Sadler replaces Mayfield at Evernham Motorsports

[TruckDriver]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?slug=evernhamsadler&prov=st&type=lgns

August 16, 2006
STATESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - Evernham Motorsports has found its replacement for Jeremy Mayfield.

Five days after firing Mayfield, Evernham Motorsports on Wednesday named Elliott Sadler the new driver of the No. 19 Dodger Charger, beginning this weekend for the GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

It had been speculated that Sadler would take over for Mayfield next season. Sadler had been driving the No. 38 Ford Fusion for Robert Yates Racing, but ESPN reported that Busch Series driver David Gilliland would replace him this weekend.

"We feel this is a key to the turnaround of the 19 team and the performance of it," Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham said. "We're really looking forward to starting our association with (Sadler) and couldn't be happier that we got this stuff worked out early enough to get a good jump on next year."

The arrival of Sadler signals yet another step in the complete overhauling of Evernham Motorsports, which has recorded just 11 victories since 2000. Sadler becomes the team's third driver in the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit, joining Kasey Kahne and Scott Riggs.

"I'm very excited," said Sadler, who was released from his contract at Robert Yates Racing late Tuesday night. "Ray Evernham has a lot of passion for this sport, he's got the will to win. Going to the shop this week, he definitely has the resources I think to take me and Scott Riggs and Kasey Kahne to the next level."

Kahne has won four races this season, but Evernham has collected no top-five finishes and just five combined top-10s from Mayfield and Riggs.

"I believe a fresh attitude, a winning perspective, a different view on some things can help," Evernham said. "This business doesn't seem to be about equipment anymore. It's about people and communication."

A native of Emporia, Virginia, the 31-year-old Sadler enjoyed his finest season on the Nextel circuit in 2004, when he captured two checkered flags and eight top-five finishes en route to placing ninth in the "Chase for the Championship."

Despite registering four poles in 2005, Sadler sputtered to just one top-five finish and ended the season 13th in the standings. His struggles have carried over into this season, where he has recorded just one top-five finish and five top-10s through 22 races.

"This has definitely been a difficult season for me and the last month has really been tough," Sadler said. "I'll be honest, I couldn't ask to work with better people than I have. Ray has been so understanding with some of the conditions and commitments and some of the things I have, not only with Robert Yates but with sponsors and some of the things we had."

Veteran Bill Elliott drove Mayfield's Dodge in last Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Watkins Glen and finished 27th. Mayfield had slipped to 36th in the standings this year after finishing ninth in last season's "Chase."

Updated on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 4:07 pm EDT

[chrisII]

i think sadler can do alot for the 19 car ans team..mayfield is a good guy but i dont think he has what it takes in cup..possibly in bush or trucks he would get it done. this is the best move for all involved