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01.04.2009 10:22 pm

Elliott Sadler may sue Gillett Evernham over driver change

Saint Louis Post-Dispatch
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Left Turns’ fave Elliott Sadler was none too happy back in May when A.J. Almendinger, then with Red Bull Racing, wiped him out in NASCAR’s Sprint Showdown, knocking the pole-sitter and fan fave out of not only that race but also the Sprint All-Star Race.

Sadler would have been the fan’s choice to advance to the big show that night, but the dinger from ‘Dinger ended his night, and Sadler let the rookie have it.

“The 84 (Allmendinger) just took us out,” Sadler was quoted as saying at the time. He then took a shot at Allmendinger being replaced as the 84 driver earlier in the year. ”There’s a reason why he gets taken out of that racecar it seems like every other week. It’s a shame.”

Their dustup now may be even worse, with Allmendinger apparently replacing Sadler in the 19 at Gillett Evernham Motors. This despite Sadler signing a contract extension with GEM not long after the All-Star fracus.

The Charlotte Observer reports that Sadler’s attorney has filed an ”application and order extending time to file complaint” in which he would claim that GEM breached Sadler’s contract. Named as defendants are: team owner George Gillett, GEM, Almendinger and Ray Evernham Enterprises, according to the Observer. Sadler has until Jan. 20 to file the suit, which leaves a little more than two weeks for the sides to work out a buyout.

Considering the state of the economy and the numerous teams without sponsorships for next season, it’s difficult to foresee whether Sadler would get a new ride if there is indeed a financial buyout. It’s also unknown how the replacement of Sadler is going over with the 19’s sponsors.

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He took another shot at Allmendinger when he called him “What’s his name” during the interview. What a great lesson in why you should treat people with respect. My kids and I are big AJ fans, and when Sadler called him “What’s his name”, I told my kids right on the spot, that he should have more respect for AJ because you never know what could happen in the future. Karma’s a bummer eh?

— John
2:58 pm January 5th, 2009