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Inside story on Sadler getting released and AJ getting the #19
Heard an inteview this morning and some pretty interesting points were made.
Of course, none of this is official yet since GEM hasn't released an official press release.
How did this all happen...
When AJ was brought over to replace Patrick in the #10, it was done with high endorsements from driver Kasey Khane. Khane is good friends with AJ and believes he's the most under-rated driver in the garage.
AJ did pretty good with an average of 16th in his 5 races with the #10 car.
There's also 2 big factors that pushed Sadler out. Sadler was a Evernham guy and Evernham hire. Sadler was also the highest paid driver at GEM. By releasing Sadler, Gillett removes the Evernham ties to GEM and also reduces his salaries alot. Sadler has made it known he was an Evernham guy, where Khane stayed neutral, but wasn't happy with Ray's involement with former driver Erin Crocker. AJ can be hired for alot less than Sadler and can have his contract incentive based, instead of guaranteed like Sadler's was.
Sadler's performance hasn't been great in the #19 either, actually worse than the driver Sadler bumped...Jeremy Mayfield,
Mayfield finished 9th in 2005 (Chase Contender), 10th in 2004 (Chase Contender), 19th in 2003 and 26th in 2002.
2006 was a disaster as Mayfield was released and Sadler was hired.
Since then, Sadler finished 25th in 2007, and 24th in 2008. Sadler never made The Chase.
In fairness, Dodge has struggled since 2005. Dodge has only had Khane and Kurt Busch make the field, Khane in 2006 and Kurt in 2007. No Dodge made the field in 2008. In 2005, Dodge had 3 drivers make The Chase.
Of course, none of this is official yet since GEM hasn't released an official press release.
How did this all happen...
When AJ was brought over to replace Patrick in the #10, it was done with high endorsements from driver Kasey Khane. Khane is good friends with AJ and believes he's the most under-rated driver in the garage.
AJ did pretty good with an average of 16th in his 5 races with the #10 car.
There's also 2 big factors that pushed Sadler out. Sadler was a Evernham guy and Evernham hire. Sadler was also the highest paid driver at GEM. By releasing Sadler, Gillett removes the Evernham ties to GEM and also reduces his salaries alot. Sadler has made it known he was an Evernham guy, where Khane stayed neutral, but wasn't happy with Ray's involement with former driver Erin Crocker. AJ can be hired for alot less than Sadler and can have his contract incentive based, instead of guaranteed like Sadler's was.
Sadler's performance hasn't been great in the #19 either, actually worse than the driver Sadler bumped...Jeremy Mayfield,
Mayfield finished 9th in 2005 (Chase Contender), 10th in 2004 (Chase Contender), 19th in 2003 and 26th in 2002.
2006 was a disaster as Mayfield was released and Sadler was hired.
Since then, Sadler finished 25th in 2007, and 24th in 2008. Sadler never made The Chase.
In fairness, Dodge has struggled since 2005. Dodge has only had Khane and Kurt Busch make the field, Khane in 2006 and Kurt in 2007. No Dodge made the field in 2008. In 2005, Dodge had 3 drivers make The Chase.
Views: 11
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by TOG on
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If I own a team and think one of my drivers sucks, he is gone. End of story. They will have to pay Sadler for the contract, but time to move on.
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Permalink Reply by GrayAntiMatter on
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Yup.
So in this scenario, Sadler would be gone.
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Permalink Reply by alan4s on
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Up through the 2008 season, I'd agree with you 100% about the big money teams having all the advantages. I think going forward, however, the picture may change somewhat. With reduced fields, the turmoil in the garage, and iffy sponsorship even with the biggest teams, I think the economic downturn might pose an opportunity for some of the better run "average" teams. Teams with a bussiness plan that lets them survive the lean times will be around for a revival when sponsors are looking for a successful team with a record to invest in. RGM seems perfectly poised to take advantage of that opportunity. Maybe not in 2009 or even 2010, but eventually, if they keep even moderately succesful, they'll be there to cash in.
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Permalink Reply by Matt on
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Kahne was an Evernham guy too, dont discount that. It was Ray who stole him from Ford. Anything involving his feeling regarding the Erin Crocker situation is hear-say at best.
Its also very very difficult to believe Sadler was being paid more than Kahne. Very difficult.
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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on
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Again, this was from a radio show, not my opinon. They kinda stated it like this...Ray started a relationship with Erin and both Mayfield & Khane weren't happy, mainly because the performance side wasn't there during that time(they both struggled badly that year) Mayfield went public and displayed his feelings (which got him tossed), Khane kept quiet.
When Sadler was hired by Ray, they had a strong off-track friendship too. Sadler also has a strong relationship still with Dale Jarrett. I saw Ray, Sadler & DJ at an Outback eating together.
Gillett wants GEM to be his team, not Ray Evernham's. Khane kept neutral so, it's a no issue with Khane. With Sadler still keeping close ties with Ray it doesn't suit well. Ray recently said, "I'm not involved over there anymore, what they do is up to them. I only have a small interest in the organization, but I haven't had any input on the teams in some time."
Sadler wasn't happy about his crew chief leaving to MWR, money was the issue, GEM didn't try to match or retain him. I'm sure he said something to someone that didn't sit well.
Also hearing that Sadler's TV gig was causing some issues too.
When a team struggles like Sadler's did last year the people start pointing fingers. Crew can say Sadler spends too much time doing his TV gigs and not giving all his effort to the team. Sadler can say If Ray was involved and had more input we would be Chase contenders and why would you let MWR steal our crew chief away?
I've said before, give crew members a few days and they start spilling their guts to anyone willing to listen. Stay tuned...I'm sure Sadler will have his say soon as he gets another deal in place. Question is, will he burn his bridges at GEM or give a neutral statement and act like it was a joint decision.
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Permalink Reply by Lance on
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Dude, this happened in 2006 when Kahne won 6 races and made the chase. His best season to date. Kahne couldn't have been unhappy about the performance.
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Permalink Reply by JoCo on
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Elliot Sadler and the 19 car are/were one of the most well-funded teams in NASCAR, by FAR. It's no surprise he got the boot before Kahne did...I think though that the deal with Petty and GEM will go through and we'll see Sadler around GEM for some time still--he just signed a 2-year extension only a couple months ago, and I doubt they care that much about results to take a probably multi-million dollar bath over him, especially since sponsors LOVE him.
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I guess I fail to see how this is the inside story; its more of just assumptions and re-stated facts from sites on the internet.
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Permalink Reply by Terie (aka vassinvegas) on
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I'm sure Sadler will land on his feet. He has a huge and well organized fan base though he's just an average talent in NASCAR, so sponsors would love him, not to mention the nice guy image. I doubt we'll hear much from him soon, he's busy getting ready for his wedding in January.
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Yup. He can be the next Michael Waltrip.
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same skill set too! I wish they'd both just move over and let some real talent have a ride. I was a Sadler fan, back in the days when I didn't understand racing and went for the cute drivers in pretty cars. I guess there's a place for that kind of fan, they bring money into the sport. Just look at all the Junior fans!! I have thousands of bucks worth of M&Ms 38 stuff...all autographed and now useless to me. ebay sale maybe?
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THATS THE WAY TO GO!
I only have #36 M&Ms shirt....
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