Sadler keeps ride at Gillett Evernham
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker)—Elliott Sadler will be back behind the wheel of the No. 19 Dodge for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup season, Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced Friday.
Sadler’s attorney announced last week that he would file suit against GEM to get his client back into the car unless a settlement was reached following news that Sadler was going to be replaced by A. J. Allmendinger.
In May, Sadler signed a contract extension with GEM through 2010.
“We are a family. Sometimes in a family you have differences,” GEM CEO Tom Reddin said. “We have resolved all differences. We are moving on and excited about heading to Daytona.”
Although Allmendinger’s business manager said last month that the former Red Bull driver was close to inking a new deal to take over the No. 19 car, GEM officials had not publicly announced Sadler’s departure or a replacement.
Allmendinger drove GEM’s No. 10 car for the final five races of the 2008 season, posting a top finish of 11th.
Sadler has three NASCAR Cup Series victories in 357 career races. He joined Evernham Motorsports in August 2006 and finished 25th in 2007 and 24th last season.
“I want to drive. I’m a racer and that’s what I do,” Sadler said. “We are all on the same page now and I think you will see that show on the track.”
