AJ Allmendinger reportedly in line to replace Elliott Sadler at GEM

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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Elliott Sadler reportedly won't return to Gillett Evernham Motorsports for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Robert Laberge
Getty Images for NASCAR

Gillett Evernham Motorsports is working on replacing NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Elliott Sadler with AJ Allmendinger, according to sources familiar with the situation.
 
GEM spokesman Drew Brown said Saturday night he had no comment on the situation and Allmendinger business manager Tara Ragan said Sunday that Allmendinger is finalizing a contract with the team.
 
“We’re pretty far along in talks and I expect that we’ll get something done … pretty quickly,” Ragan said in a phone interview. “Is there anything done? No.”
 
Sadler's business manager couldn't be reached for comment.
 
Allmendinger drove the final five races of last season in the No. 10 car for GEM with an average finish of 16.4. Reed Sorenson has signed to drive the No. 10 car next year. The organization also is in talks to merge with Petty Enterprises, which has an opening for its No. 43 car.
 
“AJ was happy there and I think they were happy with the job AJ did,” Ragan said.
 
Ragan said she was unsure which car Allmendinger would drive.
 
“They’re trying to do a lot of shuffling to do what’s best for everybody,” Ragan said. “As long as AJ would be in a car, [which car] doesn’t really affect us. … I honestly don’t know how that will sort out.”
 
Allmendinger won five Champ Car races in 2006 before joining NASCAR full time in 2007 as a Cup rookie at Red Bull Racing. He struggled, qualifying for 17 races and finishing 43rd in points. He performed better in 2008 but was released from Red Bull to make room for former Formula One driver Scott Speed.
 
Allmendinger has had talks with other teams up until “very recently,” Ragan said.
 
“AJ would really like to be there [at GEM] and we’re focusing on that,” Ragan said. “Is anything else out of the question? No, because nothing is done until it’s done.”
 
Sadler has driven full time in Cup for the last 10 years, with his best season in 2004 when he made NASCAR’s first version of the Chase For The Sprint Cup and placed ninth in the standings while driving for Robert Yates Racing. He left Yates during the 2006 season to join Evernham Motorsports. He finished 25th in the standings in 2007, his first full year at Evernham, and then 24th with two top-fives and eight top-10s in 2008.

Comments

59 responses to "AJ Allmendinger reportedly in line to replace Elliott Sadler at GEM". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    debra bates said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 9:17 PM

    wow thats bad aj allmendinger is bad they should just leave elliott in there

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  2. 2
    Andrew Briscoe said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 9:23 PM

    I'm glad to see AJ get a ride, but I can't help but feel bad for Sadler. Sure, he isn't the best, but he doesn't deserve being replaced this late in the run.

    And Debra, AJ is a lot better of a driver than Scott Speed, who replaced him. He did better in the 5 races he did with GEM this year than Reed Sorenson (who will drive the #10 next year) did in the first 30 races. He finished Top 15 in nearly every race he was in with GEM. If that's bad, then I guess NASCAR needs to get rid of nearly every driver. Hell, we only need 3 drivers in Cup, right?

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  3. 3
    Julie Luoma said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 9:59 PM

    This is a performance based sport, and AJ proved that he's up to the task. I was surprised when Sadler's contract was renewed earlier this year because, IMO, he's done nothing to prove that he belongs in a Cup car.

    I know the sponsors like Elliott, but they're going to like AJ, too. It's always nice when the guy is charming AND performs.

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  4. 4
    Chelsea said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 10:47 PM

    While I hate it for Elliott, I'm glad AJ has a ride. I think TRB gave up on him too quickly...all he needs is a chance. He did an amazing job for GEM in those last 5 races and I'm glad that they're the ones willing to give him a shot, but like I said, I do hate it for Elliott. Although I read over on foxsports that he's a candidate for the 41 or the 77 (if Hornish goes back to IRL to replace Helio Castroneves).

