Dodge official labels Gillett Evernham report 'speculation'
Dodge Motorsports officials say published reports that Gillett Evernham Motorsports could move to another manufacturer next season are "pure speculation."
Mike Delahanty, senior manager for Dodge Motorsports programs, joined a national NASCAR teleconference Tuesday to address the report that appeared on Fox Sports, saying that GEM could join ranks with Bill Davis Racing and switch to Toyota next season.
"I just want to respond to these recent reports regarding Gillett Evernham Motorsports, specifically regarding Bill Davis Racing and the
speculation that GEM would leave Dodge," he said. "It's nothing but pure speculation. Dodge and Gillett Evernham have a long history that dates back to our return to Sprint Cup racing. Dodge and GEM have a long-term contract in place, and we plan to continue as partners in NASCAR.
"We're aware and have had discussions about GEM's interest in adding a fourth car, but there's been never any discussion about running anything other than anything but a Dodge. Anything beyond that, we classify as just pure speculation. We're pleased to see the turnabout in the competition side of GEM, and honestly we look forward to many more victory lane celebrations together."
As to the manufacturer's overall commitment to the sport in a year that saw no Dodge teams make it into the Chase For The Sprint Cup, Delahanty sounded resigned to the question when he addressed it.
"We are committed; we've got long-term contracts in place, not only with Gillett Evernham but with Penske Racing, with Petty and with Chip Ganassi Racing, so we're committed to the sport … and I don't know how many times we have to repeat it," he said.
