Carpentier will focus solely on the Montreal race during the weekend instead of racing in both Montreal and the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono the same weekend. Reddin said the new relationship with SUBWAY restaurants is part of the team's overall plan to build a solid foundation for the future.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR), NO word on who will drive the #10 at Pocono.(6-24-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Terry Labonte will drive the #10 Charter Dodge in the Aug. 3 Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. Labonte, 51, the 1984 and 1996 Sprint Cup series champion, will substitute for Patrick Carpentier who is racing in the Nationwide Series race that weekend in his hometown of Montreal. "I think anyone who follows our sport knows the caliber of driver and person Terry Labonte is," said Tom Reddin, Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO. "We appreciate Terry's willingness to step in and help us out for a weekend." Labonte owns 857 starts in his career including six in 2008 with Petty Enterprises. He finished 30th at Pocono in June. Carpentier is a veteran open wheel driver who moved to NASCAR late last season and is racing the #10 Dodge fulltime in the Sprint Cup Series. He finished second in the Montreal race last year and will pilot the #9 Subway Dodge in the race on Aug. 2.(GEM PR)(7-24-2008)

  • Gillett Evernham interested in free agent drivers: Tuesday Gillett Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham spoke to Sirius Speedway host Dave Moody about the possibility of bringing Ryan Newman or any other free agent drivers to his race team for next year.
    Host, Dave Moody: "Are you now, have you ever, or do you anticipate active negotiations with Ryan Newman for a spot in your stable next year?"
    Ray Evernham: "We have not negotiated with Ryan but we have put out the feeler that we would be very interested, certainly, in talking to Ryan about the future as would probably all the other car owners but we've not spoken with Ryan or negotiated with him. But, yes, we are interested in talking to him."
    Moody: "So if your phone rings and he does [call] you back are we talking about a fourth car?"
    Evernham: "Mr. Gillett and I would love to expand to four cars. So if that's going to happen it has to happen quickly but there are opportunities to grow Gillett Evernham Motorsports. But, again, that depends on drivers and sponsors and there are sponsors available with the proper drivers."
    Moody: "Would it be safe to assume then that Ryan Newman might not be the only top notch driver in the final year of his contract that you might have reached out [to] at this point?"
    Evernham: "Yeah, absolutely, but there's no sense in doing a fourth team unless it can add to what we're already building and to start a fourth team without the proper sponsorship or a driver that can add to the program just doesn't make sense. There are a couple of drivers available and there are some sponsors out there that are talking to other teams, too, besides us to put packages together. But if we were to be able to put that package together to strengthen Gillett Evernham we'd certainly do it. The guys that are out there that have been talking to people, certainly that we have spoken to or are interested in speaking [to], are the same guys everybody else has talked to: Ryan Newman, Casey Mears and Martin Truex are the guys that are in the hot rumors right now."(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(7-23-2008)

  • Sears Auto Center on the #10: Patrick Carpentier and the Sears Auto Center/Valvoline crew have enjoyed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors at both Daytona and Chicagoland. They’re looking to earn top rookie honors again at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR)(7-23-2008)

  • Gillett Evernham hosts National Guard Unit: The final off-weekend of the 2008 Sprint Cup season saw many Gillett Evernham Motorsports employees put in a little extra time at the team's race shop Friday night. But it wasn't to work on race cars. The employees played host to soldiers from a local North Carolina National Guard unit that plans to deploy overseas in 2009. More than 100 uniformed troops and their families enjoyed food, pit stop demonstrations, entertainment and employee tours of the race shops that are home to Kasey Kahne's Budweiser Dodge, Elliott Sadler's Best Buy/Stanley Tools/McDonald's Dodge and Patrick Carpentier's Valvoline/LifeLock Dodge. The guard unit detachment is from the Alpha Battery 1-113 Field Artillery Unit of the North Carolina Army National Guard. The battery is headquartered in Lincolnton, N.C. while the detachment calls Statesville home. Friday night's event marks the first public effort of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports Soldier Outreach committee. The committee plans future fundraisers to aid the unit and its families while the troops are overseas. (Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR)(7-19-2008)

  • Carpentier gets a sponsor for 2 Cup races: Gillett Evernham Motorsports has a new sponsor for #10-Patrick Carpentier. "Tow Truck in a Box" will appear as the sponsor during 2 Sprint Cup races and 1 Nationwidse race. Micahel Mann, CEO of Porter Prescott (manufacturer of Tow Truck in a Box) was at Chicagland Speedway to sign the agreement. Tow Truck in a Box will appear on the car at Michigan and Talladega in the Nextel Cup Series and the Nationwide Watkins Glen race.(translated from Canoe Sports via Google Translate)(7-14-2008)

  • GEM names new CFO: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced the promotion of Gregory D. Park to chief financial officer of the NASCAR team. "Greg has been a key contributor to the development of our team as well as a leader in the financial management, analysis and control of our business" said Tom Reddin, chief executive officer of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. I am very proud of the business team that we have assembled here. Having worked with Greg over the past few months, I know that he will be a strong chief financial officer, and that his management skills will be a great asset to the organization." Park joined GEM in 2005 as the team's director of systems and financial reporting. Prior to that, Park served as chief financial officer at MB2 and MBV Motorsports. He was also the corporate controller and director of systems and reporting for Action Performance Companies Inc. Park is a certified public accountant holding master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Utah.(GEM PR)(7-7-2008)

  • Berlin City Auto Group to sponsor #10 at NHMS: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Berlin City Auto Group - serving consumer automotive needs in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont - will sponsor Patrick Carpentier's #10 Dodge at the June 29 Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "It's really special to have a company the New England race fans will immediately recognize on our car," said Carpentier, an open wheel veteran in his first full NASCAR season. "We plan to put on a good show and help them sell some cars." The Berlin City Auto Group, with dealerships throughout New England, specializes in the sales, service and parts for eighteen automotive manufacturers and pre-owned vehicles. The Berlin City Auto Group ensures their excellence in customer service with their over the top care by down to earth people. "We are excited to be part of the New England community and to serve the automotive needs of its residents. We're proud to sponsor the #10 Gillett Evernham Dodge at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and wish Patrick the best," said Rod Buscher, president of Berlin City Auto Group.(GEM PR)(6-23-2008)

  • Evernham still involved in GEM: Ray Evernham says he is still an essential part of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Rumors have been circulating that the 50-year-old Evernham had sold his remaining interest in the organization that fields Cup teams for drivers #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Patrick Carpentier. Evernham sold a majority interest in Evernham Motorsports to businessman George Gillett in August 2007 and the company was subsequently renamed Gillett Evernham Motorsports. “The way that whole program worked, I sold 80% of the company and I will continue to own 20% of the company until George and I decide we’re not going to be partners or whatever,” Evernham said May 10. Evernham says his position isn’t one that requires him to be in the office each day or at the track each weekend – earlier this year he agreed to serve as an analyst for ESPN’s NASCAR coverage, and he says his new schedule has allowed him to spend more time with his son, Ray J.(SceneDaily)(5-17-2008)

  • Allstate Teen Safe Driving Pit Stop Using GEM Drivers to Reach Parents and Teens: Allstate Insurance Company is using a group of athletes who drive fast for a living to caution parents and teens to slow down when making decisions behind the wheel. By partnering with Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM), Allstate has created the Allstate Teen Safe Driving Pit Stop, an interactive, racing-focused program that will promote teen safe driving in key NASCAR markets throughout the year. The goal of the initiative is to facilitate communication between parents and teens about the importance of teen safe driving and provide tools to spark these conversations, including Allstate's interactive Parent-Teen Driving Contract, available at www.allstate.com/teen. Allstate is the official insurance provider of GEM. GEM NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Patrick Carpentier, as well as team owner Ray Evernham, will headline the Allstate Teen Safe Driving Pit Stops at high schools across the country prior to the Sprint Cup Series races in select markets. Joining them will be SPEED personality John Roberts, who will serve as emcee at all of the events. Events are being scheduled for Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond, Va., with other markets to be announced throughout the year. Highlights of the Allstate Teen Safe Driving Pit Stop will include an interactive discussion with GEM drivers and Evernham and an open forum and question and answer session between the drivers, parents and teens. The Allstate Safety Zone, an interactive safe driving mobile display, will also visit the high schools and provide illustrations of important safety components in NASCAR stock cars. Computer kiosks will be available for parents and teens to complete Allstate's Interactive Parent-Teen Driving Contract at www.allstate.com/teen.(Allstate)(4-27-2008)

  • LifeLock Sponsoring Carpentier for 8 Races: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that LifeLock, the nation’s leading identity theft protection service, will sponsor the #10 Dodge with driver Patrick Carpentier in eight races in the 2008 Sprint Cup Season. LifeLock will sponsor Carpentier at Phoenix on April 12, Talladega on April 27, Richmond on May 3, Darlington on May 10, Charlotte on May 25, Michigan on June 15, Chicagoland on July 12 and Kansas on Sept. 28. Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO Tom Reddin said the addition of LifeLock to the existing sponsorship lineup at the #10 of Valvoline, Auto Value/All Pro Bumper-to-Bumper, Charter and Cintas mean there are few unsponsored races remaining on the #10 Dodge in 2008.(Gillett Evernham PR)(4-4-2008)

  • Charter colors for Carpentier at Bristol: Patrick Carpentier is looking forward to his first trip to Bristol Motor Speedway for this weekend's Food City 500. Carpentier has never even set eyes on the legendary bull-ring. It will be his sixth start in the Sprint Cup Series and the team's second race sporting the Charter Communications colors. The #10 Charter Dodge is currently ranked 46th in Owner Points. They are currently 153 points out of the top-35. This will be his first attempt at qualifying and racing at Bristol. Being outside the top-35 in [46th] owner points, Carpentier will have to qualify on time.(GEM PR), see image of the scheme on the #10 Team Schemes page.(3-13-2008)

  • updated images for the #10: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper returns to the Sprint Cup Series with Gillett Evernham Motorsports for the 2008 season. A new driver and a new paint scheme will adorn the #10 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Dodge Chargers. Patrick Carpentier will take to the driver's seat for races at Dover International Speedway [Bumper-to-Bumper] on June 1 and Daytona International Speedway [Autovalue] on July 5. For more information on Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Quality Parts & Services see 800autotalk.com.(MMI PR), see my #10 Teams Schemes page.(3-11-2008)

  • GEM has full sponsor for #10 car: from a Dodge Motorsports transcript, George Gillett- Majority Owner, Gillett/Evernham Motorsports:
    DO YOU HAVE SPONSORSHIP LEFT ON THE No. 10 CAR FOR PATRICK (CARPENTIER)?
    “We don’t get into that kind of detail. I’m happy to report – as recently as last night [Monday] – for 2008 we have a verbal which is in the writing today, for a major, major, major new sponsor the 10 car. It’s very exciting for us and for the sponsors. We are really starting to see some major new sponsors come on board. Budweiser is a thrill, Best Buy, McDonalds, Cintas and so forth. We’re pleased with the way things are going – but as Patrick gets even more success on the track – his wonderful personality – we’re finding a lot of people interested in the 10 car.”(Dodge Motorsports Transcript)(3-5-2008)

  • Carpentier To Drive #10 Cintas Dodge At Atlanta: Patrick Carpentier will attempt to make his fifth career start this weekend driving the #10 Cintas Dodge at Atlanta Motor Speedway for Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Carpentier once again faces the daunting challenge of making the 43-car field solely on his qualifying time. He is 47th in car owner points.(GEM PR)(3-5-2008)

  • Different look for the #10 at Calif: Patrick Carpentier in the #10 Charter Dodge Charger seeks to make his fourth career start. The #10 will feature the purple and yellow paint scheme of Charter Communications for the Fontana race. Carpentier will be one of the few drivers in the field that have experience in both stock cars and open wheel at the 2-mile oval. He has raced there in both the Champ Car Series and the IRL. The #10 Charter Dodge Charger test at California Speedway this past January. Being outside the top-35 in owner points, Carpentier will have to qualifying for this race on time. He will battle 16 "go or go homers" for the eight open qualifying spots.(GEM PR)(2-20-2008)

  • Evernham Joins ESPN’s NASCAR Team as Analyst: Ray Evernham, a successful team owner in NASCAR racing and a three-time Sprint Cup champion crew chief, has joined ESPN’s NASCAR coverage team as an analyst. Evernham, who makes his debut this week from Daytona International Speedway, will appear on NASCAR Now, ESPN’s daily NASCAR news and information show, as part of a rotating panel of ESPN analysts for a weekly roundtable discussion in an expanded one-hour Monday edition of the program. The roundtable, hosted by ESPN’s Allen Bestwick, will discuss the latest NASCAR news and events. Evernham, owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, also will make appearances via satellite on other editions of NASCAR Now. NASCAR Now airs weeknights at 6pm/et on ESPN2. In addition to his duties with NASCAR Now, Evernham will work as an analyst in ESPN’s booth for live telecasts of Nationwide Series races from Mexico City and Loudon, N.H. Evernham also will join ESPN’s pre-race NASCAR Countdown show for some races in 2008, including prior to the Feb. 16 Nationwide Series opening event from Daytona, and will appear from Daytona on NASCAR Now, SportsCenter and ESPNEWS.   “We are thrilled to further elevate our NASCAR telecasts with the addition of another former champion in Ray Evernham,” said Rich Feinberg, vice president, motorsports, ESPN production. “Our team already has a very deep bench and this only strengthens it.” Evernham appeared on several Nationwide Series telecasts in 2007 as a guest analyst on the pre-race program and also was featured in Race Wizard with Ray Evernham, a program that aired on ESPN2 in 2007. He previously appeared as an analyst on ESPN and ABC’s coverage of the IROC Series in 2000. "ESPN is the leader in sports worldwide,” said Evernham. “Their expertise and credibility with the men and women around the world reinforces this position, and I am excited that NASCAR is such an integral part of their programming. I look forward to joining their team and sharing my knowledge and experience of the sport with the fans."(ESPN PR)(2-13-2008)

  • New spotter for Bowyer: Mike Dillon had spotted for #07-Clint Bowyer but as vice president of competition at RCR, he said he needed to focus on the entire team and he has been replaced by former driver Jimmy Kitchens. "My job is to be as available to all three teams as I can be, and it kind of got one-sided a little bit - I didn't feel like that but the perception was that," Dillon said Friday at Daytona International Speedway. "I'm good with it." The team hired Kitchens away from Gillett Evernham Motorsports [was spotter for #10 car], and Kitchens began spotting for Bowyer at the Las Vegas and California tests. Kitchens worked with Bowyer in the Busch (now Nationwide) Series last year for a couple of races. Kitchens raced against Dillon in the Busch Series and had 47 career starts from 1994-2005. "Clint and I talked a lot, and so that was the thing that [the new spotter] was going to have to do," Dillon said. "He wants to hear a lot. Jimmy understands the racing, and he's been in the car, so he understands the tension and the pressure these guys are under." Kitchens will also work on the Bowyer car as a mechanic.(SceneDaily.com)(2-9-2008) .