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  5. 5
    alan west said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 11:52 PM

    I am happy for AJ as well. He does deserve the ride. To come into a team cold turkey and run better than the veterans of the team says alot about his talent. I also like Elliott and I'm sure he'll land on his feet. I'm sure he'll get another shot with a good team because he is a great spokesman for a sponsor. I also believe that this will be his last chance to improve his performance or he will be done.

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  6. 6
    MS said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:03 AM

    I am thrilled for AJ, but as far as Sadler is concerned...meh! Sadler has managed to wiggled out of two contracts in his career, using an out clause. Now, he is on the other end of that clause.

    And yeah, it is a bad time of the year for that to happen. But Sadler does have his 'broadcasting career.' Maybe he can join Kenny Wallace and Jimmy Spencer on RaceDay.

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  7. 7
    Worm Dirt said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 4:12 AM

    DON'T get me wrong folks!!... I mean, i hate to see anyone lose their job.....but could there be anything FUNNIER than Elliott Sadler losing his ride to AJ Allmendinger?!?!?!?!?!?!? Seriously...... Wasn't it SIX months ago when Sadler took a break from his cautiously-crafted-politician-sell-out-phony-ROBOT corporate-spokesman persona..... to COMPLETELY THROW ALLMENDINGER under the bus for their wreck while qualifying for the all-star race??????????? I seem to remember Sadler acting like a nine-year-old and calling Allmendinger "What's-His-Name" and taking cheap-shots like broadcasting to the world how AJ had been replaced by Mike Skinner in several races PRIOR to their incident!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!! I'm not one to believe in KHARMA, but if there's one BRIGHT side to this bad economy...... it's that maybe, just MAYBE.... the emphasis will go back towards drivers with talent and DESIRE for DRIVING.... and away from drivers like Sadler who are SO OBVIOUSLY AWARE of their OWN LACK OF DIVING ABILITY that they hedge thier bets EARLY and sell-out to the broadcast booth!!!! Congratulations to Allmendinger!!!

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  8. 8
    Pam Wright said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    AJ all the way. I look forward to see what he can do. Never did like Sadler. Don't even care for his broadcasting.

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  9. 9
    Eric Ward said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    Its about time! What's Sadler ever done in a race car? He was the cause of numerous yellow flags this year which was the only wat to get Best Buy some airtime anyway. Maybe Speed TV will replace hime also.

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  10. 10
    Pat Draper said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM

    Hey folks did you ever think that elliott's cars may not have been all that good. I like AJ but as #3 called him charming no way no how Elliott has got AJ beat all to heck. I have always liked elliott especially on trackside i love to hear him talk. And he has the looks to. Probably the best looking driver in Nascar. At least he's built like a real man. I sure hope he get a good ride this late in the season. I think it was WRONG for GEM to wait til this time in the season to make this change. That was a bad move on their part. I hope he gets millions out of this from GEM.

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  11. 11
    Jennifer Nelsen said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 12:11 PM

    I like AJ and it is cool he is joining GEM. I think that Elliott deseves to be at GEM. There gose another GEM driver. I do not think it is the drivers. It's the cars. Well if they do not fix the problem who is next? LOL. Hope Reed and AJ can help Kasey and the team with the problem. WOW. What a great team all my favorite drivers on the same team. Hope all 3 can make the chase. Work together to fix the cars and run better. Go GEM GO.

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  12. 12
    Karen said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 12:57 PM

    I used to be okay with AJ, but when he first got into the car with GEM he hit the wall like the 3rd lap of the race and parked it. I am very dissipointed with him this season. However I must say that Elliot Saddler and Jeff Gordon haven't done ANYTHING noteworthy this season either. I think the company would be better off with just Kasey and Reed.

