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Sorenson to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2009
By Rea White - Associate Editor
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sam Greenwood
Getty Images
Reed Sorenson says he's not sure if he'll drive Gillett Evernham Motorsports' existing third car or a new fourth car when he joins the organization's NASCAR Sprint Cup operation in 2009, but he believes that it's an outfit that can turn him into a Cup race winner. Sorenson, who has driven for Chip Ganassi Racing since debuting full time in the Cup series in 2006, was introduced Tuesday as Gillett Evernham's new driver.
The 22-year-old driver says he decided early in the contract negotiation process that if he opted to leave Ganassi, Gillett Evernham was the team he'd like to race with. He also says a host of factors played into his decision, but high on that list were his current team's struggles this season and the Gillett Evernham group's improved performance.
"Hopefully, this will be a good move, and I think the team fits me well here, and I just see where this would be a good move for me on down the road and short-term as well," he said Tuesday, shortly after the move was officially announced.
Sorenson spoke highly of his Ganassi team, but as he assessed the organization, he sees challenges in keeping up with the competition. Teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, who was expected to be an improved contender this season, is 21st in the series standings, while Sorenson is 31st. Dario Franchitti's Ganassi team was shut down because of a lack of sponsorship, and one of Montoya's primary sponsors, Texaco, has announced it will not return next season.
"There's a lot of hard work going on over there, and that's still continuing, going on to this weekend at California," Sorenson said of the Ganassi group. "... As far as how hard everyone is working, there's no lack of that, whether as far as testing and everything like that. Everybody at the shop is still working hard. It's just that it's obviously a competitive sport, and it's not easy to be up front and winning. It's not a lack of effort. I don't see where there's any problems now as far as everything they have going on as far as the rest of this year and next year."
Sorenson said he told his team about his decision Monday but says that he let team owner Chip Ganassi know a couple of weeks ago that he would be leaving. At that point, he said his exact plans were a little unclear. He then informed Ganassi team co-owner Felix Sabates over the weekend. Sabates later referred to Sorenson as a driver who was as "good as he's ever going to be."
Sorenson chuckled when asked about that statement Tuesday.
"I hope not," he said. "I plan on winning some races and going for championships here sooner rather than later. I respect Felix a lot. He's been a great guy to me. He and Chip have been two great mentors for me. I enjoyed working for them and working with them, and I definitely don't plan on not winning races.
"I plan on winning races. I plan on being competitive. I plan on getting the shot to run in the top 12 and things like that, so hopefully, I can prove that in the future."
Still, some of the plans are murky. While Sorenson is definitely joining the team, he says he's not certain if he'll replace Patrick Carpentier in the No. 10 or be with a new fourth team. Right now, that seems to be a decision that has not been made and that is dependent on sponsorship.
"I know they're looking for sponsorship for him right now; that's really all I can say about that," Sorenson said. "I think that's just
kind of something we'll have to wait and see over the next few months to get a definite answer on a lot of that stuff. There's some stuff going on, a lot of hard work .... We made that announcement today, and that's what we do know for sure is that's where I'll be driving next year, and the rest of it should fall in place fairly soon and be able to let everybody know."
Sorenson has a career-best finish of 22nd in the standings. He has three career wins in what is now the Nationwide Series and five top-five finishes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He has won championships in Legends and Quarter Midget racing, visited victory lane in ARCA and starred in the American Speed Association, winning the rookie-of-the-year award in 2003 at age 17.
He thinks he can improve on those numbers next season. First, though, he'll have to get into the races. Whichever team he is with will
most likely be outside the top 35 in owner points and thus not guaranteed a starting spot in the season's opening races. Carpentier is currently 39th in those standings, and a new team would not have any points.
"That's part of it," he said. "Even with [Richard] Childress, he's starting his fourth team as well. When you do things like that, eventually you have to go through that process. It's obviously not a fun process to go through, that's for sure, having that extra pressure on you, but at the same time, long-term-wise, I feel like this is where I want to be, and long-term-wise I see where we can be up front and get in the top whatever we can in points and not have to worry about that in the future."
