A.J. Allmendinger's late-season, five-race stint with Gillett Evernham Motorsports has earned him a full-time ride -- at the expense of Elliott Sadler.

Allmendinger's business manager, Tara Ragan, said Saturday night she expects Allmendinger to soon complete a deal to drive for GEM next season and replace Sadler in the No. 19 Dodge.


Sadler"Yes, we're in the final stages of negotiations with Gillett Evernham," Ragan said. "I think things will be sorted out within the next week. Nothing's done till it's done -- knock on wood -- but I think we're all eager to make that work, and I think it's safe to say we're in the fine details and the fine-tuning of that.

"I don't foresee any problems coming up, and I don't think they do, either. But is it signed, sealed and delivered? No, not quite, but hopefully it will be in the next few days."

Sadler signed a multiyear contract extension with the organization in May. How his departure will be orchestrated remains unclear.

http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/...dler/index.html

Elliot Sadler lost his ride to a newbie? man... SAD!

In the modern era of driver marketability I can't understand this move. Sadler is one of the high profile personalities of the sport. He is no Jr. or Gordon but he is still up there, with sponsorship getting harder to find I think GEM made a bad move. I hope Sadler fights GEM tooth and nail.

well now its sadler in and a j out.

AJ will have to spot for Sadler. lol.