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  13. 13
    Andrew Briscoe said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:00 PM

    A lot of you are misinformed as to who drives the car. Elliott Sadler is the racer, his BROTHER Hermie Sadler is the one that worked as an announcer. I have been thinking about what's happened at GEM lately, and I understand that Ray Evernham was who got Sadler to the #19 car mid-2006. Ray is leaving now, and Gillet has been doing a lot of things without even consulting Ray (Patrick Carpentier replacing Riggs in the #10 and then getting ousted). This decision was made supposedly before Christmas: and Ray was seen cleaning out EVERYTHING from the race shop after it was announced, even the trophies he won as an owner. I think this is a form of payback by Gillet for Ray leaving: what better way to "get even" with someone who said they're leaving the team before the season was over than to remove a driver they were instrumental in getting to the team? I remember Gillet said that Kasey is a good driver and he likes him and all that, but that could be a ploy. I just don't think this is as simple as it may appear- you don't just replace your drivers after the season ends unless something major happens.

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  14. 14
    dave ginger said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:05 PM

    I guess we'll find out if it was the driver or the equipment. AJ's a great talent! Although the jury is still out on Sam Hornish, MOST former IRL drivers have great success in NA$CAR.

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  15. 15
    Ross A Peot said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:06 PM

    I am from VA although Elliot is a local product the chemistry just wasn't there. Don't know if it's Elliot or the team in general. I think AJ has the determination to excel. I'm not so sure it's there with Elliot. It's a rough business and like anything else you have to make change to be successful. I also don't think Reed is a pos for the team.

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  16. 16
    marian mcclain said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:26 PM

    I like Sadler. I think he is a good person. I hope he finds a good ride soon.

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  17. 17
    Marion Gainey 111 said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 1:55 PM

    As a Kahne fan this is good news,i think Kahne and AJ get along great.i think the communication will be alot better between the 9 and 19 as for Sorenson well see,hell be in better cars than at Ganassi if he doesnt perform hell be out to.As for Sadler i like Sadler i supported him every week i liked him when he drove the M&M'S Ford, but stats show, there were many times he had a better car than Kahne but didnt give the results,also AJ had a 16.4 finish the 5 races he drove for GEM Sadler had a 31.8 stats show not saying Sadler cant drive it just didnt work out. it didnt click AJ just clicked with the team.Kahne and Sadler are good friends but he needs a teammate that can share info with and AJ seems like that guy.As for Sorenson like i said well see,I hope Sadler gets a ride im sure he will Target might want Sadler more than Labonte, Penske needs to do somthing with the 77.I think the Gillett teams will have a great 2009. Go Kahne in 2009!!!

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  18. 18
    RJ Miller said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 2:07 PM

    of course AJ is going to GEM, Sadler can't drive. It only makes sence when Kasey is ringing AJ's phone off the hook all the time.

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  19. 19
    S Beau said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 2:17 PM

    If that's the case, I hope Best Buy follows Sadler to a new team.

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  20. 20
    Tammy T said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 2:41 PM

    I like Elliot Sadler better on the Trackside show on Speed.

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  21. 21
    Keith Johnson said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 3:27 PM

    NASCAR is turning into IRL/CART. Bring money and you have the ride. AJ is not half the driver Sadler is and they will be sorry they changed driver.

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  22. 22
    Barb Kinney said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 3:55 PM

    The best to Elliot in 2009. I do hope he finds a ride.AJ needs a personality which he doesn't have.

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  23. 23
    myrna perkins said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 4:15 PM

    Wow, lots of intrigue. I like lots of things about Elliott. Guess he will now have lots of time for a honeymoon. Hope he gets another ride. I like AJ. He is young, still has time to get a personality.

    GoJimmieGo....in 2009.

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  24. 24
    Wanda Butler said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 4:15 PM

    I can't beleive they put Elliot out like that.I hope he will find a ride before they start back up... Good Luck Elliot.....

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  25. 25
    Jozef Colomy said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 5:07 PM

    This is just rotten all the way around...I had thought Sadler was under contract, and if so why didn't they just drop Reed for AJ then? There's definitely something more to this than we all know...