Sorenson says that watching the improved performance of Gillett Evernham's Kasey Kahne, who is battling for a spot in the Chase For The NASCAR Sprint Cup, and Elliott Sadler, who is 20th in the standings, showed him the potential of this team. Now, Sorenson wants his own shot at winning races. He thinks this is where he can have just that. Sorenson admits that the last three seasons have not helped his confidence, but he's still young enough and new enough to the sport that he's not worried about quickly overcoming that.
What's important to him is that he has found a place where he feels that he belongs.
"I think they believe in me as a driver, and that means a lot and I believe in them as a team, so I think that speeded up the process
a little bit," he said.
The Gillett Evernham group clearly believes in the young driver and spoke highly of him in making the announcement. Sorenson said he has no plans to leave the No. 41 Ganassi team early, but he and his new organization appear excited to begin working together when they can.
"Reed is a highly talented driver with a wealth of experience and accomplishments for a 22-year-old," said Mark McArdle, GEM's vice
president and managing director of competition. "We believe he has a great future ahead of him here at Gillett Evernham Motorsports. He will be a great fit with our drivers, sponsors and employees."
Mentioned Drivers: Reed Sorenson
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Comments
23 responses to "Sorenson to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2009". Post a Comment.
Bill Rogers said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:20 AMSo- has anyone interviewed Patrick Carpentier yet? Looks like he might be walking. Too bad, he was turning out to be quite a character and had the makings of a Fan favorite, I think.
Jennifer Nelsen said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:49 AMWOW. I am so excited to have Reed be an Evernham driver. I am a huge Reed fan and think he will be great there. He has great teammates Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler. What Happens to Patrick? I am a huge Reed and Kasey fan. Can not wait and see Reed win and make the chase. GO GEM team GO!!!!!! One of my dreams was Kasey and Reed be TeamMates.
Pat Shere said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 11:42 AMI don't think Patrick will be going anywhere, Evernham has been wanting to add a fourth car for a long time.
Judy Jones said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 11:46 AMThis good. Reed is a good driver and this will help him be even better. Thanks GEM for getting Reed. You won't be sorry.
Spencer Koch said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:30 PMI am pumped to have Reed joining GEM. I think CGR just didn't have the equipment he needed to win. I'm excited to see the new sponsorship too. I like Carpentier too... I hope he doesn't get the boot!
Michael Murray said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 12:43 PMGang come on now! Same old story new car, new sponsor, new number regardless still a pack filler. 5 top 5's in three years at the Cup level soft at best. Heck I think Michael Waltrip has the same stats in the past 3 seasons. Not all can be bailed on equipment JPM as got it done for at least one win. Reed have never ever been there at the end in over 80+ races. Over rated with the personality of a Tick-tack. I know I am going to take it from the Reed fans but be honest with yourself before you bark back!
Chelsea said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:15 PMI think Reed's in a 4th car from what they're saying in the article, as well as what they've told Patrick. At the end of last week they asked Patrick for a 4 week extension in making their decision, and he's not allowed to talk to teams until then. So I don't think they'd do this to him just DAYS after asking him for that. That's what I'm hoping anyway, because I adore the guy. And like Pat said, Ray's been wanting a 4th car for a while now.
Nascar Fan said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 1:41 PMMichael Murray - In agreement with you 110%.
chris welch said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:12 PMreed doesnt deserve to be in cup. he got all this hype because he dominated legend car racing here in atlanta at such a young age....big deal
Michael Murray said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 2:31 PMLittle fish in the small pond is a star, toss him in the ocean and that star is not as shining as it once was. Just ran out of talent at the Cup level. After this new deal is up he will be a test driver for Randy Moss Racing...
Andrew Briscoe said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 3:22 PMWasn't GEM negotiating with Robby Gordon to either buy his team or have them merge and let Robby stay as RGM in some wild stuff we'd likely not easily comprehend? I thought GEM would be smart enough to at least try to have a 4th driver locked in.. 2 good teams and 2 outside the Top 35= disaster I think. Especially with Reed driving, since he's done nothing in Cup.