  • Valvoline to sponsor #10 GEM Dodge in 2008: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that the familiar red, white and blue colors of Valvoline will sponsor Patrick Carpentier's #10 Dodge in selected races for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Valvoline will serve as the primary sponsor at some of NASCAR's biggest races including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, Las Vegas, Texas in April, plus the California and Bristol races in August. Valvoline has served as a co-primary sponsor on the #10 Dodge at Gillett Evernham Motorsports since 2005 as well as an associate sponsor on the #9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne and the #19 Dodge of Elliott Sadler since 2001. "This is another chapter in Valvoline's rich racing history," said Robert Stravitz, vice-president of marketing for Valvoline, "We have a long relationship with Ray Evernham and this race team. We think Patrick can take Valvoline as well as the sport of NASCAR to new markets. We plan to continue to make our NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing effort serve the needs of our family of brands which include: Valvoline, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Eagle One, Car Brite and Zerex." Gillett Evernham Motorsports purchased Valvoline's half of Valvoline Evernham Racing last month ending seven years of Sprint cup ownership by Valvoline. Company officials said there are no plans to pursue ownership in the sport with any other partners. Gillett Evernham co-owner George Gillett Jr. said the team is pursuing additional primary sponsors for the #10 Dodge's remaining races in 2008.(GEM PR)(2-8-2008) .

  • GEM appoints Tom Reddin as new CEO: Gillett Evernham Motorsports appointed Tom Reddin as its new chief executive officer overseeing the team's three Sprint Cup teams and Nationwide team. "This is another step in our plan toward build a winning organization," said co-owner Ray Evernham. "Tom is a world-class business executive who brings a wealth of experience to Gillett Evernham Motorsports. His management style will enable this organization to maximize its production off the track so the competition side has the resources to win races and contend for championships." Gillett Evernham Motorsports began searching for a new CEO last season with Evernham, co-owner George Gillett Jr., and President Rick Russell leading the search committee. "We couldn't be happier with our selection," said Gillett. "I feel fortunate we could find someone of Tom's experience, expertise and passion to come lead our organization. The fans in the stands might not see Tom's face at the track but his performance is as vital as that of any team member." Reddin's business background is a combination of consumer packaged goods, e-commerce and technology experience gained at Kraft Foods, CBS, Coca-Cola and LendingTree where he ultimately served as chief executive officer. Reddin's experience also involved racing and NASCAR. His love for motorsports began in childhood and continued when he worked with the late Bobby Hamilton with Country Time Lemonade in the late 80's and early 90's, and Coca-Cola's NASCAR ties in the late 1990s.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR)(2-5-2008)

  • Cintas signs with GEM; primary for #10 in a race: Cintas Corp., a supplier of corporate uniforms and other business services, has agreed to a multiyear sponsorship deal at Gillett Evernham Motorsports beginning with the 2008 season. Cincinnati-based Cintas will become the official uniform supplier and safety supplier for all three of GEM's teams, which gives the company associate sponsorship positioning on the #'s 9, 10 and 19 Sprint Cup cars. Cintas also will be a primary sponsor on Patrick Carpentier's #10 Dodge for the March 9 Sprint Cup race at Atlanta, marking the first time Cintas has been a primary sponsor on a Cup car, the company said. Terms of the deal were not available. In addition to sponsoring GEM's Sprint Cup teams, Cintas will have access to drivers Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler. Cintas intends to use the drivers as part of its "Lifetime Experiences" program for Cintas clients.(Business Courier of Cincinnati)(2-4-2008)

  • Something up with Robby Gordon? UPDATE been hearing a bunch of rumors the last few days about Robby Gordon Motorsports, driver/owner Robby Gordon and the #7 Ford. Everything from he is selling the team, merging the team or/and switching manufacturers. Rumored teams include Yates Racing, Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Hall of Fame Racing. Email sent to the team has gone unanswered. I have been told Gordon tested at California Speedway Thursday, then left and headed back to California and didn't test there Friday.
    UPDATE: Gillett Evernham Motorsports today announced a technical, manufacturing and marketing services agreement with Robby Gordon Motorsports which will race Dodges in the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Gordon's team will use Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge engines when practice begins next week at Daytona International Speedway. BAM Racing and Petty Enterprises also use Gillett Evernham Motorsports engines and receive technical assistance. Gillett Evernham Motorsports fields cars for drivers #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Patrick Carpentier in the Sprint Cup Series as well as a Nationwide Series entry. "I feel this agreement with Gillett Evernham Motorsports helps make the learning curve of the COT little bit easier to navigate," said Gordon whose 28th-place finish in owner points was the best of any single-car team in 2007. "I like what they have going on over there and I think both organizations will benefit. As an owner I want to do what is best for my employees and sponsors." Gordon's move to Dodge comes after one year with Ford. "Ford has been very good to me, and this move is not a reflection on our relationship at all," said Gordon. "Ford was planning on supporting me, and even increasing its engineering support for my program in 2008. However, I felt that I needed to make this move to help put my team in a more stable financial situation in terms of marketing and sponsorship help." Based in Charlotte North Carolina, Robby Gordon Motorsports is home to the No. 7 Dodge. With sponsorship from Jim Beam, Menards, Mapei, and Camping World Robby Gordon will run the entire 2008 Sprint Cup series schedule.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR)(GEM PR)(2-1-2008)

  • Carpentier not moving to NC: #10-Patrick Carpentier will keep his home in Las Vegas instead of moving to the Charlotte, N.C., area like many drivers. "This year, I'm not moving," he said. "We love Vegas. Been here since '99. My daughter, my son were born here. They've got a lot of friends here. There's direct flights from basically everywhere in the States back to Vegas, so for this year we're going to stay."(ESPN.com)(1-30-2008)

  • Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to sponsor #10 for 2 races: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has contracted with Gillett Evernham Motorsports as the primary sponsor for six 2008 races. The Auto Value logo will decorate the Dodge race car for three races during the season while the other three races will showcase the Bumper to Bumper logo on the renowned Gillett Evernham Dodge racecar. Taking the wheel of the #10 Dodge in 2008 Sprint Cup races will be new GEM teammate Patrick Carpentier. He will drive the #10 Bumper to Bumper Dodge on June 1 at the Dover International Speedway and the #10 Auto Value Dodge at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2008. Auto Value will be making their first appearance in international racing during the Nationwide Series race with the #9 Auto Value Dodge on the track in Mexico at the Autodromo in Mexico City, April 20, 2008 with Carpentier taking the wheel. A driver, yet to be announced, will be at the Kentucky Speedway on June 15, 2008 behind the wheel of the #9 Bumper to Bumper Dodge for another Nationwide Series race. Elliott Sadler will begin his second year of driving for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper in two Nationwide Series races in 2008. Sadler will be racing the #9 Auto Value Dodge July 11, 2008 at the Chicagoland Speedway and the #9 Bumper to Bumper Dodge August 22, 2008 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be an associate sponsor of the Gillett Evernham Dodges for all other Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races in 2008 and will receive branding on Gillett Evernham team uniforms, team haulers and pit equipment.(Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper site)(1-23-2008), see images of the schemes on the #10 Team Schemes page.

  • Evernham not leaving NASCAR: Ray Evernham said that rumors of his retirement from NASCAR were greatly exaggerated. After selling part of his business to the Gillett group (GEM) Evernham, Jeff Gordon’s former crew chief who started his own team full-time with Dodge in 2001, admitted that racing is not fun any longer in an interview during the Sprint NASCAR Media Tour in Concord. “Honestly, no, I wasn’t having fun,” he said, adding “it wasn’t just because of the (team’s poor) performance. There was a lot going on, over the last few years, that took the fun out of it for me because I love racing. Some of the fun had gone away, but, there’s a lot of great people in the sport and I want to spend time with those people and maybe being away from the negative people will help a little bit.” Remaining in NASCAR’s top series was a battle he explained “it was a constant fight to keep people, to keep sponsors, to keep relationships in a in a highly competitive world not all things don’t always go well. Evernham said that since it took three people to take over his previous job, he was working too hard to accomplish his goals. For now he’ll remain an “owner” but have the freedom to chose what role he’ll continue with at Gillett Evernham Motorsports.(Franckly Speaking/Lewis Franck)(1-22-2008)

  • GEM names Mark McArdle VP and Managing Director of Competition Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced the promotion of Mark McArdle to Vice President and Managing Director of Competition. McArdle formerly served as the Vice President and Managing Director of Gillett Evernham Engines. "This is another example of the business and performance related improvements Ray Evernham and I are committed to making," said George Gillett Jr., team owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. "The goal is to position our resources and leadership where they will have the greatest impact, conduct assessments and then make any additional strategic investments necessary to compete for championships. That's what we expect as an organization and we are committed to delivering that level of performance to our partners." McArdle spent 10 years building engines in CART with organizations such as Penske Racing and Mercedes-Benz. After visiting victory lane in the Indianapolis 500 three times, McArdle made the move to NASCAR and has been with Gillett Evernham Motorsports since 2003. In addition to his management responsibilities at Gillett Evernham Engines, he also provided oversight and direction to Advanced Engine Technology, the Gillett Evernham facility based in Northhamptonshire, England. "We are promoting Mark [McArdle] to this role based on his remarkable performance and innumerable contributions to Gillett Evernham Motorsports over the past five seasons, especially with our engine program," said Evernham, co-owner. "Mark has an exceptional understanding of the technical side of this business, but additionally he understands that the foundation of this business is people. He has an outstanding reputation with his effective management style and is a proven team leader that is committed to excellence and delivering results." McArdle's technology-based approach to competition together with the added business expertise and resources of Gillett should help Gillett Evernham Motorsports move closer to its goal of becoming a championship organization. "I am very grateful to both Ray Evernham and George Gillett for the trust they are placing in me. Our goal is to win races and championships and until we do that I won't rest and neither will our employees at this race shop," McArdle said. "This company has a history of winning races and I fully expect we will resume that tradition here shortly."(GEM PR)(1-16-2008)

    2007 News

  • Shiplett to crew chief #10: Mike Shiplett will serve as Patrick Carpentier's team director on the #10 Valvoline Evernham Racing Dodge for the 2008 Sprint Cup Series, a Gillett Evernham Motorsports official says. Keith Barnwell, general manager of Gillett Evernham's Nationwide Series team, confirmed the move for Shiplett from the Nationwide Series (formerly Busch Series) team. Gillett Evernham swapped team directors - the team's nomenclature for crew chief - toward the end of the '07 season, with Rodney Childers moving from the #10 to the #19 team of Elliott Sadler. Shiplett joined the #10 Cup team for the last two races of 2007. Shiplett led Kasey Kahne to two Busch Series victories in '07 after previously working on the team's Nextel Cup operation. Shiplett will be replaced as Nationwide team director by Kirk Almquist, who had served as car director for Sadler.(SceneDaily.com)(12-13-2007)

  • No Petty/GEM merger: For the time being, Petty Enterprises will go it alone in the increasingly costly world of NASCAR. Kyle Petty said Tuesday that Richard Petty has decided not to merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Not at this time, at least. Petty Enterprises and Gillett Evernham were said to be discussing a merger or partnership that would have allowed Petty to maintain its identity.(Kansas City Star)(11-28-2007)

