Petty-GEM Deal Off?

[Schwartz Fan]

Petty-GEM Deal Off?

The Motorsports Soapbox


Sirius Speedway has learned that the much-discussed merger between Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises has run aground.

Anonymous sources say that GEM laid off approximately 50 employees today, and that its NASCAR Nationwide Series team will either be eliminated or cut back dramatically. In addition, multiple sources say that GEM’s No. 10 Sprint Cup team and driver Reed Sorenson will also run only a partial schedule.

While not commenting on the reported demise of the Petty deal, Gillett Evernham Motorsports CEO Tom Reddin confirmed today that major changes are underway.

"We are a Sprint Cup team first and foremost, and winning in that series needs to be our primary focus,” he said. “The Nationwide Series is a fantastic series and we certainly look forward to racing a partial schedule in 2009, but we will not run the full season next year. We will remained focused on putting all of our effort behind the Cup program in 2009. GEM is very fortunate to have nearly all of our Cup sponsors returning in 2009 in addition to the new arrival of others."

Reddin said that GEM will also restructure its engine department for 2009, to align with a reduced number of engine leasing customers next season.

Tune into Sirius Speedway on Sirius NASCAR Channel 128 from 3-7 p.m. (ET), Monday-Friday.

Please visit The Motorsports Soapbox for more information.


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[revvinjim]

I know that Chrysler is cutting back, but now I wonder if there will even be any Dodge teams in '09?

[jonesi]

Originally Posted by revvinjim I know that Chrysler is cutting back, but now I wonder if there will even be any Dodge teams in '09?

There will be Dodge teams next year but probably only because neither GM, Ford or Toyota can pick up the slack. As long as there are Dodge motors out there and they are reasonably competitive, the back of the pack guys will run them.
Also it may take a couple of years for the auto economy to recover, but Fiat has a long history of racing to sell cars. They might fund the Dodge Cup program at a level that will really get them success (it worked at Ferrari). A little loyality now (not too hard to do if you really don't have an option elsewhere;-) might be rewarded later.

[24n48fan]

I'd love it if Toyota was EXTINCT!!

[Scooters]

But you have no problem with Fiat?

[Scooters]

We're going to be seeing more of this as funds dry up and belts get tightened. We might be back to "run what you brung" once again.

[24n48fan]

Originally Posted by Scooters But you have no problem with Fiat?

I'd have a real problem is Chevy left. I'd stop following NASCAR after. Well, until Jeff Gordon retires then after that, I'm done with NASCAR if Chevy leaves.