Sadler's GEM performance enough to merit a release

In what should've been a red-letter day for Gillett Evernham Motorsports with the announcement it will incorporate the winningest car number in the history of NASCAR into its fold has instead been marred by red-faced embarrassment.

Just as GEM was completing the long-expected and even longer-time-coming merger with Petty Enterprises to add Richard Petty and his famous 43 to its three-car stable, the fiasco of the 19 car was taking yet another turn.

Jarrod Breeze

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Elliott Sadler, who has driven the car rather unassumingly the past two-plus years, will remain its driver in 2009, less than two weeks after it was reported that A.J. Allmendinger was close to finalizing a deal that would've put him in the 19 car for 2009.

The story has taken some interesting turns since. Allegedly, several GEM employees were informed of the change just before Christmas. Sadler was not among those privy to that information. When word finally leaked to Sadler that he was out -- by sources other than GEM -- he did not take it well.

So he took a course of action that so many follow when they feel they have been wronged -- lawsuit. By threatening such legal lexicons as "breach of contract" and "injunction," Sadler fought to stay where he wasn't wanted. Or so it seemed.

Then came this little gem from GEM CEO Tom Reddin, after it was announced that Sadler would indeed drive the 19 in '09: "We love Elliott. We got everything resolved."

That should make Sadler happy. It should also make GEM happy if only for the fact it will appease those sponsors which allegedly made threats of their own upon hearing of Sadler's impending dismissal. What GEM won't like in '09 is more of the same they have received from Sadler since he took control of the car in August 2006.

In the 86 starts in the No. 19 Dodge, a car that was in the Chase in 2004 and '05, Sadler has two top-fives and 12 top-10s. He's had nearly as many finishes of 30th or worse (31) as top-20 finishes (33).

Since the schedule expanded to 36 races in 2001, Sadler has had his two worst average finishes the past two years and has dipped in points from ninth in 2004 to 13th, 22nd, 25th and 24th last season. But Sadler and his lawyer contend the driver didn't do anything adverse to his contract to merit a release or buyout.

Except, that is, to perform up to expectations.

Sadler soap opera

• Allmendinger in, Sadler out
• Sadler plans to sue GEM
• GEM says Sadler in No. 19

Too often in today's business world, performance alone is not a prerequisite for dismissal. Heck, questionable character can be overlooked, unless it is followed by egregious action. Then ... maybe. But Sadler, one of the most outgoing and amicable drivers in NASCAR, certainly doesn't fit that profile. For him, the bottom line is figuratively and literally on the track, and GEM shouldn't stand at fault for wanting a change.

Rather, GEM erred early last season when it awarded Sadler with a contract extension through 2010. Of course, the organization has been known to make some bad moves. Patrick Carpentier didn't work out, as many had surmised. The winless Reed Sorenson, he of the 13 top-10s in 109 starts and 25.8 career average finish, is expected to take over in the 43, a car that hasn't been in Victory Lane since 1999.

And what of Allmendinger? Well, if you believe the reports in this on-going saga, he will drive the 10 car, which becomes the fourth car in the GEM/Petty stable. He'll race it in the Bud Shootout and be entered in eight points races -- any other races will be contingent on sponsorship. Just two weeks ago he was facing the prospect of making 36 starts.

Can you say "breach of promise suit?"

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