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  26. 26
    Richard Clower said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    I beleive it's a youth movement. I feel terrible for Elliot, he had a tough year with lot's of rotten luck. Then he gets rewarded like this. Stinks out loud.
    But I am a Reed fan and I wish nothing but the best for him and the rest of the GEM guys.

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  27. 27
    bill thompson said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 6:26 PM

    money means more than talent these days

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  28. 28
    terry ruth said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:10 PM

    Put Elliott Sadler...with a good sponser (and he could bring one)....with a new meaner track attitude...BACK...in the now better YATES motor #21 car.....

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  29. 29
    Sharon Ellison said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:41 PM

    Elliott is a great person and a great driver. I have met him several times and I am just sick about this. Elliott could drive much better if he ever had a car to drive!

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  30. 30
    Sharon Ellison said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:42 PM

    It takes a great car to be a great driver. It's a shame Elliott has never had the opportunity. I think you would see a big difference if he was in a Hendrick car.

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  31. 31
    Bernadette Motherway said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:47 PM

    Taking a look at all the commnets, the majority of us are supporting both AJ and Elliot. I think they're both assets to whatever motorsports corporation they get picked up by. Good luck to both of them. They are both great drivers. (Although, Tony Stewart doesn't seem to think so, at times!:-)

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  32. 32
    Meg said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:50 PM

    What did Stewart say when involved in that wreck with Sadler? " It's totally my fault for being within a half mile of him"... LOL.. Nope, Elliot is another Jeremy Mayfield. Might look okay, but so does 41 of those other drivers...

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  33. 33
    Bernadette Motherway said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 7:56 PM

    Jeremy Mayfield is nowhere in the same calibre as Elliott Sadler!!!...and I wasn't slamming Stewart!

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  34. 34
    Meg said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 8:08 PM

    Both Mayfield and Sadler are now has-beens of Gillett Evernham Motorsports.. Both of them thought they were better drivers than they were. What has Sadler ever done but cause wrecks and hold up other drivers? Nope, Tony was being sarcastic, saying the wreck was his fault for being within 1/2 a lap of Sadler, but I think that was the "COMMENT OF THE YEAR" by a driver..

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  35. 35
    Allyn Troisi said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 9:47 PM

    I like AJ and Elliott both. But I think GEM has turned into a "corporate" entity more than a race team. I think they will be lucky if they can weather the economic storm that is upon us. Id it is true that the sponsors are unhappy about Elliott leaving, GEM is going to have a tough time replacing them. As for Ray, it is sad to see hime end up like this, but I think he made some pretty poor choices both in racing and his personal life that have finally caught up to him. I do wish him the best in the future.

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  36. 36
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 9:50 PM

    i wonder if there will be any more driver changes in the works...i can think of a few that should be changed...

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  37. 37
    Marion Gainey 111 said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 10:07 PM

    AJ out ran the hell out of Sadler the 5 races he was in the 10,I like Sadler but performance is key to me Sadler just hasnt performed.Sure Sadler is very marketable but i would think the Sponsors would want performance to.Bottom line Sadler didnt perform, i also dont agree with Sorenson being a teammate to Kahne but lets face it he was in Ganassi cars.GEM couldnt drop Sorenson he hasnt even drove for them yet.So Sadler was the odd man out your name and personality can only get you so far, it ran its course .

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  38. 38
    Speed Demon said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 1:34 AM

    Can't believe anyone thinks A.J.earned this ride, what about his performance in the No. 84 Red Bull car and your going to tell me he's better than Elliot Sadler. Come on you need Sadler with his P/R skills in this type of economy on your team. Now GEM Racing will be the big loser in this move for A.J.,it will cost them possible a sponsor or two.

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  39. 39
    chris welch said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 1:44 AM

    this is great. AJ did a great job in the 84 & 10 car and totally deserves this shot. i still wonder everytime i watch a race how elliott sadler ever got a chance in cup anyway. he won one or two fluke busch races and thats it. he has never shown any real talent and should have been out of cup 6 years ago. way to go AJ although GEM cars are not that good, it could be a stepping stone to a better job later.

