Sadler stays in the #19, GEM & Petty merge

GEM has decided to keep Sadler in the #19

The Elliott Sadler Saga took another strange twist Thursday. Days after rumors began circulating that Sadler was set to be replaced at Gillett Evernham Motorsports by AJ Allmendinger and the threat of a lawsuit, Sadler will return to the GEM #19 Dodge, multiple sources have confirmed. Sadler's return coincides with the official news that GEM and Petty Holdings had reached a deal to merge.(Fox Sports)

Word is Best Buy & Stanley also threatened a lawsuit, I'm sure GEM will put a different spin on it when they go public though.

Petty & GEM merge.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) and Petty Holdings announced an agreement in principle to form a new NASCAR Sprint Cup team co-owned by Richard Petty, Petty Holdings, owned by majority shareholder Boston Ventures, and Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The team will field four Dodge entries in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Details of the transaction are expected once the deal is closed. Petty and GEM officials anticipate a final agreement by the end of January. Some notes:
* The new team plans to run a fourth Dodge in eight races in the 2009 season including the Budweiser Shootout with additional races contingent on sponsorship.
* Ray Evernham retains a minority ownership role with the new team.
* Richard Petty and Petty Holdings will continue to own and operate the Richard Petty Driving Experience as an independent entity.
* Key Petty employees Robbie Loomis, Dale Inman and Brian Moffitt will also have active roles with the new team.
* The new team will use the GEM race shops in Statesville, N.C. and engine shop in Concord, N.C.
* GEM and Petty sponsors will continue with the new organization.(Gillett Evernham PR)

Don't be surprised if AJ doesn't get this ride, although it's only for 8 races right now, pending sponsorship.

(Hey Sadler, you sure your car is the 'real' #19 and not the #43 painted with Best Buy logos?) Why would anyone want to be where they're not wanted? Expect Sadler to be looking for a ride soon for 2010, except he has 2 year deal with GEM and GEM will threaten to file suit, just like he did if he tries to leave sooner.)

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Permalink Reply by john mcglasson on January 9, 2009 at 10:02am

It really looks like this was all created inside Elliot's paranoid little mind. AJ never had this ride, not even close. The rumors drove Team Elliot crazy, and it started snowballing. This will be the worst year of Elliot's HIGHLY over-rated career, and likely the last before he steps into the booth for good, if he's lucky. AJ is 1000 times the driver Elliot is.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on January 9, 2009 at 10:29am

Not true, Nascar had comments from Sadler's attorney, not to mention the team and Best Buy was told by GEM they were making a driver switch...that's what started the snowball.

I'm not a Sadler fan, but he didn't dream that up.

This is just another poor decision of GEM that blew up in their faces again. If GEM had moved forward they would have a law suit from Sadler to settle, and law suits from the sponsors Best Buy & Stanley seeking damages. Much cheaper to merge with Petty, and let AJ drive the 4th car.

IMO - This saga will continue, if Sadler doesn't do well he'll have an excuse he was getting lesser equipment based on the fact the tried to get rid of him earlier. I'll be surprised if this doesn't get ugly during the season. Sadler will be looking very hard for another ride.

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Permalink Reply by Miffles on January 9, 2009 at 11:46am

But now that GEM has put him back in the car, Sadler is stuck with it. He can claim inferior this and handicapped by that all he wants. GEM has put him in the position of having to break the contract and all that that entails.

This is going to be one of those interesting back stories for the '09 season.

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Permalink Reply by Terie (aka vassinvegas) on January 10, 2009 at 2:13am

IF Sadler doesn't do well?? when has he ever really done well? My favorite Sadler moment was at Vegas testing a few years back when after listening to him whine and complain forever, his CC said over the radio "Elliott, just shut up and drive the damn car"

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Permalink Reply by brian campbell on January 9, 2009 at 11:15am

GEM just keeps stepping in it good thing RGM got away from that mess.

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Permalink Reply by Miffles on January 9, 2009 at 11:46am

AMEN! And can I get a 'Hell Yea' ?

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Permalink Reply by Janet B on January 9, 2009 at 12:11pm

I've had problems with Elliott's attitude ever since he won at Texas & took every available opportunity afterward to complain about having to race Johnny Sauter at the finish. Dude - did you win the freakin' race? Then shut up already! Then the famous flip at Dega...which wasn't HIS fault. Right.
So, yeah, he was getting the royal screw treatment from GEM - no big surprise if you've been paying attention to all of their antics over the last year. But to name the Dinger in the suit? Bad form. Methinks Sadler has already lost a ton of respect in the garage & this maneuver didn't help his overall image any.
I just hope that AJ doesn't get lost in the drama...not really trusting that GEM will act honorably any time soon.

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Permalink Reply by john mcglasson on January 9, 2009 at 12:22pm

AJ can do alot better then a short schedule with that bunch of idiots. See how he does in the Rolex 24, he may move to another series.

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Permalink Reply by alan4s on January 9, 2009 at 1:07pm

I guess Richard Petty has gotten over his lont-time aversion to alcohol sponsors, now that he's part owner of the team with Bud sponsorship. So I guess the 43 will be in the Bud shootout too. I admire the King, but find it sad when someones scrupples can be changed when money is involved.

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Permalink Reply by Lance on January 9, 2009 at 1:44pm

I don't think its money. It's livelihood. If Petty doesn't make this merger, he's done. It's not about greed, it's about survival.

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Permalink Reply by NIKAL on January 9, 2009 at 1:23pm

I dont think this is over yet. Elliott might have won this battle but the war is just beginning. GEM will probably be looking very close at their contract with Elliott and will be looking for any type of performance or obligation clause that they can hold over Elliott. If Elliott does not make or if he rejects some sort of media or Sponsor obligation then look for GEM to jump on it. Same thing if GEM can show the Elliott's performance is not acceptable they will look for a performance clause.

Same with Elliott if he thinks he is getting second rate equipment be sure that he and his attorneys will be documenting his teams performance compared to the other GEM teams. Also look for sponsors to be looking to take a side. If they feel doing business with GEM is shady at best they will be very supportive of Elliott.