Elliott Sadler out, A.J. Allmendinger in at GEM!

ESPN - Sources: AJ Allmendinger to replace Elliott Sadler at GEM

Allmendinger is set to replace Elliott Sadler in the No. 19 Dodge in 2009, multiple Gillett Evernham Motorsports team sources told ESPN.com on Saturday.

GEM CEO Tom Reddin told team employees and sponsors the news just before Christmas, causing some sponsors to consider leaving, according to team sources.

[mdeclipse03]

As a Sadler fan, I am shocked. Sadler just signed a contract extension and now this. Article as says that some sponsors are thinking about leaving. Wonder which ones they are? He could probably do better anyway. GEM is not going anywhere.

Originally Posted by mdeclipse03

As a Sadler fan, I am shocked. Sadler just signed a contract extension and now this. Article as says that some sponsors are thinking about leaving. Wonder which ones they are? He could probably do better anyway. GEM is not going anywhere.

It's not a shocker.

At the end of the season, Allmendinger ran the #10 car (which is GEM's third-rate equipment) and outperformed both Elliott and Kasey Kahne (as well as Brian Vickers and Scott Speed) 4 out of the 5 races.

Allmendinger drove his ass off in those final few races.

I like Elliott Sadler but I think this was the smarter move. Allmendinger was put in just to finish the season and attempt to crack the top 35 and he exceeded expectations in a big way.

Allmendinger earned his place at GEM the hard way, glad to see GEM do the right thing and reward him with a full-time ride for it.

Sadler should run the Truck Series.