  • Evernham plans to scale back track time in 2008: Although Ray Evernham will be overseeing how the race cars will be built at Gillett Evernham Motorsports next year, he doesn't expect to be at the race track all the time to do it. "You'll probably see less of me as the thing goes on a little bit," Evernham said Nov. 16. "I'm going to try to get a little bit rested up and concentrate on what we've got to do to get better and see what the next things are." Evernham sold majority interest of his team to George Gillett and family in August. The former crew chief for Jeff Gordon has remained with the team as chief executive officer. "The Gilletts have done a great job and they're doing exactly what they said they would do and it's maybe letting me stand back a little bit and say, 'OK, what have we really got to do with this organization?' " Evernham said. "I'm looking forward to maybe being more of a consultant to my own company and helping more rather than trying. For me to be in the shop worrying about where the bodies are put and how the cars are being built? No, I need to be out identifying the people and getting that long-term vision back again and it's going to allow me to do that, so you're probably going to see a little bit less of me."(SceneDaily.com)(11-19-2007)

  • Carpentier 2008 sponsor? Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway reported Wednesday that Komatsu Equipment [construction equipment] is expected to be the new sponsor of Patrick Carpentier's #10 Dodge at Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2008.(11-8-2007)

  • Crew chief swap at GEM for Texas: during ESPN2's Nextel Cup practice coverage at Texas on Friday, it was mentioned that #10 GEM Dodge Team Director [crew chief] Rodney Childers is heading up the team for #19 Elliott Sadler and Scott McDougall is heading up the #10 team of Scott Riggs. This will be Riggs last race in the #10 with Patrick Carpentier taking over at Phoenix.(11-2-2007)

  • Carpentier in the #10 at Phoenix & Homestead: Patrick Carpentier will drive the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge at Phoenix and Homestead. The plan is being implemented in an effort to give the #10 team a head start on preparations for the 2008 season. Gillett Evernham Motorsports will also field a 2nd Busch Series entry with Carpentier at Homestead. Scott Riggs will drive the #10 car at Atlanta and Texas.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports PR)(10-26-2007)

  • Valvoline moving to another team? Patrick Carpentier’s #10 Dodge [in 2008], which is half owned by Valvoline and half-owned by Gillett Evernham Motorsports, likely will have a primary sponsor other than the oil company next year, sources sell TFR. Valvoline is an associate sponsor for Roush Fenway Racing.(Ford Racing)(10-22-2007)

  • Riggs to Run Proto Tools Paint Scheme in Texas: When Scott Riggs takes to the track for the Dickies 500 at Texas his #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge will have a unique look to it. The Stanley Proto Industrial Tool brand will be on the #10 Charger to mark the 100th anniversary of the industrial tool line. Proto Tools are used in the maintenance, repair, operations and production (MROP) applications in basically all industrial market segments including oil exploration, petrochemical, mining and minerals, transportation, utility and power generation, and general manufacturing. The company invented the first combination wrench in 1933. Proto tools were used to tightened bolts on dams and bridges raised by the “New Deal”, stormed the beaches of Normandy and built rockets that fueled the space age.(Clear!Blue PR), see an image of the scheme on the #10 Team Schemes page.(10-22-2007)

  • GEM Introduces New Driver Patrick Carpentier in Montreal: Patrick Carpentier was introduced to the media today at a press conference prior to the Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre. Foster Gillett welcomed Carpentier on behalf of the Gillett family, who owns the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club and recently purchased ownership in Gillett Evernham Motorsports. “There is tremendous local support for our hometown sports figures here in Quebec and Canada,” said Foster Gillett. “That is why we wanted to introduce Patrick to the local media and fans here at the Bell Centre.”
    “These past few months have been a dream come true for me,” said Carpentier, driver of the #10 Dodge Avenger [in 2008]. “I look forward to working with the Gillett family, Ray Evernham and my teammates Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler.” Appropriately, the Montreal Canadiens presented Carpentier with a personalized #10 hockey jersey.(Clear!Blue/GEM PR)(10-17-2007)

  • Carpentier signed with GEM? UPDATE 2 official: hearing Gillett Evernham Motorsports has signed Patrick Carpentier to run the #10 Dodge in 2008.(10-10-2007)
    UPDATE: Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that they have added Patrick Carpentier to their driver lineup for 2008. The Quebec native and former open wheel stand out will drive fulltime in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next year as well as select races in the Nationwide [Busch] Series. The car number and sponsorship have not yet been announced. Carpentier made his Nextel Cup Series debut earlier this season driving the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Avenger at Watkins Glen, leading seven laps in the event. Just one week earlier, he had made his Busch Series debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The road course veteran proved to be a quick study as he won the pole for the event and led 14 laps en route to a second-place finish. Carpentier has compiled two Champ Car World Series wins, three CART victories, and a Toyota Atlantic Championship. “We are excited to add Patrick Carpentier to our organization for 2008,” said George Gillett co-owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. “Patrick (Carpentier) has shown tremendous talent in every series he has driven throughout his career and has a bright future in NASCAR. We are committed to giving Patrick (Carpentier) the best resources and opportunities available to make this transition and we look forward to a great deal of success together both on and off the track.” Gillett Evernham Motorsports will conduct a formal press conference next week to introduce Patrick Carpentier and discuss further details. Information regarding this press conference to follow.(Clear!Blue/GEM PR)(10-10-2007)
    UPDATE 2: Patrick Carpentier will be put on the fast track to drive full-time in the Nextel Cup series for Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season. Minority owner Ray Evernham hopes to get the former Champ Car star into two Busch Series and two Cup events before the end of the season, beginning at Martinsville Speedway in two weeks. Evernham said Carpentier also will drive at least a partial schedule next season in the Nationwide Series, now the Busch Series. Carpentier has been cleared by NASCAR to run a Cup event at every track but Daytona and Talladega. He could be approved for Daytona by competing in the ARCA or Busch race before the 500. "We'll do whatever we need to," Evernham said. "He's a great race driver. He's smart. He communicates well with the team. I haven't really worked with him much, but I know a lot about him and I know in a short time if most drivers don't get it, they don't. "Patrick gets it." Carpentier will fill the third car at EMS being vacated by Scott Riggs, who last week signed with Haas CNC Racing. Evernham said there are no plans to put Carpentier in Riggs' car the remainder of this season, saying Carpentier will drive the #98 test team car.(ESPN.com)(10-11-2007)

  • GEM-Petty deal on hold? Alex Gillett still hopes to work out a partnership with Petty Enterprises, although he admits talks have slowed. "What you've got is one of the most storied people in the sport," the co-owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports said. "There is a lot of emotion attached to what they want to do in the future and who they want to move into the future with. I can respect that. If that means give them space or not space. We did it with Ray." Negotiations to merge Gillett with owner Ray Evernham lasted at least four months longer than anticipated because an underground storage tank had to first be removed from Evernham's property in Statesville, N.C., for environmental reasons. "A lot of people criticized us for taking too long to close," Gillett said. "Well, nobody asked us the question of why. Each one of these has a life cycle. You can't push it." Meanwhile, Gillett said GEM officials are talking to two or three drivers to replace Scott Riggs in the #10 next season. He acknowledged that Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier is a strong candidate even though he has only one Nextel Cup start. David Stremme, who was not re-signed by Chip Ganassi Racing, also is a candidate. "I'm not sure if you bring somebody like a Patrick Carpentier and throw him right into Nextel Cup," Gillett said. "So we've got some other good options in the No. 10 car we're exploring. We'll see over the next couple of weeks where that ends up."(ESPN.cpm)(10-8-2007)

  • Carpentier to the #10 in 2008? Patrick Carpentier could be the next open-wheel driver to make the move to the Nextel Cup Series. Ray Evernham, the minority owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, said the Canadian-born Carpentier is a candidate to replace Scott Riggs in the #10 car next season. "That's going to be up to [George] Gillett," Evernham said of GEM's majority owner. "I know he's one of the people being considered. They'll make that decision." Gillett has said Carpentier, who replaced Riggs at the Watkins Glen road course earlier this year, could drive in at least one Cup race during the championship chase. Evernham added that he will have three full-time Cup teams and possibly two full-time Busch teams in 2008, and that his goal of becoming a four-car team likely won't happen until 2009.(ESPN.com)(10-7-2007)

  • Valvoline Evernham Racing and Scott Riggs Will Part Ways in 2008: Valvoline Evernham Racing and Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced Wednesday that driver Scott Riggs will not be back in the #10 Dodge for the 2008 season. Over the past two seasons the successful partnership between Riggs and Valvoline Evernham Racing has grown Gillett Evernham Motorsports into a three car operation. Together Riggs and Valvoline Evernham Racing have claimed three Nextel Cup Series poles, including a win and a pole in the Nextel Open, nine top 10s, and a finish of 20th in owners points last season. Plans for a replacement driver have not yet been made. “Scott Riggs has represented Valvoline Evernham Racing well over the past two seasons through his talent behind the wheel and his down to earth personality off the track,” said Jim Rocco, Team Owner of Valvoline Evernham Racing. “Thanks to his efforts, the #10 team has accomplished a great deal since starting out as a new team last season. We wish Scott success in the future and know he will be an asset to his new team.”(GEM PR), rumored drivers to the #10 include David Stremme and Patrick Carpentier.(10-4-2007)

  • Green out of the #66? Riggs in for 2008? UPDATE 2 Riggs signed by Haas CNC: It looks like Scott Riggs will be next in line to take over the #66 Chevy at Haas CNC Racing. The team and Riggs are in serious discussion and the speculation is that the announcement may happen 'within days'. Riggs future with Gillett Evernham was on shaky ground to begin with, but with the appearance of Canadian Patrick Carpentier to take over the #10 for next year, Riggs future at Gillett Evernham was doomed.(Cup Scene Daily)(9-27-2007)
    UPDATE: Scott Riggs has signed a contract with Haas/CNC Racing to drive one of the team's two Chevrolets in 2008, sources close to the team confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The team is expected to issue a statement Wednesday. It is unknown whether Riggs will pilot Haas/CNC's #66 or #70 or who will back the team financially. Sources said current drivers Jeff Green and Johnny Sauter will be evaluated throughout the remainder of the 2007 season and a decision as to whom Riggs will replace will be made at the end of the year. There has been some speculation that ousted Chip Ganassi Racing driver David Stremme is a candidate for the other Haas/CNC Chevy.(ESPN.com)(10-3-2007)
    UPDATE 2: Haas CNC Racing announced today that the team has signed Scott Riggs for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. The car Riggs will drive next season (#66 or #70) will be determined at a later date. "We're very happy to welcome Scott Riggs to Haas CNC Racing," team general manager Joe Custer said. "It's exciting for us to land a driver with Scott's leadership experience and great attitude. We're confident in our equipment, so from a competition standpoint one of Matt's (Director of Competition Matt Borland) challenges is to find the right personnel combinations to get the most out of it," Custer said. " We believe Scott has the ability to get every bit of speed a car can offer. That's very important to us."(Haas CNC Racing PR) (10-3-2007)

  • GEM to open New York Sales Office Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced that Jim Tucker has been hired as senior director, sales & development. Tucker has over nine years of corporate sponsorship experience, in developing, negotiating and implementing integrated marketing programs for major brands and properties in the sports, media and entertainment industries. Jim Tucker will be opening a sales office in New York City that will work complement and expand the reach of the existing Statesville, NC based sales and marketing department. Tucker will report to David Jessey, Vice President of Sales & Development. The new office will be responsible for developing new team sponsorships with Fortune 500 companies for the Gillett Motorsports’ fleet of cars and drivers, including #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs. Prior to this announcement, Jim Tucker spent four years in NASCAR’s sales and marketing offices, based in Manhattan. Prior to NASCAR, Jim Tucker worked with the National Football League in their Corporate Sales & Marketing division, managing the League’s official sponsorships.(Clear!Blue PR)(9-25-2007)

  • More on the GEM/Petty 'merger': George Gillett Jr., the majority owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, has been a big fan of seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Richard Petty for more than 30 years. Now he wants to be business partners. Gillett is actively pursuing a merger that would make Petty Enterprises and GEM a four-car team. Sources close to the situation say the merger likely would happen before the start of the 2008 Sprint Cup season, with Petty likely moving his two-car operation of #43-Bobby Labonte and #45-Kyle Petty to GEM's Statesville [NC] facility. Gillett would only confirm that there have been discussions. "He's a man of great integrity, honesty," Gillett said of Petty. "His values are something like I've never seen. ... I'd love to figure out a way to be associated with him. I'm not prepared to say any more than that today. Richard and I are good friends." GEM minority owner Ray Evernham said such a deal would make both organizations stronger. "From my point of view, I would like to see that happen," Evernham said of the merger. "For me, the sooner the better." Evernham has been looking to expand to four teams. The difference here, he said, is he would have four good teams that are solidly in the top 35 for next season. Gillett said expansion is the only way to keep up, and not just in terms of teams. He is looking to build a large shop in the Charlotte area that will become a destination for racing fans. "Ray Evernham has every bit of technical skill and genius as the best of any one of those programs," he said of Evernham, who won three Cup titles as Gordon's crew chief. "So we will deploy ourselves in a way that gives us as much competitive strength as is possible to do within the rules." To stay within those rules, specifically NASCAR's four-car limit, GEM would have to lose one of its three teams to merge with Petty. The #10 driven by Scott Riggs is the likely target. Riggs is 37th in [drivers and owners] points, well behind Kahne in 22nd [drivers] and Elliott Sadler in 25th [drivers]. Gillett acknowledged that he would like to get more seat time for Patrick Carpentier, who finished 22nd when he replaced Riggs at the Watkins Glen road course last month. "We had our first test with him yesterday on an oval," [Kentucky Speedway] he said. "We're going over the data. ... I can tell you he looked very good and very comfortable on the track. He was competitive. It doesn't appear there will be any significant learning curve." Regardless, to merge with Petty Enterprises there would be no room for Carpentier in a Cup car. "It's all about the number of cars," Gillett said. "We would have to get rid of one of the cars here. Whether 'get rid of' means mothball or have it aligned with another team ... there are a number of teams out there that don't have four cars, several of whom we already have relationships with." GEM and Petty, which would remain under the Petty Enterprises umbrella, potentially could have the knowledge of six to eight cars under that scenario as Roush Fenway Racing plans to do under its partnership with Yates Racing. "As you can see, we've got technical excellence, a commitment to technology and upstanding people," Gillett said. "We need to exploit that. That can be exploited in any number of ways."(ESPN.com), on has to wonder..... what about Petty Enterprises long standing non-alcohol sponsorship policy? neither the #43-Labonte or #45-Petty cars carry any form of alcohol [beer or spirits] decals/sponsorship - like the Bud Pole award. How would teaming up with GEM and the #9 Budweiser sponsorship effect this policy?(9-19-2007)

