So, the plot thickens; and with so many unanswered questions, it appears communication is not exactly George Gillett’s priority. But assuming Allmendinger does remain number one on the minds of GEM officials, Sadler’s release could foretell an inability to expand from three to four cars in their stable — even with the additional support of Petty Enterprises.
While that merger is finally set to be announced after over a month of delays — Petty employees were reportedly informed of the decision Dec. 31 — the move looks more like picking up the scraps than actually joining forces. Almost all of Petty’s staff, which once numbered nearly 100 employees, has been laid off, and only Vice President Robbie Loomis and King Richard himself are guaranteed a role in the new “combined” organization.
That doesn’t sound like a team that’s hiring the personnel necessary to grow: and with Reed Sorenson and Kasey Kahne under contract, Gillett’s interest in Allmendinger was all that was needed for him to unceremoniously kick out Sadler, the pick of former co-owner Ray Evernham. That’s right, former co-owner: no longer involved in the day-to-day decisions of the operation. The man who spearheaded Dodge’s return to the sport in 2001 is now taking a step back from ownership to pursue his TV career with ESPN and fix up his newest purchase — a small dirt track known as East Lincoln Speedway in North Carolina.
So, long story short, there’s still a lot of variables at play here. There are only two words to describe the short-term future of the organization: stay tuned.
Wow, did not know that most all Petty employees were let go.
Anyway ya look at, though, that was a huge dis to ES, not even the guts to tell him man to man. GEM can go suck on a flat tire as far as I'm concerned.