Roush Fenway 17 said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 3:51 PMI'm having trouble understanding this move. I sure hope that some of you are right and he's being put into a fourth car and not replacing Carpentier. Maybe it's because I'm a blue collor worker and don't understand the mind set of a corperate CEO but I cann't understand why someone would want a driver representing my company who has the personality of a tick-tac (as Micheal Murry states) over someone who when he's interviewed you can feel the passion and joy he has for NASCAR racing right through your tv. I think I'm going to go and invest in tick-tac's because obviously these CEO's know something that I don't.
Jimmy Rouse said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 3:56 PMBig mistake by Gillett Evernham
Richard Clower said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 5:40 PMMichael Murray, Reed must have broke your sister's heart or something! Why all the hate? Are you a frustrated former Legends racer that Reed used to run all over or something? Geez, give the kid a break. He's only 22, he's 3 crew chiefs this year, CGR has been coming apart at the seams since last year, lay-offs, lost sponsorship, shutting down 2 teams(40 in Sprint and 42 in Nationwide). They are disaster as a nascar organization. I'm willing to believe at this point that Reed has not forgot how to drive a race car and will go into next season with a bit of a chip (pun intended) on his shoulder. GO REED!!!! GO GEM!!!
dominic vallee said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 7:44 PMi just hop that carpentier will be back for 2009 he is very cool and a very good driver. wee did not see 1% of is talent ,sure wee do mistake but you will see .imagine the teem reed,kasey,elliot and patrick
Carol said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 8:56 PMMy 2 cents worth: $.01: what a nasty little dig: "Sabates later referred to Sorenson as a driver who was as "good as he's ever going to be." Wonder if he ever shared that gem with Reed before all this? $.02: Not just because I'm Canadian, and my cents are worth more than ever, but I'm hoping Carpentier gets a better shot next year, too. NASCAR needs a boost from some personable, cheery types these days. Bullying, bad-mouthing and whining drivers, owners and NASCAR spokesmouths are getting on my nerves. Go fast, turn left. Get on with it.
Helen Varga said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 9:04 PMI'll hold my comments until after I see what Reed can do given the GEM equipment and the great teammates. I want him to be in a 4th car which would mean Patrick is back and he should be. He's awesome.
Rick (fanofreed41) Mumpower said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:31 PMReed is a great driver and yes he deserves to be in a cup car. I support Reed no matter where he goes, and now he will be able to really shine.
Ashley said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 10:45 PMBad News: GEM has hired a driver with mid-range talent. Worse News: Patrick Carpentier-- someone with genuine talent and personality may have to leave. BEST News: Reed's finishes will make the extremely likable Elliott Sadler look like racing GENIUS!
Michael Murray said:
Aug 26, 2008 at 11:00 PMRichard no discontent I do not have a sister and I only wish I had the money to go racing on any level for that matter. I do make my living in the high performance aftemarket and understand that there needs to be appeal with a drive and I just don't see it what so ever in Reed. Heck Target would not even let him take the helmet off in TV ads. That has got to tell you something. Reed why don't you dump Jr. this weekend and you might get a least a response from the stand for the first time in your cup career. I will be at Fontana hope he gets in the top 5 for the 6th time in this storied career I will be the first tell him good job for you Richard!
Mark Koop said:
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:10 AMI agree that Reed has not had a good opportunity to show if he can win at the cup level. I also agree that he is not exactly a marketing dream. I'm ok with him getting a shot with GEM but not if it means Carpentier losing his ride. I think he has more talent than Reed and is more 'colorful' and interesting than Reed therefore more attractive to sponsors.
Richard Clower said:
Aug 27, 2008 at 1:07 PMMichael I hope you know it's all in good fun. Ther's just a lot of old guys still hanging on in Nascar, none of them are marketable in the corporate world. And I don't see why they should not step aside first and let the young guys get a shot. Reed has upside, talent and youth on his side. Target does show his face in web and print ads.
Rick (fanofreed41) Mumpower said:
Aug 28, 2008 at 8:51 PMReed is a excellent driver and one outstanding person, not one time did he put down Ganassi Racing even after Felex bad mouthed him. As for saying nobody in the stands is cheering for Reed, i know I am when Im at the race,one other thing, GO REED!