  • Latest on the GEM-Petty merger: A possible merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises would benefit both teams from a competition standpoint, Petty vice president of racing operations Robbie Loomis said Saturday. In a season of mergers, GEM and Petty are just the latest to talk about combining their teams and resources. From Loomis' view on the competition side, sharing engineering would only help. Loomis pointed to the agreement between Roush Fenway Racing and Yates Racing - in which the teams will share information, cars and motors - as one that might work for Petty and GEM. "I think that's the same thing we're trying," he said. "The model of the sport has been created by NASCAR, the framework has been set with the rules. And now we're trying to figure out how to make Petty Enterprises bigger and larger." Petty already gets its engines from GEM. Evernham, who is focused more on the racing and less on the business since selling a majority share of his company to George Gillett, said he would welcome the opportunity to work with the Pettys and "especially Bobby Labonte." "There's obviously discussions going on," he said. "I don't know exactly where they're at. ... I think it would be a good thing for both organizations." Loomis said in the year and a half since he returned to the Petty organization, he'd been approached by three or four teams about doing various deals with the 43 car in particular. "That's what everybody is interested in, they're interested in the Petty brand and the 43," he said. "It's such a clean thing. You look at the things with Kyle Petty and Victory Junction Gang [Camp] and everything they stand for, their worth is worth a lot more than what's on the race track. And what I want to do is make sure we've got the money and the tools to operate on the race track. Right now we're operating on half to a third of the budget that the big teams are operating on, so I want to make sure that we're going to get the money and the financing to carry the company forward and take it to the next level while we still keep what I call the 'P' in the Petty - the things off the track that makes Petty feel good."(SceneDaily.com)(9-16-2007)

  • GEM/Petty to merge? Petty Enterprises, NASCAR's most storied organization, is open to a change of ownership. The two-car operation owned by seven-time champion Richard Petty is having discussions with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. that would allow it to merge with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and form a four-car Nextel Cup organization. "They have quoted some numbers,'' Kyle Petty, the CEO of Petty Enterprises and driver of the #45 Dodge, said on Friday at Richmond International Raceway. Gillett recently purchased majority ownership of Evernham Motorsports, now known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Petty said Gillett has floated an offer in which the companies would merge but allow Petty Enterprises to continue working under its flagship name. For that to happen, Gillett Evernham Motorsports would have to drop one of its three teams to comply with NASCAR's cap of four cars. The #10 car of Scott Riggs would be the most likely victim. Riggs is out of the top 35 in owner's points that automatically qualify for races and his contract is up after this season. Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler are solidly in the top 35 in owner's points with Kahne at 22 and Sadler at 28. Both Petty Enterprises cars also are in the top 35 with Bobby Labonte at 18 and Kyle Petty at 34. Evernham said there's no doubt the proper business model is for a four-car operation. Because he already has a relationship with the Pettys, supplying the organization with engines and technical support, he would be all for a merger. "I think we could combine the organizations and be stronger,'' he said. "How the car numbers work, I don't know.'' Petty said he is far from a deal with Gillett, which took more than six months to finalize his deal with Evernham, or any suitor. Should a merger with Gillett occur, Petty said the organization would consider every option from relocating to Salisbury, N.C., as has been discussed regardless to moving to Evernham's shop in Statesville, N.C. "We've been in this business 60 years,'' Petty said. "When you look at it this just seems to be the trend of the moment. Do you jump on the trend of the moment or do you stay the course? We've been the same course for 60 years. Whether that's the right course or wrong course I'm not going to say.''(ESPN.com)(9-8-2007)

  • Carpentier close to signing with GEM? While it appears Patrick Carpentier is close to signing with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, it looks like the next step for the Canadian driver is a test session with the NASCAR team. Carpentier's business partner, Robert Desrosiers, said Wednesday that he has had regular talks with the team over the last few weeks. "We don't have any contract signed with them, we don't have any schedule for which race he will do," Desrosiers said. "The only thing that I know for sure is that Patrick will be testing in the very near future." Desrosiers said the test session will likely be on an oval in Kentucky, possibly as early as next week. "I believe that after the tests, I think all of the cards are going to fall in place and we'll have more of a definite schedule on what Patrick's going to do this season," he said. "There are still quite a few races left in Busch and Nextel Cup and it's going to be up to Mr. Evernham and Mr. Gillett to see where they want to put Patrick." There was no immediate word on which car Carpentier might drive, but the former Champ Car and IRL driver should be comfortable testing on an oval with his open-wheel experience.(Canadian Press)(9-7-2007)

  • Sears joins forces with Valvoline, special scheme for #10: Two great American names in automotive service announced an alliance that will provide consumers with great automotive products. The agreement calls for Valvoline to be the primary brand of motor oil offered at all 850-plus Sears Auto Centers. Through its partnership with Valvoline, Sears Auto Centers will have a sponsorship presence on a Nextel Cup car at various times over the next three seasons. Sears Auto Centers will be primary sponsor on Scott Riggs' #10 Dodge at Nextel Cup events at California this Sunday and Atlanta this fall.(Valvoline PR), see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2007)

  • Riggs hopes to remain with Gillett-Evernham: On Aug. 1, Scott Riggs technically became a free agent NASCAR driver, but he'd like to remain at Gillett-Evernham Motorsports to drive its # 10 Dodge. He has, however, spoken with other teams in the past few months, including Robert Yates Racing. Riggs said the chief holdup in his contract negotiations with GES is individual team sponsorships and, interestingly, what drivers will be in which cars.(ESPN.com)(8-23-2007)

  • Speckman Automotive featured on the #10 at MIS: After receiving over 2,500 entries from member parts stores all across the United States, Speckman Automotive was selected as the featured parts store for Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper's Nextel Cup Series weekend at Michigan Speedway on August 18. As the winner of the random drawing, Speckman Automotive will adorn the hood of the #10 Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper Dodge driven by Scott Riggs in the 400-mile race in Brooklyn, Michigan. Speckman Automotive is a family-owned business and has provided great service and quality parts for over 40 years. The business has two locations: St. Mary's and Wapakoneta, both serving the West Central Ohio area. With ASE-certified employees and a haven for over 300 brand name product lines, Speckman Automotive has been a member of the Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper group since 1994. Michigan will mark the third of four races that Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper and Evernham Motorsports have partnered for a sponsorship marketing relationship. Riggs, along with drivers Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler have taken turns behind the wheel of Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper Dodges for the 2007 season.(MMI PR), see image of the hood on my #10 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2007)

  • Evernham wants Riggs back in 2008: Although the two do not have a contract beyond this season, Ray Evernham would like to keep Scott Riggs in his driver arsenal next season. Riggs drives the #10 that competes under the Valvoline Evernham Racing banner. The driver is not competing this weekend, though. The team sits outside the top 35 in owner points and does not have a guaranteed starting position in the race. Therefore, the team decided to put road racer Patrick Carpentier behind the wheel for the weekend's events at Watkins Glen International. Carpentier must qualify on speed to earn a spot in the race. Evernham said that Riggs will definitely be back in the car next weekend at Michigan International Speedway - and hopefully next season. He said that he and Riggs are talking about next season. "Scott and I are still talking, and we've still got some options, and we've not closed anything yet," Evernham said. "I want Scott to be part of our program next year. We've got to bring up overall performance. There's a big part of that that's on my shoulders; he can help us do that. As the thing grows, I want Scott to be a part of it." As to sponsorship for next season, Evernham said there was nothing to talk about yet. Last weekend, his driver Kasey Kahne said that he'd met with Budweiser and that could mean talks were pretty far along between the company and Evernham. Evernham said that there was nothing to report yet concerning any sponsorship for next season. "Obviously we're talking to some people, and we'd like things to happen, but there's a lot of things that have to fall in line perfectly for something to happen ...," he said. "Right now it looks like we're still shooting in the next two or three weeks to be able to talk about where we're headed with sponsorship, but you don't know if that can turn into five or six weeks with one swipe of the pen."(SceneDaily.com)(8-10-2007)

  • Carpentier to Drive #10 Dodge at Watkins Glen: In an effort to move closer to securing a top-35 position in Owner’s Points, Valvoline Evernham Racing has reached a one race agreement with Patrick Carpentier to drive the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge in this weekend’s Nextel Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Carpentier recently made his first NASCAR start in the Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The road course veteran proved to be a quick learner as he won the pole for the event, led 14 laps and finished an impressive second. Carpentier has competed in CART, IRL, CASCAR, and Grand-Am series with much success. Now just one week after his Busch Series debut, Carpentier will make his Nextel Cup debut in the #10 Dodge Avenger. Valvoline Evernham Racing currently sits in 37th position in Nextel Cup Owners Points, 134 points out of the crucial top 35 cutoff. “We look forward to having Patrick Carpentier behind the wheel of the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge this weekend at Watkins Glen,” said Jim Rocco, Team Owner of Valvoline Evernham Racing. “Carpentier turned a lot of heads with his strong run in Montreal last weekend. This Valvoline Evernham Racing team is focused on doing everything we can to make races, and we have made twelve so far while outside the top 35. As part of those efforts, we believe that Patrick can place Valvoline Evernham Racing in a good position leaving Watkins Glen in order to help Scott Riggs make a run to the top 35 in points by the end of the season.”(Clear!Blue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(8-7-2007)

  • OFFICIAL: Evernham & Gillett Partner to Create Gillett Evernham Motorsports: Today [8/6/2007], Ray Evernham and George N. Gillett, Jr. announced the creation of Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM), a partnership combining Evernham Motorsports [#9, #10, #19 teams] and the Gillett family where Evernham will remain a substantial owner and retain the title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The strength of Evernham’s championship on-track performance and Gillett’s off-track sports business experience creates a high-performance, high-energy platform to establish GEM’s value and appeal to fans and sponsors, on and off the track. Recognizing that the rate of change off-track has exceeded the change on-track in the past few years, Evernham forged a relationship with Gillett, whose diverse holdings offer unique business-to-business opportunities, sponsorship activation and fulfillment that will revolutionize what sponsors can expect from a NASCAR team. Gillett is the owner of the Montreal Canadiens National Hockey League (NHL) team and a co-owner of the Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League. Gillett’s other business interests include the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens and Gillett Entertainment Group (GEG), producers of some 700 sporting and entertainment events in numerous venues throughout Canada and the United States. GEM will benefit from Gillett’s existing network of sports and entertainment properties, resorts, auto dealerships and auto franchises offering unique access to sponsors and partners and a powerful global connection that no other team can offer.
    “It’s very exciting for me to deliver to sponsors and fans the opportunity to align with a worldwide sports leader,” said Evernham, CEO of GEM. “With the business acumen of the Gillett family and its sports brands, we’ve greatly expanded our reach. This will allow me to focus on our racing operations and team performance, while the Gillett family will focus on our business operations. It certainly allows us to capitalize on our strengths and position GEM for long-term success both on and off the track.”
    “Racing is in my blood,” said Gillett, chairman of Booth Creek Management Corporation (BCMC). “It’s not often you get to partner with a leader with Ray’s reputation, talent and championship legacy.” The transaction was initiated and negotiated by Matthew Doherty at McLaren Capital Partners in Los Angeles. Wachovia Securities advised BCMC.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports-GEM PR)(8-6-2007)

  • Evernham-Gillett deal could be done by Monday..at the latest: UPDATE: Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett told the [St Petersburg] Times on Thursday there is a "95% chance" his purchase into Evernham Motorsports will be final by today or Monday at the latest. Gillett, 67, who has had stakes or complete control of the Harlem Globetrotters, Miami Dolphins and currently the Liverpool Football Club, would not divulge his percentage of ownership, but Ray Evernham has stated in the past it would be a majority. Gillett, whose net worth was estimated at $250-million in 2006. Gillett also owns a series of organic and natural foods companies, ski resorts and car dealerships. The Wisconsin native said he had been interested in acquiring part of a NASCAR team for three years but was seeking the right partner and "we weren't interested in just coming in and bringing money." He found his partner and a jovial friendship with Evernham, 49, who won three championships and 47 races as Jeff Gordon's crew chief, but had struggled recently to field a competitive team as costs skyrocketed. "We've got some fairly novel ideas that Ray's been developing and we've been developing together," Gillett said. "It's fair to say Ray's primary emphasis and time commitment will be on the racing side."
    "My partnership with Gillett is not about needing money," Evernham said. "It's about growing this company."(St Petersburg Times)(8-3-2007)
    UPDATE: Evernham Motorsports is expected to announce George Gillett Jr. as its new majority owner as early as today. Ray Evernham said Saturday that the deal is in place. Evernham said he's willing to surrender control of his operation to bring in Gillett's business acumen. The move will enable Evernham to refocus his energies on his strength, the competition side of the industry. Evernham, who currently fields cars for Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs, said he expected to make multiple major announcements this week, fueling speculation that Budweiser could be coming aboard as a sponsor in 2008. (USA Today)(8-6-2007)