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  40. 40
    Paul Williams said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 8:08 AM

    It doesn't matter who they put in that car, they won't be doing anything until the team starts giving them a decent car to drive. Elliot did fine when he had real equipment to drive, and he will again. I'd rather have seen Allmendinger as an addition instead of a replacement. What they're doing is just stupid. Of course that fits right in with what they did last year, doesn't it? Except for 2 races they couldn't even give Kasey a decent car. Even when it started out good it turned into junk as they adjusted it.

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  41. 41
    just me said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 9:29 AM

    #7 Acting like a nine-year-old? Taking cheap-shots? Name calling? Isn't this just what you look for in a driver?

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  42. 42
    Chazzo Ozzahc said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 9:33 AM

    GOOD BYE SADLER, HELLO AJ.

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  43. 43
    J C said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 10:11 AM

    Wow.. I'm glad AJ may have a ride as I really think he has talent but dang, NOT Elliott's ride!! I was kind of hoping that the GEM/Petty merge would happen and that GEM would end up with 4 cars. Just too many drivers and not enough rides.

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  44. 44
    Graceann Jackson said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 11:12 AM

    You need teamwork within a team to make a success. There was none with Kahne & Sadler.Sure they are great friends but on the track Sadler returned to his old buddies & left the #9 & #10 hanging. If you remember in the last 5 races the #9 & #10 ran close together, Kahne helped AJ during one of the last races by staying behind him helping him. I always listen to Kahne's scanner but had switched to AJ's scanner at this time. I heard the Crew Chief tell AJ he had help behind with Kahne. At tracks like Daytona, Dega, ect. when you need help Kahne has been hung out to dry, Sadler will run with his buddies, Kahne will always fall in behind Sadler to help him but does not get the same in return. Maybe with the new team mates in Kahne,Reed & AJ these 3 can work together on & off the track and make a difference at GEM in 2009.

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  45. 45
    Richard Clower said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 11:46 AM

    Well put Graceann. You hit the nail on the head.

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  46. 46
    Graceann Jackson said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM

    Thanks Richard, I think Reed will have a better chance at GEM, he seemed to have been put on the back burner when JPM hit the scene. Kahne sometimes gets a bad rap being called the Golden Boy or Poster Child at GEM. Kahne is a good guy and willing to help the other drivers, he also had a good relationship with Patrick when he was with GEM & was always trying to help him. After the smoke clears on this deal with Sadler leaving the team we might be surprised to learn that maybe Sadler wanted out.

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  47. 47
    Darlene's Dad said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 1:28 PM

    I havent seen any reason to belive Allmendinger is a great stock car driver. GEM appears to be taking a gamble here. We have seen Sadler perform in underfunded teams before like Wood Brothers. And he did win races back when RYR was running well.

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  48. 48
    Pamela Johnson said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 1:44 PM

    I like Elliott and AJ. Elliott had a really good year in '04 while he was at Yates but has struggled since both at Yates and at GEM. Team chemistry? Struggling with the new car the last couple years? Who knows. AJ was probably more impressive in that he did come in tail end of the year at GEM and out performed the others in that stable. Not likely someone there gave him the best cars in the place so driver had to make a difference.

    I hope Elliott finds a good ride because I like his personality and I'm born and bred Virginian and he's a Virginia guy.

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  49. 49
    Marion Gainey 111 said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 2:57 PM

    AJ is a breath of fresh air for the whole team.
    I look at performance, Sadler is a cool funny guy i like Sadler but, Kahne needs a team mate he can work with. I look for Kahne and AJ to work well together and run awesome next year. AJ drove the 10 the last 5 races with the finish of 16.4, Sadler drove the 19 with a 31.8 finish .The 19 is the second priority to Kahne so i think AJ will perform better in the 19 since he is the new drver hell get better cars than he did the last 5 races.At least Gillett had the competitive thinking to make a change.Good Luck to GILLETT RACING in 2009!!

