AND: When contacted for comment, GEM officials said they hoped to address Sadler’s situation in the near future.(NASCAR.com)(1-9-2009)
AND: How about Allmendinger, impressive as a late-season fill-in in GEM’s #10, stepping in as Sadler’s replacement? I [Tom Bowles] had a good conversation with his agent, Tara Ragan, [Wednesday] that cleared up a few things. Here’s the most important one to know: Allmendinger is NOT under contract with GEM, and remains looking for a ride. And according to Ragan, under no circumstances were there any sort of negotiations that revolved around Allmendinger trying to kick Sadler out of his ride. A free agent since being released from Team Red Bull in September, the Dinger’s simply been looking for a good fit with several teams, trying to align with one where he can race competitively over the long-term. While GEM was one of those opportunities out there, negotiating with the concept of kicking out a driver like Sadler was never on the mind of someone who just went through a similar experience not too long ago.(Sports Illustrated)(1-9-2009)
UPDATE: Gillett Evernham Motorsports and driver Elliott Sadler have reached an agreement that enables Sadler to retain his position as driver of the team’s #19 Dodge, thereby moving AJ Allmendinger to a part-time ride, multiple GEM sources told ESPN.com. It seems Allmendinger will drive a fourth GEM Dodge on a limited basis.(ESPN.com)(1-9-2009)
UPDATE 2: Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) announced that Elliott Sadler will drive the #19 Dodge in the 2009 Sprint Cup season.
Tom Reddin, GEM CEO: “We are a family. Sometimes in a family you have differences. We have resolved all differences. We are moving on and excited about heading to Daytona.”
Elliott Sadler: “I want to drive. I’m a racer and that’s what I do. We are all on the same page now and I think you will see that show on the track.”(GEM PR)(1-9-2009)