  • Dodge Reconfirms Commitment to NASCAR: Mike Delahanty, senior manager of the Dodge Motorsports program, confirmed on Saturday at Pocono Raceway the manufacturer's long-term intent to remain in the series and an extension of Petty Enterprises' deal with Dodge. He also said its flagship Evernham Motorsports cars might have a different look next season. Cerberus Capital Management, an investment group, this week finalized its agreement to split the Chrysler brands away from DaimlerChrysler, but Delahanty said Dodge's motorsports involvement would not be affected, with the plan for four teams to run 10 cars next season. Delahanty declined to go into the details of rumors that connect Ray Evernham's team to possible deals with commercial sponsors such as Budweiser or a Masterfoods brand such as Snickers -- but said the #9 and 19 Dodges, which have carried Dodge Dealers and UAW sponsorship since the newest program began in 2001, might look different next season.(NASCAR.com)(8-5-2007)

  • Evernham-Gillett deal close: George Gillett, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens and a co-owner of the Liverpool soccer team confirmed Sunday that his company will close a deal to buy part of Evernham Motorsports in the next two weeks. "That's our hope," Gillett said in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway garage. "That's our expectation. We will close within [two weeks]. Yes." Gillett would not say what percentage of the team he would own, but Ray Evernham has indicated that Gillett would be a majority owner. The deal will allow Evernham to focus more on the competition side instead of the business side, something the former Jeff Gordon crew chief already has started doing.(SceneDaily.com)(7-30-2007)

  • Evernham Motorsports to 2006 Dodge: Evernham Motorsports will run the remaining non-Car of Tomorrow races with the 2006 Dodge Charger and without technical director Eric Warren. Warren was recently given a leave of absence after team owner Ray Evernham discovered critical changes regarding aerodynamics and simulation software were made to the 2007 car after an early-season test at Las Vegas. He said those changes weren't reflected in the cars that were built moving forward, leading to less than stellar results on the track. "So we basically have spent half a year trying to build a foundation that didn't exist," Evernham said on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The information that we had was nonexistent. We had to go back to doing things the normal way and put cars in the wind tunnel to find out there was a huge difference. In the end, when you have people that are responsible for performance and the performance is way off you have to make changes in those people," Evernham said. "Ultimately, the [changes] aerodynamically and simulation-wise were the responsibility of the engineering department and that was led by Eric Warren. Right now Eric is on leave until we decide if we're going to put him in another position or find a happy medium and let him go somewhere else," he said. Evernham said he and competition director Sammy Johns have taken over Warren's duties. He added that his move to the competition side has delayed finalizing his partnership with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett and a few sponsorship deals. He expects the deal with Gillett to be complete within the next 14 days, at which point he also hopes to announce new sponsors for 2008. Among the sponsors interested in joining EMS is Budweiser, which would like Kahne to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. as its NASCAR spokesperson.(ESPN.com)(7-27-2007)

  • Evernham admits relationship hurt driver's [Crocker] career: Team owner Ray Evernham says the best thing for developmental driver Erin Crocker is to find a new race team. "I don't think it's any secret that because of the personal relationship between Erin and I it hurt her career," Evernham said on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The proper thing to do and something her and I would like to do is move her to another race team. I think the girl has a lot of talent. But if I sit here and say to somebody, 'Look, she's got a lot of talent, you should sponsor her,' my credibility is not good because of the personal relationship," he said. Evernham, who turns 50 in August, began dating the 26-year-old Crocker last season.(ESPN.com)(7-27-2007)

  • Racing for a Miracle Program with Riggs at the Brickyard: A victory for #10-Scott Riggs in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard would mean a $500,000 donation to Children's Miracle Network by his sponsor Stanley Tools. The incentive is part of the "Racing for a Miracle" program that has been created by Stanley Tools, together with Ace Hardware, and Children's Miracle Network. Racing for a Miracle is a multi-dimensional program that benefits sick and injured kids as well as the hospitals that provide their care. After Riggs uses a specially-painted helmet during the Indy race, it will be auctioned and the funds will be added to a $10,000 donation from Stanley Tools to the Ace Hardware Foundation which directly benefits Children's Miracle Network. The program culminates at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard that Sunday, as Scott Riggs' # 10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge will carry a new look on their car. The logos of Children's Miracle Network and Ace Hardware will adorn the TV panel.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(7-20-2007)

  • Evernham/Gillett deal could close this week: Team owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham’s partnership agreement with [NHL Montral Canadian's owner] George Gillett, Jr., is expected to close next week, said a source familiar with the deal. And a whole host of sponsor possibilities are in play on the Evernham Motorsports Nextel Cup cars of #9-Kasey Kahne and #19-Elliott Sadler, according to multiple sources. Evernham would neither confirm nor deny the merger timetable Sunday morning at Chicagoland Speedway, saying only, “We’re working towards closing the deal.” With the sale of Chrysler Group to investment-banking firm Cerberus Capital Partners pending, it would make sense that Evernham Motorsports would seek additional sponsorship for its Nextel Cup operations. Cerberus, an investor known for sharp cost-cutting of the companies it acquires, may be willing to relinquish sponsorship rights to the two Evernham cars next season, something Dodge was unwilling to do last year when a major sponsor approached Evernham about becoming Kahne’s primary sponsor, a deal that ultimately was rejected by the automaker. Evernham said Sunday he has a contract with Dodge through 2010 and confirmed he is one of a half-dozen teams who have talked with Budweiser about taking over the brewing company’s sponsorship deal in 2008, now that Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. are out of the running. There are other options for Kahne beyond Budweiser. Fast-food giant McDonald’s, who already has a minor associate position on the #9 of Kahne, could step up to become primary of Kahne’s car, as the company is looking towards re-establishing its presence in NASCAR, sources said Sunday. Another sponsor said to be looking closely at Kahne’s car is Coca-Cola, which in May agreed to buy Vitamin Water maker Glaceau for $4.1 billion in cash. Kahne is a national pitchman for Vitamin Water and an integral part of its marketing campaign. Kahne said he’s OK with however the sponsorship situation shakes out. “Myself, I’m with Ray Evernham for 2008 and whatever he decides to do that’s a good deal. I’m behind him,” Kahne said Friday.(SPEEDtv.com) AND: Evernham said he's also talked to other sponsors -- sources said Allstate is one -- about being on Kahne's car and reiterated that Budweiser is talking to other teams. Among Budweiser's options is staying at Dale Earnhart Inc., where it has been since 2000.(ESPN.com)(7-16-2007)

  • Kyle Busch to Evernham? Riggs' Status in Doubt? Ray Evernham acknowledged Kyle Busch visited his shop in Statesville, N.C., on Tuesday. He said the visit went well and that he hopes Evernham Motorsports remains on Busch's list when the number of suitors is soon reduced to about four. Evernham said negotiations to extend the contract of Scott Riggs, who has missed the last two races and is 36th in points, continue. But he wasn't quite as adamant that Riggs will be a part of the organization in 2008 as he was three weeks ago. "He's a good little guy," Evernham said. "I just feel bad for what's going on with him."(ESPN.com)(7-2-2007)

  • Evernham tests on....NASA Runway at KSC: A team in NASCAR's elite Nextel Cup Series wrapped up its second visit to Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility on Friday, using the nearly 3-mile-long runway to gauge aerodynamics of its race cars. Evernham Motorsports took a test version of one of its new Dodge Avengers -- the Car of Tomorrow [COT] that debuted this season in Nextel Cup -- to the runway for a shakedown this week and also earlier this year, Keith Rodden, a car director for the Statesville, N.C.-based team, said Friday. Rodden said he believes Evernham was the first and only NASCAR team to test at KSC. NASA charges a fee for use of the facility. The amount assessed to Evernham Motorsports was not made available by NASA on Friday.(Florida Today)(6-30-2007)

  • Evernham to Host New ESPN2 Garage Program: Beginning in July, NASCAR team owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham will be the featured host of a new and unique racing program on ESPN2. Part of the ESPN2 Garage group of motorsports and automotive shows, Race Wizard with Ray Evernham will premiere at 11:00am/et Saturday, July 7 [after NASCAR Now]. The innovative new show will provide racing fans an entertaining look at the intriguing technical aspects and little-known inner-workings of motorsports and racing. Race Wizard is created for and by NASCAR fans, who will go behind the scenes of the racing world through “person on the street” interviews with one of racing’s brightest minds and most successful team owners. “ESPN has such a legacy in this sport and deserves a great deal of credit for turning NASCAR into one of the most popular sports today,” Evernham said. “Through Race Wizard, I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned in this sport over the years and help viewers understand how technology and innovation are giving teams the edge in competition today.” Sample Race Wizard topics include: Fast Car Basics – A fan’s question on the basics of racing answered, including “How do spoilers on the back of a car increase speed?”; Girl’s Guide – Women have the “need for speed,” too, and this vignette is for them, answering “Why do race cars swerve during caution laps?”; and Race Day – Focusing on improving the fan’s experience in racing by answering, “Where is the best place to sit to watch a race?”(ESPN PR)(6-29-2007)

  • Evernham close to a deal to sale part of team: UPDATE 2: Ray Evernham expects to finalize the sale of an unspecified portion of his Nextel Cup Series operation to Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. within 60 to 90 days, the team owner told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "It's not done, but we're working on it pretty hard," Evernham said. "Honestly, I'm flying to Chicago and we're hammering through some things. Things are looking really positive, but it's not done. Quite honestly, it's not going to be done for another 60 to 90 days. It takes a long, long time, but it looks good. We've agreed to go forward, but there's so much legal stuff that's got to be done. It takes months. I feel positive it'll get done. I really do." Evernham chose not to divulge the exact percentage of his company Gillett would acquire, but did say both gentlemen would have a "substantial stake in the business side of things." Evernham also said he would still run EMS' day-to-day operations. Evernham said there are multiple contracts to wade through and further due diligence to complete. Once done, Evernham says the deal would instantly elevate EMS toward the Nextel Cup elite.(ESPN.com)(5-30-2007)
    UPDATE: Nextel Cup owner Ray Evernham took another step on Wednesday toward finalizing his partnership with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr., informing his more than 35 sponsors collectively on how the deal will work. Evernham has been negotiating for months an agreement that will give Gillett substantial ownership of his organization. He told sponsors the partnership will allow him to focus more on the competition side of the business and provide him with the resources to keep up with top organizations. The final terms aren't expected to be completed for another two to three months. "A partnership with the Gillett Group would bring excellent resources to Evernham Motorsports,'' Evernham told his sponsors. "Not only does George Gillett offer incredible business experience, his team has deep knowledge of how to successfully manage sports organizations. "This partnership would also benefit our partners at Evernham Motorsports with new business-to-business marketing opportunities." Evernham told his sponsors he would continue to own a significant part of EMS and remain the CEO. "It is an excellent opportunity that would benefit the entire organization,'' he said.(ESPN.com)(6-6-2007)
    UPDATE 2: Evernham said a partnership with Gillett is getting closer, perhaps two months away from being completed. Evernham said he'd love to announce a deal in Montreal in early August for NASCAR's first-ever Busch Series race there."That'd be awesome," he said. "That would be good incentive for the attorneys to hurry up and get it done."(Yahoo! Sports)(6-17-2007)

  • Some teams looking to add 4th team: The season is not even half over and several teams say they want to expand for next season. Officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing have said they'd like to expand to four cars next year. There have been hints other teams might look add a team. How many actually do will depend on what kind of sponsorship they can find.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)

  • Evernham looking to re-sign Riggs: Car owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham says he's in talks with Scott Riggs to keep him there. Riggs is in the last year of his contract. ... Evernham also says his deal to add George Gillette as a partner is about a month away from completion.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)

  • Old Nose for Evernham cars at MIS? UPDATE: hearing that the Evernham Motorsports Dodge Chargers will be running 2006 noses this weekend at Michigan.(6-13-2007)
    UPDATE: #9-Kahne is running the 2006 Dodge nose, but #19- Sadler and #10-Riggs are using the current nose.(SPEED's MIS Practice coverage)(6-15-2007)