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  50. 50
    andee anderson said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 4:41 PM

    Elliott should spend more time with his car and race team,and less time with the camera.

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  51. 51
    Howard Englishman said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM

    Well, Im glad Ray walked away from this whole deal for good. Their were plenty of reasons that the Dodges didnt perform and #1 is that by time the new motor was ready the 08 season was over. You cant expect your teams to run good with a motor that was under powered next to the new Chevys, Toyotas, and Fords. 09 everyone will have the new packages so everyone will have the same power but that does not help Elliott. way to late to let someone go.

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  52. 52
    Howard Englishman said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 5:01 PM

    Well, Im glad Ray walked away from this whole deal for good. Their were plenty of reasons that the Dodges didnt perform and #1 is that by time the new motor was ready the 08 season was over. You cant expect your teams to run good with a motor that was under powered next to the new Chevys, Toyotas, and Fords. 09 everyone will have the new packages so everyone will have the same power but that does not help Elliott. way to late to let someone go.

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  53. 53
    dave ginger said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    Eddiot Sadler 24th in points 2 top tens in 36 races. AJ Allmendinger 36th in points in 27 races 2 top tens. I predict these positions will be reversed this year, with 0 top tens for Sadler.

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  54. 54
    Richard Clower said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 9:15 PM

    If GEM can put it all together next year, then I think the Dodges can compete. AJ has been a winner in the past, Kahne has been a winner in the past and so has Reed. Maybe at different levels, but winning is winning. These guys did not forget how to drive, the Dodges have been subpar no matter if it's GEM, Penske or Ganassi. You give these 3 guys good equipment and they will run up front, I guarantee it!!!

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  55. 55
    Jozef Colomy said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 9:37 PM

    Hmm looking at it, it's starting to make a little sense: Kahne, Sorenson, and Allmendinger are all very similar. They are all young, and popular with young fans and fans who are not "traditional" NASCAR fans. They all have a similar background, which involves open-wheel or karting somewhere along the way. They all come from areas (Kahne from Washington, Sorenson from Atlanta area, Allmendinger from Los Gatos/San Jose CA) which are not the typical "NASCAR-country" places...as far as marketing is concerned this new line-up is a sponsorship goldmine. I'll bet we'll see GEM start bringing in huge sponsor $$ and they'll promote themselves more as a "team" now instead of different drivers.

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  56. 56
    Chelsea said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 10:50 PM

    Graceann, you hit the nail right on the head. I completely agree 100%. When Elliott first came to GEM back in 2006, he & Kasey worked good together. But Elliott has seemingly been helping other people out more than he has his own teammates. Kasey gets absolutely NO help, at the RP tracks especially, at all from him. Kasey and AJ got along great in those 5 races he was with GEM last season. They helped each other a lot and I know Kasey was very impressed with AJ.

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  57. 57
    Graceann Jackson said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 10:58 PM

    Jozef Colomy, Fans that are not traditional NASCAR fans? Just what are you trying say? Are you saying that people that are fans of these drivers are not "traditional" NASCAR fans? What makes you the expert? For the record I was a Bill Elliot fan before Kahne, I followed the #9 when Kahne took over. Kahne happens to have the qualities I admire in a racer. He will not race dirty.

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  58. 58
    Marybeth Wallick said:
    Dec 29, 2008 at 11:28 PM

    "All comments are subject fo filtering for language, and libelous content. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate."
    And I am very glad that you do! Some "comments" posted on other sites are shocking and disgraceful,not to mention distracting and in no way related to the article they are attached to!
    Marybeth

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  59. 59
    Glen Morgan said:
    Dec 31, 2008 at 10:21 AM

    If you're a good driver you get a good ride. If you're a promising driver you get a good ride, then you have to earn the right to keep it. If you're not worthy of the good ride, you filter down through the system 'til you disappear. It's racing, not a popularity contest.
    As for Speed's broadcasters, they hired Jimmy Spenser, so the standards aren't too high, nor are the results!

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