  • Evernham close to a deal to sale part of team: Ray Evernham expects to finalize the sale of an unspecified portion of his Nextel Cup Series operation to Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. within 60 to 90 days, the team owner told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "It's not done, but we're working on it pretty hard," Evernham said. "Honestly, I'm flying to Chicago and we're hammering through some things. Things are looking really positive, but it's not done. Quite honestly, it's not going to be done for another 60 to 90 days. It takes a long, long time, but it looks good. We've agreed to go forward, but there's so much legal stuff that's got to be done. It takes months. I feel positive it'll get done. I really do." Evernham chose not to divulge the exact percentage of his company Gillett would acquire, but did say both gentlemen would have a "substantial stake in the business side of things." Evernham also said he would still run EMS' day-to-day operations. Evernham said there are multiple contracts to wade through and further due diligence to complete. Once done, Evernham says the deal would instantly elevate EMS toward the Nextel Cup elite.(ESPN.com)(5-30-2007)

  • Evernham close to a partner: Montreal Canadiens owner George N. Gillett is close to a partnership arrangement with Evernham Motorsports [#9, #10, #19]. Gillett, who also is the owner of the Liverpool soccer team in the English Premier League, would be the second major sports team owner to join NASCAR this season, following Red Sox owner John Henry's buy-in to what is now Roush Fenway Racing.(Sporting News)(5-7-2007)

  • Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to sponsor Riggs at two races IMAGE: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be the primary sponsor of the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge that Scott Riggs drives in two 2007 Nextel Cup Series races: Las Vegas Speedway on March 11, 2007 and at Michigan International Speedway on August 19, 2007. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be an associate sponsor of the #9, #10 and #19 Evernham Dodges for all other Nextel Cup Series races in 2007 and will receive branding on Evernham team uniforms, team haulers and pit equipment. Kasey Kahne will be driving the #9 car while Elliott Sadler will take the wheel for #19.(Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper site)(3-6-2007)
    IMAGE: see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(3-8-2007)

  • Evernham cancels appeals? UPDATE no, but penalties upheld: hearing that after the penalties for the #9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne were upheld on Monday, Evernham Motorsports withdrew their appeal of the Daytona penalties of the #10 Dodge of Scott Riggs and #19 Dodge of Elliott Sadler.(3-7-2007)
    UPDATE: Evernham Motorsports lost its second appeal in as many days Tuesday as the National Stock Car Racing Commission turned down the #19 team's appeal of the 25-point penalty NASCAR handed down for infractions during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.(SceneDaily.com), no word on the #10 team and Riggs but supposedly they chose not to appeal, but have heard nothing for sure.(3-7-2007)

  • Appeals to be heard next week: Penalty appeals for four Nextel Cup teams accused of breaking NASCAR's equipment rules leading up to the Daytona 500 will be heard early next week, NASCAR officials told ESPN.com on Tuesday. The appeals for Kasey Kahne's #9 team and Matt Kenseth's #17 team will be heard on March 5 in North Carolina. Appeals for Scott Riggs' #10 team and Elliott Sadler's #19 team will be heard the following day, also in North Carolina, NASCAR said.(ESPN.com)(2-27-2007)

  • Evernham Appeals Penalties to all 3 teams: Appeals for the penalties passed out to the Nextel Cup teams of #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs before the Daytona 500 were filed on Wednesday by owner Ray Evernham. Roush Fenway Racing filed an appeal on the penalties against Matt Kenseth's #17 team on Saturday. Evernham said before Sunday's race he was most concerned about the severity of the penalties, particularly the points deductions, and the damage allegations of cheating have done to the reputation of his organization. "That's been tarnished and it bothers me more than anything," Evernham said. Kenny Francis, Kahne's team director [crew chief], was suspended for four weeks and fined $50,000 after NASCAR inspectors discovered that two layers of duct tape covering an air hole near the rear wheel well came off during qualifying. Officials said the first layer had a razor slice in it that they believe was designed to force both layers of tape off. Kahne was docked 50 championship points and Evernham 50 owners' points for what NASCAR deemed a blatant attempt to create an aerodynamic advantage. Rodney Childers and Josh Browne, the team directors for Riggs and Sadler, were suspended for two races and fined $25,000 each when officials discovered the bolts that attach the rear spoiler to the trunk had holes drilled in them to help create an aerodynamic advantage. Their drivers were docked 25 championship points each. Evernham said the bolts were hollowed out to make them lighter and were used in all four restrictor plate races last season without penalty. NASCAR officials said a date for the appeal, to be heard by the National Stock Car Racing Commission, has not been set.(ESPN.com)(2-21-2007)

  • Evernham names interim crew chiefs/team directors: Team owner Ray Evernham will sit atop the pit box for Evernham Motorsports' #19 Dodge driven by Elliott Sadler during the Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying race Thursday, team officials confirmed Wednesday. Evernham will share responsibilities as team director, Evernham's vernacular for crew chief, with car director Kirk Almquist. Tim Malinovsky and Chad Johnston will serve as Sadler's engineers. Tuesday, NASCAR suspended all three of Evernham's team directors, Kenny Francis (Kasey Kahne's No. 9 team) for four races and Rodney Childers (Scott Riggs' #10) and Josh Browne (#19) for two apiece. Team enginner Keith Rodden will serve as Kahne's team director, with support from car director Rich Hubbs and engineer Nick Hughes. Kevin Kidd will be Riggs' team director, with support from car director Dave Bryant and engineer Mike Wolfe.(SceneDaily.com)(2-15-2007)

  • EMS will not appeal 4-race suspension, may appeal #10, #19 penalties: Team owner Ray Evernham said he won't appeal the four-race suspension to #9 team director Kenny Francis but is still mulling over whether to appeal the two-race suspensions of #19 team director Josh Browne and #10 team director Rodney Childers. Francis, the crew chief for Kasey Kahne, had his car fail post-qualifying inspection Sunday after tape came off holes in the oil tank and the right rear wheelhouse, where a hose would run during race conditions. Francis also was fined $50,000, and the team and driver were docked 50 points. Kahne also will have to start his 150-mile qualifying race for Sunday's Daytona 500 from the rear of the field. Evernham said that one layer of tape had been slit but another had not. He said the tape was found inside the car. He said no extra holes were drilled in the car. Browne and Childers, the team directors for Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs, were found to have illegal bolts in their spoiler fasteners prior to qualifying Sunday. They were also fined $25,000, and the team and drivers were docked 25 points. Evernham said those bolts were used in all restrictor-plate races last year and questioned whether it was right for NASCAR to penalize a team for an infraction where the part is presented for inspection prior to an event and found illegal. "I don't know how you find out if something is legal or not until you present it for inspection," Evernham said. "Those parts were used in 2006. The deck lid is sealed up so they cannot be an aerodynamic device. We lighten several bolts on our car." The car owner said he is now "scared to death" wondering if parts that had been raced will be deemed illegal in pre-qualifying inspection and the team will be docked points in the future. "I'm going to be best friends with [NASCAR's] John Darby and Robin Pemberton because I will be at their doorstep, and I will ask every nut, bolt and washer: Is this legal or not legal?" Evernham said. Evernham said he was still deciding exactly how his teams would be organized and who would be interim team directors. He said the teams will use the 150-mile qualifying races as a test to see who will work well in what role.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(2-14-2007)

  • Penalties Announced by NASCAR; Suspensions, Fines, Points Taken Away: NASCAR has announced that Robby Reiser and Kenny Francis have each been suspended for 4 races and fined $50,000. In addition, the teams of #17-Matt Kenseth and #9-Kasey Kahne have been penalized 50 owner and driver points. Also, the team directors for Evernham drivers #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs (Rodney Childers and Joshn Browne, respectively) have each been suspended for 2 races and fined $25,000 for violations found prior to qualifying on Sunday. Those team have each lost 25 owners and drivers point. No announcement has been made on #55-Michael Waltrip.(2-13-2007)

  • Scott Riggs to Host “Riggs Report” on SIRIUS: Valvoline Evernham Racing and SIRIUS Satellite Radio have announced that Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, will have a weekly spot on the SIRIUS NASCAR Radio program, The Driver’s Seat. The Driver’s Seat, hosted by veteran broadcaster John Kernan, airs Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm/et exclusively on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128. A stellar crew of past and present drivers including Buddy Baker, Johnny Benson, Randy LaJoie, Ron Hornaday, Ricky Craven, Phil Parsons and John Andretti co-host the show, taking calls from listeners, interviewing special guests and discussing the latest news from the high-speed world of NASCAR. Listeners can catch the Riggs Report with Scott Riggs and John Kernan every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. beginning February 13th, where they will be discussing previous and upcoming races as well as current topics in the sport.(Valvoline Evernham Racing/Sirius PR)(2-12-2007)

  • Evernham Motorsports Promotes: Evernham Motorsports announced the promotions of four senior team members who, along with Ray Evernham, team owner and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, comprise the leadership of the organization. Rick Russell, who has been with Evernham Motorsports since 2000, was promoted to president in addition to his current responsibilities as general manager and chief financial officer. Dr. Eric Warren was promoted to vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as technical director. A member of Evernham Motorsports since 2002, he leads the company’s engineering operations. Sammy Johns was named vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as competition director. Johns joined Evernham Motorsports as the head of the team’s research and development effort in April 2001, then stepped into the team director role on the #19 Dodge later that season. He went on to become the competition director at the end of the 2003 season. Mark McArdle was promoted to vice president in addition to his responsibilities as managing director of Evernham Engines.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(1-30-2007)

  • Evernham looking for financial partner: Ray Evernham, owner of Evernham Motorsports [#9,#10,#19] is looking for a financial partner to help keep up with rising costs, and he believes other owners will follow suit if they hope to survive. Some already have. Jack Roush is close to a deal that would sell 25-50 percent of Roush Racing to Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and Fenway Sports Group. Real estate tycoon Bobby Ginn purchased a reported 80 percent of MB2 Motorsports -- now Ginn Racing -- in August. Richard Childress sold part of Richard Childress Racing to Chartwell Investments a few years go.(ESPN.com)(1-26-2007)

    2006 News

  • #10 crew member/Harvick scuffle UPDATE 3: reported on Speed Channel's SPEED Report by Bob Dillner, per FoxSports.com: Emotions definitely flowed over to the postrace activities as the guys walked to the garage area. After the Dickies 500, the #10 and the #29 teams were coming down the entrance way to the garage area where all of the teams bring their pit boxes. There was an altercation between the #10 team and Kevin and DeLana Harvick. Apparently, Kevin and DeLana both got knocked down. NASCAR's Jim Hunter told me they are investigating the situation wholeheartedly and expects that there will be fined and penalties either Tuesday or Wednesday. "After the fact, right out of the moment, everybody's pretty hot-headed (and) got to running their mouth a little bit," Richard Childress Racing Director Mike Dillion said. "That's about all it was. Somebody got shoved, and they're sorting it out now. But they shoved Kevin and his wife down in front of the pit box is what was bad. Everybody out here has done it in their racing career at some point in time. It's just unfortunate. The guys need to let the drivers handle it. One of the NASCAR officials got hurt trying to stop the box," Dillion continued. "That's pretty bad, too. Hurt his ankle so they took him to the infield care center." A lot of people were called to the NASCAR trailer after this race, including Rodney Childers, the crew chief for Scott Riggs and the #10 team. He's responsible for the actions of everybody. DeLana and Kevin Harvick were both brought in as well. Several eyewitnesses were brought in. In fact, Roger Penske was up there talking to NASCAR President Mike Helton and Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby and everybody that was looking at the incident.(11-5-2006)
    UPDATE: been told the #10 Crew Member has been suspended for the rest of the season.(11-7-2006)
    UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that NASCAR will announce later today that it has indefinitely suspended Craig "C.C." Curione, the front tire carrier for Scott Riggs' #10 Dodge, for his role in a postrace altercation Sunday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Curione was identified as the member of Riggs' Evernham Motorsports crew who shoved Kevin Harvick from behind while he and his wife, DeLana, were walking to the infield media center following the Dickies 500. The Harvicks and NASCAR official John Sacco all fell, landing in the path of the #10 team's war wagon, which hit Sacco and left him with a sprained ankle. The Harvicks were not hurt. Spokesman Kerry Tharp said earlier today, "NASCAR has been looking into this postrace incident since it occurred. It's something we take very seriously. An announcement regarding a course of action could come as early as Tuesday." A spokeswoman for Evernham Motorsports said the team has cooperated with NASCAR's investigation, and will have no comment until a final determination has been made.(Motorsports Soapbox)(11-7-2006)
    OFFICIAL Penalty: NASCAR announced today that Craig Curione, a crew member for the #10 Dodge team, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR and fined $10,000 for a rule violation he committed following last Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. The action resulted from violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation with another Competitor) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule book.(NASCAR PR)(11-7-2006)
    MORE: Statement from James Rocco – Valvoline Evernham Racing, Designated Team Owner: “After a comprehensive internal review of the post-race incident between Kevin Harvick and a member of the #10 team, Valvoline Evernham Racing supports NASCAR’s decision to indefinitely suspend the involved crew member. We apologize to Kevin and DeLana Harvick, NASCAR, our partners and our fans for this incident. The behavior demonstrated by the involved crew member was in violation of the Valvoline Evernham Racing Employee Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. We concur with NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal the suspension or fine.”(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(11-7-2006)

  • 'Cars' featured on the #10 of Riggs at Texas: There is a different paint scheme this weekend on the #10 Valvoline Dodge that Scott Riggs drivers as they are promoting the release of Disney’s ‘Cars’ movie on DVD.(CLear!Blue PR)(11-2-2006)

  • 'Alien' scheme on the #10 at Charlotte: The #10 Stanley Tools Dodge will run a special 'Alien' scheme at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the Bank of America 500 Nextel Cup race on Oct. 14th. The 'Alien' is from a Stanley Tools commercial featuring their Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod LED flashlight. See the #10 Team Schemes page for the image.(10-4-2006)

  • Evernham expanding in 2007: Evernham Motorsports has won a race in each of its six seasons and qualified for all three editions of the Chase for the Nextel Cup. But success has come with a price. Once able to field cars with $10 million apiece annually and about 60 crewmembers, Evernham has a staff of 330 and says he needs $20 million a car to be competitive. Next year, the team will add a part-time fourth Charger while spending more on the Car of Tomorrow. Evernham estimates his budget will need to grow by $8 million for software, technology and personnel.(USA Today - in part), the team currently fields three Cup teams, one part time Busch team and a Truck Series team.(10-4-2006)

  • Evernham to a four car team...in the future: on Speed Channel's NASCAR Raceday, Nextel Cup team owner Ray Evernham said he hope to expand to a four-car team in the future. NASCAR.com has an interview with Evernham by Marty Smith, one quote reports "Do you have plans to add a fourth team? Evernham: Yeah, we're trying to do that. We can't do it next year. We're not going to make next year, but we've got some things that I'm in the middle of putting together right now. The plan really was to go to four teams and we just couldn't get everything together fast enough."(8-26-2006)

  • Hellmann’s on the #10 at Watkins Glen as assoc: The #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger of Scott Riggs will carry associate sponsorship from Hellmann’s Mayonnaise this weekend. Riggs will also drive for Hellmann’s in the upcoming Busch Series race at Dover as part of the Ultimate Chargers Busch program.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(8-10-2006)

  • Auto Value on the #10 at NHIS: For the first time Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be the primary sponsor on Scott Riggs’ #10 this weekend at NHIS as part of a two race partnership. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper’s next race will be at Richmond in the fall.(Clear!Blue/Evernham PR), see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page(7-13-2006)

  • Dodge partners its F-1, NASCAR teams: DaimlerChrysler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche attended Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Daytona, where his likeness appeared on the hoods of the [#9 and #19 Ask Dr Z] Dodges driven by Evernham Motorsports' Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield. Then Zetsche flew to Indianapolis to be with McLaren-Mercedes for what turned out to be a short day for the team in Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix. At a news conference Sunday morning at the convention center, where he was joined by McLaren team principal Ron Dennis and NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, among others, Zetsche said a joint NASCAR/F-1 program isn't as farfetched as it might seem. "The technology is very different, but the principles are the same," he said. "There is much to share. NASCAR has something to tell as far as the show is concerned. I saw Daytona and it's quite something." Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler is committed long term to both programs. "It's our history and will be our future as well," he said. "NASCAR is as American as it can get. We are there to stay." Dennis and Evernham agreed they are in the initial stages of developing their partnership, but both expect it to be fruitful. "It takes time because they're two very different types of motor sports," Dennis said. "It's a learning curve for both of us. But we are blown away by their marketing machine." Evernham acknowledged he has thought about one day being part of a U.S. team effort in F-1 but not until his NASCAR program has produced a championship or two. He is counting on the union with McLaren and Mercedes to help him do that. "It's not just the technology. Take what they're doing with their strategy and their software," he said. "It's great to have a big brother like McLaren. This is what we've been waiting for."(Indianapolis Star)(7-2-2006)

  • Riggs injured, Elliott to stand by at Sonoma UPDATE: Monday, while on vacation with his family in Myrtle Beach [SC, #10-Scott Riggs injured both feet while unloading his jet ski in an oyster bed. The wounds required 12 stitches in the ball of left foot and eight stitches in the right big toe. The injury to Riggs has caused Valvoline Evernham Racing to make back-up plans for this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Sonoma. Ray Evernham and Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco have retained former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott to stand by this weekend should Riggs not be able to practice, qualify or race the Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger. As things stand today, Riggs will be racing Sunday, according to the team. “Jim and I huddled today with Scott, Bill Elliott, Team Director Rodney Childers and Competition Director Sammy Johns and we are going to Sonoma with the intention of Scott running the full weekend,” Evernham said. “But Bill will be ready for any scenario.”
    “I’m going to Sonoma to race,” Riggs said Wednesday. “It was a freak incident at Myrtle Beach. There was no warning about an oyster bed where we unloaded. We’ll see what happens when I get in the race car. I’m going to do what’s best for the team this weekend.” Valvoline Evernham Racing will have updates at Infineon Raceway for the media.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(6-22-2006)
    UPDATE: Riggs says injuries to his feet suffered while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC, earlier this week won't keep him from competing in Sunday's race at Infineon Raceway. The team had former full-time driver Bill Elliott on standby at Infineon, but after Friday's first practice and a qualifying effort that left Riggs 25th for Sunday's race, Riggs said he felt Elliott's services would not be needed. He wore a larger shoe, borrowed from teammate Jeremy Mayfield, that was fitted with a plastic piece designed to help keep pressure off the stitches during Friday's practice and qualifying sessions.(SceneDaily.com)(6-24-2006)

  • Special Stanley Scheme at Talladega: Scott Riggs will run a special Stanley Tools scheme on the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge at Talladega Superspeedway on April 30th, Stanley FatMax Xtreme Tools, which is part of the ten race primary sponsorship with Stanley Tools. See an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(4-19-2006)

  • Cup team considering move to Indy? UPDATE Evernham Denies: in a Darrell Waltrip column at FoxSports: "by the way I was in Indy this past week on some business. There's a rumor going around that some big NASCAR team was thinking about moving to Indianapolis, and I was talking to some folks who may have given me an inside track on who it might be. It's a guy that's got three cars and no crew chiefs, if that helps you any."(FoxSports), no crew chiefs? Evernham Motorsports uses Team Directors...not crew chiefs.(1-6-2006)
    UPDATE Evernham denies: Team owner Ray Evernham said Sunday morning that there was absolutely no truth to the rumors that he was considering relocating his team from Statesville, N.C., to the Indianapolis area. The state of Indiana has been trying to lure teams to the Hoosier state, but Evernham said he wouldn’t even consider leaving his current location, which abuts an airport and houses the rapidly growing Evernham Motorsports operation. “I have not talked to anybody at Indy,” Evernham said Sunday morning. “We have no intention of moving Evernham Motorsports. We’re more than happy where we’re at. And actually, it’s been distracting to the team because I had a lot of people coming up and asking me about it. I have no idea where that even came from.”(Speed Channel)(3-13-2006)

  • Shelmerdine to sell ride? #27-Kirk Shelmerdine in his sixth long-shot try made the field for the Daytona 500. Shelmerdine, 47, was NASCAR's top crew chief in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning four championships with Dale Earnhardt. He abruptly left the Richard Childress team after 1992, went into semi-seclusion, and began pursuing a somewhat quixotic career as driver. This week, Shelmerdine's #27 entry amounted to a last chance. "If we didn't make it, I didn't know what I was going to do next week," he said after the heats. I was going to have to sell a bunch of stuff. I'd have had to sell the car and a lot of my old Ford stuff from last year." Basically put him out of business? "Yep," Kirk said. "But I didn't have much to lose." However it falls right now, Shelmerdine seems to have a lot to gain. Last place in the 500 pays about $275,000, and the bundle could go much higher if, say, Valvoline, which was shut out of the race when Scott Riggs failed to meet criteria, decides to buy Shelmerdine out [Jayski NOTE: Riggs runs a Dodge, Shelmerdine is a Chevy, have to use the same car]. Shelmerdine smiled his cat smile. "My lawyer's here, they can come talk to her," he said. "I don't know what we're going to do. The plan was to get through today in good shape. Now it's time for a new plan."(Speed Channel)(2-17-2006)

    2005 News

  • Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper back with Evernham Motorsports: Moving into their second year of partnership, aftermarket auto parts giant Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper and Evernham Motorsports have turned up the heat for what is sure to be another great season. As a NASCAR sponsor of Evernham Motorsports, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper, will receive primary status on the #10 Dodge in the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and on the #9 Dodge in the Busch Series. The #10 Dodge will be showcased by driver Scott Riggs for Nextel Cup races at New Hampshire on July 16, 2006 and at Richmond on September 9, 2006.
    The Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper brands take the lead with the primary sponsorship of the Busch Series#9 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield at California on February 25, 2006. Not to be called a rookie any longer, Kasey Kahne will be behind the wheel of the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper #9 Dodge for the Busch Series race at Bristol on August 25, 2006. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper's multi-year sponsorship of Evernham Motorsports will build their brand across a broad audience whose love affair with cars starts in their own garage and culminates with high performance racing. NASCAR brand research shows that NASCAR fans are more likely to have more than one vehicle. NASCAR fans are also more likely to buy used vehicles, which are typically older and require additional maintenance and auto parts. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper's association with Evernham also will be used in key customer outreach efforts, retail marketing efforts and internal promotions. For more information about Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper visit www.800autotalk.com.(PR), see an image of the #10 car on my #10 Team Schemes page.(12-20-2005)

  • Childers goes to Evernham; Randolph back as #10 crew chief UPDATE 2: hearing that current #10 MB2 Motorsports team crew chief for Scott Riggs, Rodney Childers, will leave after the race at Texas so start working at Evernham, gettting ready of the new #10 Valvoline Dodge that Riggs will drive in 2006. Hearing former #10 MB2 crew chief, Doug Randolph will finish out the season with Riggs and supposedly will be Sterling Marlin's crew chief on the #14 MB2 team in 2006.(11-4-2005)
    UPDATE: Sterling Marlin will have Doug Randolph as crew chief next season in the #14 at MB2 Motorsports. The team's current crew chief, Rodney Childers, will join Scott Riggs at Evernham Motorsports.(Sporting News)(11-7-2005)
    UPDATE 2: MB2 Motorsports announced that Doug Randolph will be the crew chief for the team's #14 Chevrolet, which will be driven by Sterling Marlin in 2006. MB2 also announced that Randolph will replace Rodney Childers as crew chief of Scott Riggs' #10 Valvoline team for the remaining two races of 2005. MB2's #10 will change to #14 next season. Randolph joined MB2 following the 2003 season as crew chief for Riggs' Chevrolet. He held that post until June of this year when he was named race coordinator and driver development manager. As MB2's driver development manager, Randolph worked closely with 20-year-old Kraig Kinser and directed the sprint car racer to a pair of strong performances in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.(MB2 Motorsports PR)(11-8-2005)

  • Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to Sponsor Riggs in 2 races: Valvoline Evernham Racing, LLC has announced a partnership with Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper, one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in the world, as primary sponsor of driver Scott Riggs during select 2006 NASCAR events. Riggs will pilot the #10 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper/Valvoline Dodge Charger in the Nextel Cup Series July race at New Hampshire and the September race at Richmond, where Riggs’ Evernham Motorsports teammates have won two of the last three Nextel Cup events. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will continue as an associate sponsor of Evernham Motorsports’ #9 and #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Chargers for all Nextel Cup races in 2006 and will receive branding on Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield’s uniforms, team transporters and pit equipment. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will also serve as primary sponsor for Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Dodge Charger in the Busch Series during the 2006 spring race at California and the fall race at Bristol.(Clear Blue PR)(11-6-2005)

  • Stanley to sponsor Riggs for 10 races in 2006, IMAGES: as previously announced, Scott Riggs will drive the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge in 2006, announced at Lowe' Motor Speedway today, Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for 26 of the 26 races and Stanley Tools will be the sponsor for the other 10 races with a black and yellow scheme similar to what has run on Evernham's #91 Dodge with Bill Elliott driving.(RacingOne), see images of the cars on my 2006 #10 Team Schemes page.
    The Press Release..in part: The Stanley Works, one of the world’s best known brands of tools, hardware and security products, is adding a powerful new tool to its toolbox -- the co-primary sponsorship of the #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge Charger and driver Scott Riggs. Stanley will sponsor the #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge Charger for 10 races in 2006, including Las Vegas, Texas (A), Talladega (A), Darlington, Michigan (A), Daytona (B), Indianapolis, New Hampshire (B), Charlotte (B) and Phoenix (B).[with 'B' being the 2nd race of the season at that track] The #10 Stanley Tools/ Valvoline Dodge Charger will carry the signature yellow and black colors of the Stanley brand. Stanley Tools also will be the featured co-primary sponsor on the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger in 21 races throughout the season. In addition to the primary sponsorship, Stanley will continue its involvement as an associate sponsor on the race cars of Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield, as well as on the uniform of Erin Crocker. The Stanley Works, Evernham Motorsports and Dodge marketing partnership will include new product launches for many of its businesses, key customer outreach efforts, retail marketing and promotions. All Stanley brands will be involved in the program, including Bostitch, Proto, Vidmar, Best, and Blackhawk by Proto.(Evernham Racing/Clear!Blue PR)(10-15-205)

  • Riggs Corn Maze: In 2004, the corn maze was Michael Waltrip's #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevy, 2005 brings us the Scott Riggs #10 Valvoline Chevy. Pam Griffin, who owns the farm at Hector's Creek near Raleigh, North Carolina, decided to build a corn maze when the decline in tobacco forced her family to rethink its way of life. She hired a specialist from Missouri who spent two days using a global positioning system to map and cut the maze, which offers visitors about a mile and a half of paths. Riggs entered the nine-acre, eight foot corn stalks and claimed he would have gotten lost without a guide.(Insider Racing News)(10-2-2005)

  • Riggs signs with EMS to run #10 Dodge in 2006 UPDATE 3: The runner-up finish for #10-Scott Riggs was the best of his two years in the Cup Series and came at a time when there is a big question mark over where he will race after this year. Riggs could re-sign with MB2 Motorsports, which brought him to NASCAR's top series, but there are also reports he will follow current sponsor Valvoline to Evernham Motorsports, joining current Evernham drivers Mayfield and Kasey Kahne in 2006. "What, what I can tell you right now is that nothing is in stone yet," Riggs said after Sunday's race. "I'm sure that things will be happening pretty quick here the next week or two. But this run doesn't dictate what's going to happen for me next year. This run just helps all the guys with their morale and keeping their chins up and knowing we're going the right kind of things that we need to do. It doesn't affect next year."(ESPN.com/AP), Sterling Marlin is rumored to replace in the un-numbered MB2 Chevy.(8-22-2005)
    UPDATE: hearing that Scott Riggs has signed a 2-year deal to drive the #10 Valvoline Dodge for Evernham Motorsports and the deal will be announced at Bristol.(8-24-2005)
    UPDATE 2: Evernham Motorsports to announce plans for the #10 Valvoline Dodge at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Aug 27th around 2:45pm/et.(8-25/27-2005)
    OFFICIAL Valvoline Evernham Racing, a partnership between Valvoline and Evernham Motorsports, announced that Scott Riggs will be the driver of the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in 2006. Evernham Motorsports and Valvoline entered into a partnership earlier this year for the team which will operate from the recently completed third facility at the Evernham Motorsports complex. Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for at least 22 races and an associate sponsor for the #10 Dodge Charger for the remaining events on the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule. In addition to maintaining the inventory of racecars, Evernham will also provide engines and the team will have full access to Evernham R&D. Riggs is currently in his second season of competition in the Nextel Cup Series as the driver of the MBV #10 Valvoline Chevy. In 58 events, Riggs has three top-five and six top-10 finishes, including a second-place finish at Michigan. He claimed his first career pole earlier this year at Martinsville. A crew chief for the team will be announced later. Much of the team personnel will transfer to the #10 team from Evernham Motorsports' #91 team. The third full-time team allows Evernham Motorsports to continue to grow and expand its operations. An expanded stable allows Evernham Motorsports to accelerate its R&D efforts, increase its test dates [doesn't look like that in 2006], enhance its ability to collect and analyze data and make improvements more quickly and efficiently. "This is a new era in Valvoline's long racing tradition," said Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco. "As is the case with our current team, Valvoline will leave the running of the team - the competition, personnel and equipment - to Ray and his team. Valvoline's expertise is marketing and we will continue to make our NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing effort serve the needs of our family of brands, which include Valvoline, Eagle One and Zerex." The paint scheme for the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger will be unveiled later this year.(Clear!Blue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(8-27-2005)

  • What's Up with Riggs for 2006? UPDATE signed?: The runner-up finish for #10-Scott Riggs was the best of his two years in the Cup Series and came at a time when there is a big question mark over where he will race after this year. Riggs could re-sign with MB2 Motorsports, which brought him to NASCAR's top series, but there are also reports he will follow current sponsor Valvoline to Evernham Motorsports, joining current Evernham drivers Mayfield and Kasey Kahne in 2006. "What, what I can tell you right now is that nothing is in stone yet," Riggs said after Sunday's race. "I'm sure that things will be happening pretty quick here the next week or two. But this run doesn't dictate what's going to happen for me next year. This run just helps all the guys with their morale and keeping their chins up and knowing we're going the right kind of things that we need to do. It doesn't affect next year."(ESPN.com/AP), Sterling Marlin is rumored to replace in the un-numbered MB2 Chevy.(8-22-2005)
    UPDATE: hearing that Scott Riggs has signed a 2-year deal to drive the #10 Valvoline Dodge for Evernham Motorsports and the deal will be announced at Bristol.(8-24-2005)

  • Evernham still meeting with drivers: Scott Riggs [driver of the #10 Valvoline/Checkers/Rallys Chevy] reportedly is under consideration to join Valvoline at Ray Evernham's new third team in 2006 [the #10 Valvoline Dodge]. Evernham said yesterday the team has been meeting with available drivers but has nothing locked in yet. "This is more about building the company and growing our partnership with Valvoline and to rush out and make a decision on a driver is not in our best interests," Evernham said. "We're trying to review that. Do you want a veteran? Do you want someone who has potential to produce and hasn't yet? We're going through the same things that probably the 6 car and the 2 car are. Finding the right fit nowadays is a lot harder." Riggs, who has had a contract offer from MB2 since May but was waiting on its sponsorship status, said he has set no deadline for a decision on whether to stay.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-6-2005)

  • What's up with Riggs? it appears more likely than not that Scott Riggs will be leaving the [current] #10 Nelson Bowers-Bob Sutton-James Rocco team at the end of the season, probably to drive for Ray Evernham [in his #10 Valvoline car]. Jay Frye, the team manager for the Rocco-Bowers operation, is glad to get #01-Joe Nemechek [see below] under a new contract but he isn't happy with the state of negotiations with Riggs, who has apparently told Frye to consider looking for another driver. "We have every intention of re-signing Scott, and we presented an offer to him before Richmond (in May)," Frye said. "But he's been quoted saying he's talking with other teams. I think this is where he wants to be, but we'll see. Since all this got out, we've had calls from other drivers, some that would surprise a lot of people. We have every intention of Scott staying, and we want him to stay. We've got to decide within the next two or three weeks, because we're looking a sponsor prospects. So we've got to get it secured sooner rather than later."(Winston Salem Journal)(7-9-2005)

  • Riggs has not be contacted by Evernham: Driver ofthe #10 MBV Motorsports car. Scott Riggs: "The only people I've talked to about another contract is the team I'm already with." He knows that Valvoline would love to have me over there (the new Evernham team), but as far as sitting down and talking to anyone about a contract...no.(Cupscene.com)(7-2-2005)

  • Evernham Motorsports and Valvoline partner up, to use the #10 - IMAGES:Evernham Motorsports today announced that it has agreed in principle to form a partnership with Valvoline to create Valvoline Evernham Racing LLC, which will campaign the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for the 2006 season. Under the arrangement, Valvoline will be the primary sponsor on the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for a majority of the races and will be a major associate sponsor on the #10 Dodge Charger for the remaining races in the season. A driver and crew chief for the team will be announced at a later date. Much of the team personnel will transfer to the #10 team from Evernham Motorsports' #91 team. "This is the next step in our quest for a championship," said Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports. "In today's competitive environment, you need a multiple-car team to win races and championships. When you have more race teams, it speeds your development and learning tremendously. With this expansion, we can compete more effectively against other multiple-car organizations. Having Valvoline as a partner - not just a sponsor - makes this an incredible program," Evernham said. "They have been a tremendous supporter of mine for many years, and our relationship has now grown into joint ownership of a team. Valvoline has a great history in this sport, and a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful. I look forward to winning championships with them." The third team will be housed out of the new third facility at Evernham Motorsports headquarters in Statesville, NC. It will lease engines and shop space from Evernham Motorsports and have full access to Evernham R&D. The team expansion allows Evernham Motorsports to continue to grow and advance its operations. The expanded stable also allows Evernham Motorsports to accelerate its R&D efforts, increase its test dates, enhance its ability to collect and analyze data, and make improvements more quickly and efficiently.
    "This is a new era in Valvoline's long racing tradition," said Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco. "As is the case with our current team, Valvoline will leave the running of the team - the competition, personnel, equipment - to our partner," he said. "Valvoline's expertise is marketing and we will continue to make our NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing effort serve the needs of our family of brands which include: Valvoline, Eagle One and Zerex." For more information on Evernham Motorsports, visit evernhammotorsports.com.(Clear!Blue / Valvoline PR)(7-1-2005)
    MORE and IMAGES: Ray Evernham will add a third team to his stable for 2006. The team will be co-owned by Valvoline with Jim Rocco listed as the offical team owner. Evernham said that the team will have Chris Andrews as crew chief and will use teammembers alredy in place at Evernham Motorsports. The members will come from exisiting members who now work on the development teams. Evernham insisted that Erin Crocker, his star pupil at the moment isn't ready to move up, but that he would be "very interested" in bringing Scott Riggs, current driver at MB2 on board. Rocco agreed and said that they would like to see Riggs, but that at this time no decision on a driver has been made.(Cup Scene Daily)
    IMAGES: see images for the new #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger on my first 2006 Team schemes page #10.(7-1-2005)

  • Valvoline to End Partnership with MB2 Motorsports: Valvoline announced an agreement in principle to end its NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team partnership with MB2 Motorsports“ effective at the end of the current [2005] season. The racing sponsor/owner will sell its 50% share in the team to MB2 principals Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye and will no longer be primary sponsor of the #10 Chevrolet after the 2005 season. According to Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco, the parting was an amicable one. "We have nothing but respect and admiration for (MB2) owners Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye," said Rocco. "Nelson and Jay gave us the opportunity to become more than sponsors when we took the historic step to become team owners." Regarding Valvoline's NASCAR plans beyond the 2005 season, Rocco said, "We will have something to announce soon." Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries.(MB2 Motorsports), Valvoine is rumored to be going to Evernham Motorsports, possibly as the sponor of the 3rd team, #91 [or #98](6-29-2005)

  • Valvoline could be moving to Evernham Motorsports: The company has been associated with MBV and Nelson Bowers since 2001, but it is expected to sell its shares back to the team at the end of the season. Centrix Financial is expected to sponsor the #10 Chevrolet, which is being driven by Scott Riggs.(Sporting News)(6-20-2005)

  • Riggs hopes to be back in the #10 in 2006...if: Scott Riggs said Friday that he hopes to continue driving the #10 Chevrolet at MB2/MBV Motorsports in 2006, but the decision hinges largely on the team's sponsorship situation. Riggs' current sponsor, Valvoline, announced recently its plans to leave MB2/MBV following the 2005 season. "We've got a couple different fish on the line, but we're trying to figure out who's going to step up and be the primary," Riggs said. "Luckily, we're in a good position because it seems like we've had a lot of calls from people interested in doing it. I just want to make sure everything's secure there. [MB2 Motorsports CEO and general manager] Jay Frye assures me it is. I feel like it is." That's not to say Riggs, 34, isn't open to change. "I'm listening to other people talk to me," Riggs said. "I think there's definitely opportunities out there, but I haven't sat down with anybody to talk about the future except the 10 car."(NASCAR.com)(6-18-2005)

  • More changes at MB2/MBV? Riggs to leave? UPDATE team hopes to keep Riggs: Following closely on this week’s promotion and transfer of top technical personnel, expect some major announcements from the MB Motorsports organization in the next couple of weeks. The team, which campaigns Nextel Cup cars with drivers #01-Joe Nemechek, #10-Scott Riggs and (part-time) #36-Boris Said, soon will announce the signing of a well-known sprint-car driver to an ARCA/Busch/Cup program [known as the ABC program] for 2006, sources close to the team said. This will be the first step in a full-blown driver-development program. That driver is said to be Kraig Kinser. The team has been a cooperation among the MB2 (Nemechek) and MBV (Riggs) teams, with sponsor Valvoline to now owning part of the MBV team. Valvoline apparently intends to sell its part of the operation to MB2 founding owner Nelson Bowers and associates, with Valvoline remaining as associate sponsor on Riggs's #10. Centrix, sponsor of Said's effort, will step up to the top position [primary sponsor of the #10].(Speed Channel Notebook), and hearing Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 MBV team could end up at Evernham, Penske [#2] or the #6 Ford of Roush Racing.(6-12-2005)
    UPDATE: Jay Frye, CEO/General Manager of MB2/MBV Motorsports, said on Speed Channel's NASCAR This Morning that the team plans to do everything it can to re-sign Scott Riggs and keep him in the #10 Chevy.(6-12-2005)

  • Looks like a 3rd full-time team for Evernham in 2006 UPDATE: Ray Evernham, chief of Dodge-backed Evernham Motorsports [#9, #19, #91], says chances are "better than 50%" that he will have a third Cup team in 2006. He said he has tentative agreements with significant sponsors, and he pulled up short when asked who would drive the car [Jayski Note: Brendan Gaughan has been rumored]. Evernham says he has constructed a building for the proposed new team and has personnel aboard. "I think you can get the team started and kind of take it from there. The sponsor is going to have to have realistic expectations. For a first-year team, to jump right up there and win races, there's not too many people who do that. "I'm fortunate enough to say I'm one of the people who have done it, but it's still very difficult. There are [drivers] out there that can win races, and the sponsor has to go into it realistically. Every sponsor says they want a top 10 car, top 10 driver, well, there's 15 top-10 cars out there, which one do you want?(Speed Channel)(6-11-2005)
    UPDATE: another rumor floating around has Casey Mears, current driver for #41 Ganassi Racing going to Evernham, with Reed Sorenson moving up from Busch into the #41 Target Dodge. And Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 MBV team could end up at Evernhams.
    AND Valvoline also apparently will become at least partial sponsor of a proposed third team out of Evernham Motorsports, with driver to be determined.(Speed Channel Notebook)(6-12-2005)

    Current #10 News Page
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